two won't eat and one missing

Any luck on finding the escape artist? Also, are you waiting 5-7 days before feeding attempts?

I will try to fill in some of the extra space and add extra hides for them as well-thank you to everyone who has chimed in!

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Originally Posted by cboocks

Any luck on finding the escape artist? Also, are you waiting 5-7 days before feeding attempts?

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No luck on finding him yet :( I'm scared he got into one of the storage rooms...they are packed pretty full of stuff and not easily searched.

I have been waiting a week before attempting to feed-usually on Saturdays.

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Originally Posted by venessa214

I will try to fill in some of the extra space and add extra hides for them as well-thank you to everyone who has chimed in!

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I have also seen threads where members have put a bunch of balled up newspaper in the enclosure to help them feel secure and feed, but I don't recall if they ever said exactly how much newspaper they balled up in the enclosure or how full they made it, but it might be something to think about. Maybe one of those who had success with this technique will see this thread and post...

One other question-should I try to feed the little guys in their enclosure, or in a separate one? I've always fed Joker (the one who is missing) in his tank, and have never had a problem with aggression or anything. I just don't know if maybe there is too much space for them to be interested in food in the size tanks they are in?

Feeding in the home enclosure is fine. Ball pythons don't have any cage aggression problems.

If anything putting them in a separate enclosure will make them less likely to eat. They don't like being open and exposed during feeding.

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

I would try giving them a smaller enclosure. 18x18x18 is pretty big for a hatchling. I keep my babies in 6qt or 12qt tubs with two hides (if I can squeeze them in).

If you aren't willing to move them out of the tanks, I would for sure get a second identical hide for each of them.

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I agree.:salute:

Would it hurt the snake if it was caught in a glue trap from Lowe's? I saw a website were a guy was selling "snake traps" and all they were was a glue trap with a box over it. He said just pour olive oil or vegetable oil on the snake to get it off.

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Originally Posted by trikesorz

Would it hurt the snake if it was caught in a glue trap from Lowe's? I saw a website were a guy was selling "snake traps" and all they were was a glue trap with a box over it. He said just pour olive oil or vegetable oil on the snake to get it off.

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...yes it would hurt the snake.

Those traps aren't meant to keep the trapped animal alive.

Still no luck on finding the escapee or getting the two little ones to eat.
I am really beginning to wonder if he 'walked' out of the house...I have a less than trustworthy cousin who was visiting, and wonder if maybe he decided to borrow Joker without asking. There has been absolutely no sign of him-I would think the dogs would focus on a certain area if they heard or saw him moving around anywhere.
I am still trying to offer food once a week, and they show no interest at all. They will investigate when I put fuzzies in with them, but that's it. I've added extra hides, and tried to fill up some of the empty space in the tanks-they seem to be more active since I've done that, exploring around and soaking in the water bowl.

Sorry you haven't found the escapee yet... but don't give up hope, as they can be gone a LONG time & still be found. :gj:

As for the problem feeders, are they big enough for a hopper mouse? If so you should try one, since most snakes are really attracted to their movements - they literally hop around the tank! Aside from that it's hard to say, since BPs are notoriously picky eaters... I have one who hasn't eaten since last October, and there is no logical reason why. Maybe try moving them into small (15qt) tubs for a while?