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ball python wont eat

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  • 01-07-2011, 11:23 AM
    ballpythonluvr
    Re: ball python wont eat
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Deborah View Post
    Offering an alternative prey especially such as gerbils is rarely the right answer, especially when the prey is expensive, not always easy to find, capable of inflicting more damage than a rat or mouse, and hard (almost impossible) to switch back from, forcing the owner to maintain their animal on an expensive prey which make rehoming (should it happen) almost impossible.

    In most cases is related to husbandry?

    To the OP

    Given she is an adult she can go of food for months the key here in your case is to correct a few thing to see if it can help her resume feeding a little faster.

    First I would put her in a 32 quarts tub the more secure the better.

    Second I would address those temps, they are nowhere near where they should be, cool side should not fall under 75 either, ideally you want to maintain temps of 78/82 on the cool side and 88/92 on the warm side.

    I would also recommend no handling until the animal eats for you.

    Now those changes are necessary however she might still not resume feeding right away since they often stop eating during breeding season as well, however you need to make sure your husbandry is optimal.

    It's not uncommon for adult to stop eating after a change of environment (they are more likely to do so than younger individuals)

    Adults can fast for a long time and still hardly loose any weight, if she does lose a lot of weight (and you need to monitor her weight) than something else might be going on and a fecal would be highly recommended.

    Everything Deborah has said is the best advice!
  • 01-07-2011, 04:33 PM
    armison89
    Re: ball python wont eat
    ok i will move her back in the other room with all the rats and my adult male snake. itsw 78-80 in the room. why cant i use pine shavings as far as i know tsk uses pine in their breeding tubs.
  • 01-07-2011, 04:40 PM
    LeviBP
    Read up on husbandry, make sure everything is ideal.
    Now I would check her for mites.
    Then I would offer her live Gerbils or some say Hamsters will even work, be sure they get the scent before you offer something to them, this gets their "appetite" up.

    If none of the above works take your BP to the vet!
  • 01-07-2011, 09:11 PM
    Stewart_Reptiles
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by LeviBP View Post
    Then I would offer her live Gerbils or some say Hamsters will even work

    Again not a solution or alternative to give or take lightly and in most cases not the answer.
  • 01-08-2011, 12:58 AM
    kasmiraross
    Re: ball python wont eat
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by armison89 View Post
    my female adult ball python hasnt eatin since july. she seems to be losing muscle mass. i got her from a friend who got her at the hamburg reptile expo. she wouldnt eat for him or me. i dont know what to do.

    have you tryed exposeing the brain of the mice ? and make sure if she does eat her bark isent on the mouse . maybe take her to a vet . good luck
  • 01-08-2011, 01:02 AM
    El_Dorado
    Pine shavings shouldn't be used with any pet. Studies have shown that it affected the lungs and liver of humans and animals.
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