worried about ball python

not really sure i dont have a scale and i need to get one soon.but she is about 1 year old and i think she looks really small for a 1 year old but i dont know because this is my first and only ball python

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Originally Posted by Elite Morphs

not really sure i dont have a scale and i need to get one soon.but she is about 1 year old and i think she looks really small for a 1 year old but i dont know because this is my first and only ball python

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whats your setup?
you need to get scales tho :)
pics would help to but ill leave it to Deb now :)

There are a few option here without a weight I really can't tell you much

If it is a healthy 1 year old snake it obviously knows how to eat therefore you should not assist a snake that knows how to eat.

Now because I have no idea on what the snake looks like or the weight I have no idea if there is a real danger here.

A healthy 1 year old snake could go months without food with no ill effect, and could fast for various reason from sexual maturity to husbandry issues to hitting a plateau.

Another thing Pinkies are way too small for a 1 yo animal which mean they might not be recognized as preys.

Here is what I will recommend considering I know very little about the animal and cannot evaluate the situation until you have picture and can provide a weight.

1 get a scale, and post some pictures of the overall look.

The main issues with BP is security, breeder usually keep their animals in VERY small tubs, I keep all my hatchling until they are about 250 grams in a 6 quarts tub so do most breeders and slowly upgrade, since your snake is a 1 I will assume he is well over 250 grams but very small so I will suggest a 15 quarts tubs since you apparently having issues getting your snake to eat for you.

Some of the keys are optimum security, a 15 quarts tub plus some aspen bedding in which your snake can bury will do the job.

Place 1 or two hides depending on how much room you have, even if it look cramped it's ok.

As far as temps go I try to keep them at about 78 on the cool side and 88 on the warm side.

Warmth and security usually translate in hungry snakes.

Limit your interaction with your animal at least until it has ate 5 times, the less interaction the less stress. (NO Handling not staring just leave the animal alone)

If you switch your BP to something smaller give it a week before offering food and instead of offering a rat offer a live mouse, something about the smell makes them more enticing, also make sure that you are feeding your snake in it’s enclosure.

Do not offer more than once a week.

thanks i will get pics up as soon as i get home