Re: BP Has not eaten since Janurary 08
It may be related to breeding season... but likely to improper husbandry.
Not sure from your responses what you temps and humidity are... unless you are measuring them and controlling for them, then they are subject to any changes in the snakes environment.
If you have a snake with a non-controlled environment... temps go up in the house, temps go up for the snake... temps drop at night... snake's temps drop.
That will trigger cooling and will make your snake go off feed.
You want to create your own weather, measure it, and know exaclty what environment the snake has. You create the thermal gradient and then the snake is free to regulate itself.
Temps are good... medium sized rat... those are non-definitive responses. There are many perceptions of what constitutes a medium sized rat or good temps (not saying those were your exact words).
Better is... "snake's temps are XX on the cool side... XX on the hot side". "The rat offered is XXg in size"...
To get concise answers, you need to provide concise information.
Bruce
Re: BP Has not eaten since Janurary 08
First.. The snake gets water regularly it just seemed to be if it had water the day prior to feeding it became routine. I did not know about temp variables was not really informed of such.
::Flame suit on::
After nearly 3 years of caring for it to have it change its eating habits well that was when I decided to go forum hunting.
Re: BP Has not eaten since Janurary 08
Quote:
Originally Posted by
obex26
First.. The snake gets water regularly it just seemed to be if it had water the day prior to feeding it became routine. I did not know about temp variables was not really informed of such.
::Flame suit on::
After nearly 3 years of caring for it to have it change its eating habits well that was when I decided to go forum hunting.
You still have not answered the direct question though.
What are your temps in the enclosure (warm and cool side), and what are you using to measure them?
I'd also recommend reviewing this from our caresheet:
Quote:
WHY WON'T MY SNAKE EAT?
In almost all cases, a ball python refuses to eat due to husbandry issues. Especially a young one. If your snake misses more than one meal (sometimes they won't want to eat while in shed) please check the following possible causes:
Lack of Security -- No hides, or hides that are too large or exposed (ie: half logs). They prefer dark, tight hides they barely fit into. Also, if the enclosure is too large, or too open (glass) or in a high traffic area with a lot of loud noise or movement. Another snake in the same enclosure can also cause serious security issues.
Over Handling -- Frequent intrusions into the enclosure, changes to the enclosure, and/or long frequent handling sessions can cause a shy snake to feel vulnerable and refuse to eat.
Improper Temps -- Temps that are too high or too low, or temps that fluctuate too much. Make sure you have an accurate and consistent read on your temps.
Improper Lighting -- Bright white lights shining directly into the enclosure, or 24 hour lighting can cause stress. Make sure there is some sort of day/night cycle.
Offering New Prey -- Changing prey species (ie: mice to rats) or methods (ie: live to f/t) can cause refusal. Such changes can be made, but may require patience and persistence.
Improper Offering of Prey -- Offering prey too frequently can do more harm than good. If a snake refuses, do not attempt to feed again for a week. Also, changing environments by moving to a feeding-box or removing hides and "furniture" can cause refusal in these shy snakes.
Prey Too Large -- Too large an item may intimidate a snake and cause refusal, or even a regurgitation if it is eaten. Also, if a ball python has eaten large meals in the past, it can cause a sudden an indefinite period of fasting.
Mites -- An external parasite common to snakes that must be treated and eradicated. A product called Provent-a-Mite (P.A.M.) is the safest and most effective method.
Seasonal -- Sexually mature ball pythons may fast for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months during their mating season (typically anywhere from late fall to early spring) especially if a sexually mature snake of the opposite sex is in close proximity.
Illness -- If all other possible reasons are eliminated, a vet check may be in order to look for internal parasites, as well as possible infections to the skin, scales, mouth or respiratory system.
Fortunately, ball pythons are extremely hardy snakes that can go for months (if necessary) of fasting without suffering any ill effects. This gives a responsible keeper plenty of time to figure out why the snake refuses to eat and get them on a regular, consistent feeding regimen.
