Not eating- on going

Okay, so I just re educated myself on my male... in my mind, I had them pegged for 2-3 years for mature breeding... when we did our research before we bought him (about 15 month ago...) I know we reviewed the information, but seeing as at that point we had no intentions to breed, it slipped my mind... so his behavior is making more sense to me if that is the case.

As we have grown so attached to him, the thought crossed our minds to get one or two more as we enjoy him so very much... it would be exciting to see what he would produce...

thanks again for all your advice/suggestions..

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Originally Posted by Kat's Toy

Breed???? wow I guess I thought he'd be too young for that.... he's only one... anything to do to relieve the "need" ? My first and only BP here....

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Yes, the first thing I thought when you were saying that he wasn't eating was he was just coming to sexual maturity.

Since you don't intend to breed, don't worry about it. At a year old, he should be fine a month or two without food and he will go back to eating one way or the other. Theres nothing you can really do except make him feel as safe and comfortable as possible.

A lot of activity could also mean stress. Make sure he's in a save dark area with enough hides, and if he's in a tank it's covered on 3 of the sides and isn't overly large. Temperatures, humidity, exct. Try feeding him mice, mine who came from a rat feeder, wouldn't eat anything except mice and I fed ASFs. So, try the mice, and if he shys away from live, try f/t.

Don't worry about a vet until he hits 3-4 months or so. :]

Sounds to me like he wants to get out and find a lady-friend. ;) 2-3 years to sexual maturity is typical for females...males can mature as early as one year, especially at the size yours is.

Here's my favorite answer to questions about fasting BP's... :)

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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.

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And unlike most North American snakes that have to sleep through the cold winter months....ball pythons come from parts of Africa near the equator and don't usually experience extreme seasonal temperature changes. Therefore, they don't "hibernate" like a corn snake might.

I am so thankful that I have found BP net... your replies are so helpful and encouraging, I am not worrying so much... I went through the check list... we have had him in a 30 gal setup since we have had him, 2 nice snug hides, temp/humidity consistant.... (adjusted for shed time) large water pit for him to soak/drink, no bugs, largish logs for him to climb up and rub on and hide under... the other thought I have is maybe I over handle him, but have always consistantly gotten him out 3-4 times a week- would they become more sensative to handling as they get older ??? We switched to rats about 4 months ago, of course he hasnt eaten in almost 5 weeks...

My daughter says we should find a girl to make him better... she is worried that he isnt eating too... LOL

thanks so much...