Is my baby ball python going to starve himself??!

I saw that this snake had supposedly had live meals prior to your ownership, but he's likely been refusing because of all that's new going on, along with you
needing to get the hang of feeding. Whenever he is big enough to take two mouse hoppers, try feeding the first one live, & have a second one f/t that is
thawed & ready for him to take IMMEDIATELY once he finishes the first (live) prey. Most snakes are pumped up & won't much care if the second one is live
or not...& with any luck, after a couple feedings this way, they often just accept the f/t by itself when offered at the next meal-time.

I'd avoid sizing up if you can...the more mature the mouse is, the more likely it will bite back effectively & harm your snake. And especially now, since your
snake has NOT been eating, he'll be a little off-guard.

Regarding thawing: I have tried all kinds of ways, but I settled on the best way! I take the frozen rodents out and leave them on a paper towel laying in the snake room (ambient 75-80 degrees year round) and I let them sit and slow thaw for several hours... I never use water any more as dry thawing leaves a nice dry furry rodent.
By the time they are fully thawed out, the snakes have caught the scent of rodents in the air and are already in feeding mode!!!
I then Heat them up with a blow dryer and dangle them by the tongs until the snakes strike.

also; I agree that that there maybe something wrong with the terrarium conditions if the python is climbing frequently.

With all the talk about husbandry, could you possibly post a picture of the set up?

There may be something simple that is being overlooked.

Wanted to update everyone and let y’all know October had his first meal with me! I followed deborahs advice, moved him to a 6qrt, aspen, one hide, water bowl. Even blacked out the sides of the tub. Offered him what he was eating with the breeder and BAM. I noticed he began using his hides during the day which was a good sign he felt more comfortable. And tonight I offered him a live hopper mouse and he struck it within seconds!

Gonna keep on with all the advice to switch him to frozen soon enough. Just happy he’s got a meal in him.

Thank you!! :)

Congratulations! You're off & running! :snake:

Awesome news!!!

Great news...congratulations!

Fantastic!! Good on you for listening to solid advice, that rarely happens areound here, lol!

Congrats! Isn't it incredible that they actually like such small cramped spaces?

Awesome, yay !!!

Thanks for actually listening to good advice and making the necessary changes. Its really hard for humans to not anthropomorphize every animal, esp. the ones we love and have as pets.
Its not always what WE think they would/should enjoy, but what they actually need and crave (and we personally would hate living like that and find it sad) that matters.

Sure, many BP's can become used to larger enclosures. Some are more bold then others. Some will make use of space and climb decorations. But whether they climb because they feel happiness and joy doing that, well, the jury is out on that. They may just sit on a log, because its there. LOL. And they have become accustomed to their enclosure and comfortable with it.

You certainly can eventually make the enclosure more pleasing to your eyes. But first you need to get your little one well acclimated and accomplished. Once they get a little weight and size to them and they learn the routine, you can introduce larger enclosures. Larger hides. Etc. Always giving your animal a little time to get used to new things before going overboard. The basics never change, though. Safety, Privacy (hides, not so open, not so exposed) perfect husbandry with heat and humidity.

That is why I always say, BP's do well in tubs. They can also do well in cages, or even tanks. There is a right way to do ALL of those, and a wrong one. The problem is when people are completely anti this or anti that. Or when they do not listen to sound advice. You did, and your baby will thrive :)

Congrats !