New Ball Python Hasn't Eaten!

I will be trying live next feeding day. I was trying to avoid it at all costs but I think I am out of options! :(

Have you tried decreasing the enclosure size?

I just finished decreasing the enclosure size! I used a sturdy piece of cardboard that fit snugly across the width of the tub and took away just over a third of the enclosure. Kept some of the foliage in for extra security. Also draped a towel over the sides to let less light in. I am going to leave him alone for a week then try live.

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Originally Posted by kelseyoleksak

I just finished decreasing the enclosure size! I used a sturdy piece of cardboard that fit snugly across the width of the tub and took away just over a third of the enclosure. Kept some of the foliage in for extra security. Also draped a towel over the sides to let less light in. I am going to leave him alone for a week then try live.

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Hang in there - I think the fact that he showed interest and struck at the prey last time is a good sign. Here's hoping your latest adjustments lead to a happy snake with a full tummy. Interesting that you'd mention draping a towel over the sides of the enclosure - I was just helping a friend with a baby snake who wouldn't eat, and the combination of a smaller enclosure plus draping a towel over the enclosure did the trick for this little guy.

Thats great to hear and gives me some hope! I feel terrible for potentially stressing him out with the changes to his home, but I know it had to be done! Fingers crossed he eats for me next week.

Why are you so concerned about feeding the animal live? Understand that his whole world has changed. He came from a rack system with perfect temps and humidity more than likely being fed live hopper mice or rat crawlers. He's now in a bigger environment, being handled every week for weight checks and more than likely has switched to having live prey to FT shoved in his face every 4-5 days.

It is IMPERATIVE that people copy the husbandry of the breeder as best as possible until the animal is consistently feeding and gaining weight. Also, you don't have to weigh the animal every week. You also should have nothing to spot clean if the animal isn't eating. Please do your best to leave it alone... That will go a long way.

If your husbandry is dialed in I wouldn't change anything. I know it's stressful when new arrivals don't eat but it's not as complicated as we make it sometimes. I've started half of my snakes in adult sized enclosures. As long as they have lots of hides and floor covering they'll be fine. I've had a few animals that came to me that had only eaten live. They all transitioned to f/t without me ever giving them live prey. The bottom line for me is the hunger ALWAYS wins in the end. I've NEVER seen a healthy animal starve itself to death when food was being offered.

My approach to stubborn feeders is pretty simple.

Make sure my temps are dialed in and the snake isn't sick.

No handling.

Offer food biweekly for 2-3 feedings. If the snake still refuses to eat space out the offerings to every 3 weeks. If the snake refuses twice at 3 week intervals I offer food once a month. If the snake is still refusing at this point I give them a small live feeder and start the process all over.

Most of the time they get with the program after 3-6 months but I did have a couple of BPs that took 8 and 12 month food breaks. That was bananas but they were perfectly healthy. That's also a big reason I don't keep BPs anymore. :)

Hey guys, thanks so much for all your help! He finally ate today!

I left his enclosure covered for an entire week and didn't even peep at him. Dropped a small live mouse in there about an hour ago and he took it with straight away! I feel like such an accomplished snake mom.

After I get a few consistent meals into him, I would like to switch him back over to f/t. Does anyone have any helpful links or tips I can do to get him started once the time comes?

Nice job!

I always recommend this link...

https://www.reddit.com/r/snakes/comm..._from_live_to/

Edit: You did supervise the feeding, correct?

Yes, the feeding was supervised. I would be too nervous to leave him alone with a live feeder! He did take it within a few seconds so it was not a problem at all, I was very surprised.

& thank you for the link!