Little Mojo hasn't eaten yet.

The little male mojo I picked up on 9/22 still hasn't eaten yet. I know I really shouldn't worry, but he's just so tiny at 97 grams!

The first week I tried to feed him, he struck at the mouse wrapped it and then left it there and didn't eat. Turns out he was shedding and shed for me 1 full piece yesterday. I tried to feed him yesterday with a small f/t mouse and he had zero interest in it.

He’s in a 32 quart quarantine tub, hot spot is set for 87 and the rest of the tub is in the lower 80’s. To be honest I never see him out and about in his tub like I do the pastel in the tub above him.

First time I tried to feed him was with a medium mouse and he struck and wrapped it. Second time was with a small mouse and he showed no interest.

Any suggestions?

Sounds like something I've seen ball pythons do when they are finicky eaters. Stick to live until he starts eating better for you. I would get a mouse hopper and let him sort it out with that. Then maybe after a feeding or two depending on how you think he's eating you can switch to frozen thawed.

When I have picky eaters that are under 100 grams I'll usually do mouse hoppers, but if they're eating no problem then I'll do the switch to a rat pinkie and stick them on that then I'll go up the sizes quickly.

Good luck and keep us updated on the situation. It's nothing to worry about though.

I really don't want to feed live. That'd be an absolute last move if I have to. I bought two snakes from the same guy, the Female Pastel Het. Hypo and the Male Mojave. the pastel had no issues and took the transition from live to frozen first time. The mojo I was so happy to see him strike at the mouse and coil it last week. But the little bugger just wouldn't have it. Then a day later he went into blue, so I figured that's why he didn't eat.

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Originally Posted by Montypython696

I really don't want to feed live. That'd be an absolute last move if I have to. I bought two snakes from the same guy, the Female Pastel Het. Hypo and the Male Mojave. the pastel had no issues and took the transition from live to frozen first time. The mojo I was so happy to see him strike at the mouse and coil it last week. But the little bugger just wouldn't have it. Then a day later he went into blue, so I figured that's why he didn't eat.

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Some take the transition with no problem then some can be problematic and some will never take it. While I get that you really don't want to feed live, you need to get him established. The reason he's most likely coiling and not eating it is most likely due to the size. Try something a bit smaller to see if that helps. Then if he doesn't do that, offer him something live but still small like a mouse hopper.

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Originally Posted by Neal

Some take the transition with no problem then some can be problematic and some will never take it. While I get that you really don't want to feed live, you need to get him established. The reason he's most likely coiling and not eating it is most likely due to the size. Try something a bit smaller to see if that helps. Then if he doesn't do that, offer him something live but still small like a mouse hopper.

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Yeah, I have to admit the guy I tried to feed the first time was just a wee on the medium side. I ran to a local pet store and picked up a 6 pack of small mice, I’ve got plenty of medium in the freezer but no small!

Tried to feed him a small yesterday and no interest, however he may have been stressed out due to me weighing him and getting the shed out of his cage.

I’m going to leave him completely alone for the next week until feeding day comes then try a small guy again and see what happens. Hopefully its good news. If nothing comes of it I’ll see about getting him a small hopper or something that can’t fight back.

I mean don't get me wrong you can try a f/t hopper but what if he doesn't eat then he may not want to eat when you offer him live. I'm just pointing out what I would do to get him a little weight on. A small live hopper would be the best bet especially if he's not already eating f/t. Then the feeding after I would try back with f/t. For me if a snake is under 100 grams I don't like them to miss two meals. While some can and some can't depending on how much under 100g, this is more or less my comfort zone.

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/...pse2fd3946.jpg
Here is the little man, sticking with Greek names his name is Apollo

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Originally Posted by Neal

A small live hopper would be the best bet especially if he's not already eating f/t. Then the feeding after I would try back with f/t. For me if a snake is under 100 grams I don't like them to miss two meals. While some can and some can't depending on how much under 100g, this is more or less my comfort zone.

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I know. It gets me really super stressed out when my guys skip a meal. It really gets me anxious.

Try not to stress yourself out too much. I definitely know how you feel. My little guy didn't eat for me for a whole month before he started eating. He was transitioning from live to f/t so it was a battle but I can be won. Just keep offering every week and try some mouse hoppers. Mine wouldn't take rats right off the bat even though the breeder feed him rats. I had to drop him down to mouse hoppers and he started gobbling them up. But try and get whatever type of rodent your feeding him really really warm. And offer it in a non threatening way.


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Accidentally pushed the post button wasn't finished lol. But try to replicate the movements of a rodent and keep it floor level. I know some people dangle their rodents by the tail and that doesn't work with all snakes it scares some of them. So I hope all of this helps in some way. Keep us posted! I'm routing for you and your little guy!!

Raise his hotspot to 90 degrees and put him in a smaller tub. That's a pretty big tub for such a little baby. Also feeding on the same day they shed... its a 50/50 chance they take it. Best thing to do would be to get his hotspot raised up and with a smaller environment (such as a 6qt or 12qt tub)... then leave him be for a few days and then attempt to feed him a hopper again. Bet he takes it ;)

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Originally Posted by Coopers Constrictors

Raise his hotspot to 90 degrees and put him in a smaller tub. That's a pretty big tub for such a little baby. Also feeding on the same day they shed... its a 50/50 chance they take it. Best thing to do would be to get his hotspot raised up and with a smaller environment (such as a 6qt or 12qt tub)... then leave him be for a few days and then attempt to feed him a hopper again. Bet he takes it ;)

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Wow, yea I totally missed that part of the post as it didn't load on my cell phone. I keep some of my hatchlings in 28 qts but I have a million hides so it's a crammed floor space.

Thanks for the input guys, I really appreciate it. I'm off to work this morning, and on my way home I'll run to target and look for a smaller tub. I don't think they carry 12 quarts. But I know I've seen 15 quarts there. 6 just sounds so small to me. I don't think the hide and the water bowl would even fit in there.

I've got another question. The 15 quart tubs are too small to fit both a hide box and a water dish. So what do you guys do? Do you not use the hide? And just keep a water dish in there? I feel he's too small to put in a tub without a hide.

That tub is pretty big for that size snake. I'd say 6 or 15 for sure. If ur hide it too big to fit in a 15 then it's probably too big of a hide. He needs to feel secure! Get him eating a time or two w live and then go for the f/t. Just make sure that u aren't handling him much for a few weeks just leave him alone in a cozy tub and only open it up to feed him. I know it's exciting when u have a new
Pickup but u gotta get this guy eating.

I just had my first hatchlings and one wouldn't eat the first two tries, I set him up w a 6qt, hatchling hide, small water dish...dropped a live hopper in there after about a week and he Didn't Even Hesitate-I also have better luck leaving the hide in the tub while feeding.
Hope this helps

I guess what I did goes against most suggestions, but I just put all of mine in 37 quarts tubs. 3 of them were 140-150g, two of them were under 90g.

Two hides (one at warm end, one at cool end), a water bowl, a few crumpled up paper towels, and a couple of toilet paper/paper towel tubes in the tub with them.

They've all eaten very well (except one, but she had an RI when I got her). All started on live mice and switched to FT rats with no issues. All growing nicely.

For myself, I'd rather get them 1 tub and just remove items as they grow than buy multiple tubs to swap out as they grow.

There's no one way to do anything, I just figured I would post my experience and what I did.

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Originally Posted by 200xth

I guess what I did goes against most suggestions, but I just put all of mine in 37 quarts tubs. 3 of them were 140-150g, two of them were under 90g.

Two hides (one at warm end, one at cool end), a water bowl, a few crumpled up paper towels, and a couple of toilet paper/paper towel tubes in the tub with them.

They've all eaten very well (except one, but she had an RI when I got her). All started on live mice and switched to FT rats with no issues. All growing nicely.

For myself, I'd rather get them 1 tub and just remove items as they grow than buy multiple tubs to swap out as they grow.

There's no one way to do anything, I just figured I would post my experience and what I did.

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I think this is a good idea too, they key is to just not have a huge open area where they feel vulnerable IMO.

You've got a snake that's less than 100 grams in a 32qt enclosure; that could be your problem. I've got my 140ish gram Mojave in a 12 qt right now, and she eats like a champ.

Alright guys, I bought a new 15 quart tub for him. And I stole an extra hide from my girlfriend. I emailed the breeder to see what he had him in, and he said it was a shoebox rack. So 15 quarts isn’t too far off.

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/...ps12a5bcaf.jpg
Yeah the water bowl is a little large. But its going to have to work until tomorrow when I bring home a smaller one.

Any thoughts?

Looking good, let him settle in and try to not mess with him for a few days.

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I got my baby in a 29 gallon high.. A couple hides. Warms spot,cool spot,humidity proper,plenty of vines and fake bushes and he's all good.

i think it don't matter if it's a baby in a 55 gallon,it's fine,as long as you have plenty of hides and bushes and vines and things for him to climb. They are wild animals and live outside and the world is a pretty big place,lol..point is make the tank set up properly and he will be fine,IMO

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Originally Posted by NYHC4LIFE8899

I got my baby in a 29 gallon high.. A couple hides. Warms spot,cool spot,humidity proper,plenty of vines and fake bushes and he's all good.

i think it don't matter if it's a baby in a 55 gallon,it's fine,as long as you have plenty of hides and bushes and vines and things for him to climb. They are wild animals and live outside and the world is a pretty big place,lol..point is make the tank set up properly and he will be fine,IMO

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I would agree, if this was a WC python but unfortunately it's a CB, and therefore never experienced the wild. So, it really isn't the same.



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Originally Posted by Kodieh

You've got a snake that's less than 100 grams in a 32qt enclosure; that could be your problem. I've got my 140ish gram Mojave in a 12 qt right now, and she eats like a champ.

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And I got my baby male,haven't got a scale yet,but he's probably only about 2 months old and in a 29 gallon high tank and I can barely put the f/t in the tank before he is striking at it,incredibly aggressive. Depends on the snake and how u have his home set up. Mine eats like there is no tommorow.

i plan on buying a scale tommorow as well.

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Originally Posted by Kodieh

I would agree, if this was a WC python but unfortunately it's a CB, and therefore never experienced the wild. So, it really isn't the same.



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Mine is in a big tank and just started shedding and eats like a beast ,very aggressive feeder. I have hides and proper temp and humidity,I have no problems. Whether they are WC or CB,there wild animals naturally,just like cats and dogs,they instinctively know how to survive in the wild,this is a fact. Hive him the proper conditions and he will be fine. Mine is a perfect example. . I was also toddy tank was too big,well doesn't seem that way.

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Originally Posted by NYHC4LIFE8899

Mine is in a big tank and just started shedding and eats like a beast ,very aggressive feeder. I have hides and proper temp and humidity,I have no problems. Whether they are WC or CB,there wild animals naturally,just like cats and dogs,they instinctively know how to survive in the wild,this is a fact. Hive him the proper conditions and he will be fine. Mine is a perfect example. . I was also toddy tank was too big,well doesn't seem that way.

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I get what you're saying, however it does matter. You've been able to make a tank work, that's great. I'm happy for you.

However, it didn't work for this person (a large enclosure) and we suggested alternatives to said large enclosure to make the python feel more secure.

I'm glad your python is eating great, that's wonderful. You have success, the OP does not. That's all this is. I agree with whoever told you your tank is too big. I also wonder why you're putting a snake in a fish tank, however that's up to you. We're also not in this thread about you and your set up, but to get the OPs snake eating. Hopefully the new accommodations are successful, as you have been so far.

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I had my guy 2 month hatchlin in a 50 gallon takn with sliding doors to start and he refused feeding to start, so I replaced the tank with a 2'x2' pvc cage and loaded it up with hides so he'd feel secure and after letting him sit for another week did the trick for me. He's killed 2 rat pups for me now in a 7 day span. The 2x2 cage is still pretty big, but its a black PVC box vs the open glass tank I had and the temps and humidity are much more consistent. I suppose every snake has his preferences.

I have to try and get him on F/T but he's still refusing them. I fed him a rat pup last Wednesday live and he smashed it no issue. This past Wednesday I offered a F/T rat pup as I have 15 in the freezer and he wouldn't touch it. Today I put live rat pup number 2 in and he smashed it again no issue.

I have had to teach myself to stay calm and not try to over do it because then I just stressed him out more. He even snapped at me at one point.

I understand what you're dealing with and all I could do was take it slow and give him what he wanted.....Time to get settled in a comfortable space, and live prey. I hope you get the little guy eating, he's a nice mojo

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Originally Posted by Kodieh

I get what you're saying, however it does matter. You've been able to make a tank work, that's great. I'm happy for you.

However, it didn't work for this person (a large enclosure) and we suggested alternatives to said large enclosure to make the python feel more secure.

I'm glad your python is eating great, that's wonderful. You have success, the OP does not. That's all this is. I agree with whoever told you your tank is too big. I also wonder why you're putting a snake in a fish tank, however that's up to you. We're also not in this thread about you and your set up, but to get the OPs snake eating. Hopefully the new accommodations are successful, as you have been so far.

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The reason I have him in a fish tank is cause it was readily available. But I know quiet a few ppl who have them if fish tanks and for years with no problems... Temp is temp no matter how you look at it,humidity is humidity,ventilation is ventilation ,if problems arise then I will look into changing tanks if that's the case but it isn't all that serious. I can understand how ppl around here look at things,but I'll also say a lot of ppl around here over react and go overboard. Like I said I know ppl and have spoken to ppl and well they have no problems,most just have thermostat and humidity gauge,heat pad and heat and uv lights,not monitoring very single degree of heat that comes out of the UTH and heat lamp. Perfect example is my boys 6 ft Clo Red tail boa...his set up is just as I stated,he has not ome problem.I understand your point whole heartedly,but I really don't think the tank is going to kill the snake,lol,I think the tank is the last of the concerns when it comes to taking care of a pet snake.

Do you think every person that has a snake has it in a reptile tank? Again,for a fact,NO. Not trying to argue,I really don't know anything,but I do know ppl tend to over react and can be drama queens about things.

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Originally Posted by NYHC4LIFE8899

The reason I have him in a fish tank is cause it was readily available. But I know quiet a few ppl who have them if fish tanks and for years with no problems... Temp is temp no matter how you look at it,humidity is humidity,ventilation is ventilation ,if problems arise then I will look into changing tanks if that's the case but it isn't all that serious. I can understand how ppl around here look at things,but I'll also say a lot of ppl around here over react and go overboard. Like I said I know ppl and have spoken to ppl and well they have no problems,most just have thermostat and humidity gauge,heat pad and heat and uv lights,not monitoring very single degree of heat that comes out of the UTH and heat lamp. Perfect example is my boys 6 ft Clo Red tail boa...his set up is just as I stated,he has not ome problem.I understand your point whole heartedly,but I really don't think the tank is going to kill the snake,lol,I think the tank is the last of the concerns when it comes to taking care of a pet snake.

Do you think every person that has a snake has it in a reptile tank? Again,for a fact,NO. Not trying to argue,I really don't know anything,but I do know ppl tend to over react and can be drama queens about things.

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I'm gonna stop responding now, you're obviously feeling validated in your views and don't have an open mind to changing. I haven't once come out and said "you're doing it wrong".

Thanks for your time, and I wish you the best of luck with your future endeavors.

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Digging the new setup OP. Smaller bowl, and one more of those AP hides you'll be golden-but do it quick and leave him alone for 5-7 days ;-)


P.S.-somewhere in this thread someone mentioned using unmonitored UTH and UV lights...don't do that.
Save money on a uv light(completely unnecessary for balls and close to 100% sure red tail boas as well)and buy a thermostat, even if it's a cheapy(not suggesting cheap, just saying it's better than uncontrolled)
Keep us posted on your progress

Here's and update for everyone if you're interested. I switched him to a smaller tub on Saturday, and put a smaller water crock and hide in there with him. Since then I've seen him out and about every night exploring and actually drinking water. This alone is a massive step forward compared to when he was in the 32 quart tub because within two weeks in there I never once saw him out. When I look into his tub during the day you can now see his head poking out staring back at me he's no longer in a tight little ball. Again another massive step forward. Tomorrow is feeding day for my brood, and I'm going to attempt to feed him last mainly so he can start to smell the food and go into hunting mode before I drop dinner in. Wish me luck guys!

Good luck!

Unfortunately guys I had zero luck with feeding him today. He was last to be fed, and was actually out and about moving around in his tub. Still zero interest in the food item. So what's the next step? I'm assuming I'm going to have to try live, which is unfortunate. How long should I wait to try and feed him again? And what size should I go get? I've never ever fed live before...

What was he feeding on before you got him?

According to the breeder it was a small mouse once a week, and he never missed a meal.

I would try a live mouse. 12 to 15g (assuming he's still around 100g).

I'm just really nervous about feeding live, I've seen and heard horror stories of what a live mouse can do to a snake. When should I try to feed him next? A full week again?

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Originally Posted by Montypython696

I'm just really nervous about feeding live, I've seen and heard horror stories of what a live mouse can do to a snake. When should I try to feed him next? A full week again?

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He's young, so maybe in 4 or 5 days. Something like that. I don't think you'll need to wait a full week.

I wouldn't worry too much about the dangers. I know bad things can possibly happen, but that goes with everything in life. I don't think it's anything to stress over. There are millions of snakes being fed live every week without issue.

With a little effort you can reduce the dangers. Don't just drop the mouse in and walk away for 24 hours and you should be fine. Put him in, watch them for 15 to 30 minutes. If he hasn't done anything by then, remove the mouse. At the end of 30 minutes max you'll be fine, your snake will be fine, and hopefully he'll also have a mouse in his belly by then.

There is no worries about feeding a live hopper to a BP. I have fed all my snakes live and there is no possible way that a hoppers teeth can break the scales of a young BP, (new hatchling maybe), so there is nothing to worry about. When you buy a snake everyone should be ready to feed live if circumstances like this arrive. I can see that some people don't like feeding live but the way I see it snakes should be fed live just like in the wild. Not saying that feeding F/T is wrong but a lot of people don't know how to do it.
Good luck

I am new to the forum, while I am no expert by any means I am not new to snakes at all.

Hundreds of snakes are fed live. I believe once you put that mouse in the tub... it won't be there long.
Supervise the feeding and I wouldn't leave it in with him for more than 20 minutes, I'm pretty sure it won't be there that long.

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Thanks for all the tips guys. You're all putting my mind at ease a little. Since Sunday is my next day off, that's when I'll try to feed again, I'll hit up my local pet store and try to find a nice small feeder for him. I think PetCo sells live right? I'm not 100% sure.

They do. But are a lil more expensive than a mom n pop type store. My local store has mice for $1.40 per, small rats $3.99 and med rats $4.99

Unfortunately they only sell adults. I have to drive an hour to get the hoppers and such

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Yeah, unfortunately PetCo is the only store around here that I know sells live. I have two other pet stores around me (Petsmart, Pet Supplies Plus) but they don't sell live. The petco is about a 30 min drive there too. I'm not aware of any mom and pop stores around my area.

Hopefully once you get the feeding response back you can switch to f/t. I prefer live

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You see the biggest perplexing thing to me is the fact that this little bugger is out all the time now. He's is literally always moving around his cage, and rarely uses his hide. I don't get it!

My girl was starving herself, literally, she was that hungry she was striking at us... but still wouldn't touch f/t for 2 months. I got a 3 live fuzzies and she ate them in minutes.... I went to hoppers than adult mice now I'm switching to rats and she's having issues again, some just want what they want!!!

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Okay, I've called my two local petcos and with out tail they have some small mice that are about 2 inches. Is that a good size? Too small?

You will have to look at them in person... if they look equal to the widest part of your snake they are good, they can be a little bigger so don't worry if its not spot on

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I have good news!!! I went to Pet Supplies Plus (a lot closer than petco) and purchased a little mouse for him to see if it would work. I made a deal with the mouse, if after 20 minutes and he was still alive I would put him out in the field on my property. Needless to say 30 seconds into our deal the mouse was already being swallowed.... So my little Mojave man is no longer on a hunger strike! Thanks to all who helped me over the last week. I really appreciate it!

If at first you don't succeed.... go live!! Awesome news :)

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