Food problem?

Hello! It's me again ( the one with the rescue ball python that has the resperitory infection )

My ball python strikes at her prekilled prey, constricts attempts to eat, and gives up trying to eat the mouse. I pick the mouse back up and let her smell the prey and she gets very interested but never strikes again at that mouse. What's going on?

Thanks!
Lauren.

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Is this the same one with the nasty facial wound and serious infection? She needs to see a Vet asap.

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Originally Posted by Godzilla78

Is this the same one with the nasty facial wound and serious infection? She needs to see a Vet asap.

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Yep, I'm making her the appointment tommorow

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I wouldn't worry about feeding until the vet visit. A sick snake will likely have eating issues, until it is healthy.

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Originally Posted by Godzilla78

I wouldn't worry about feeding until the vet visit. A sick snake will likely have eating issues, until it is healthy.

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Agreed, I was just confused as to why she wouldn't follow through and eat the mouse if she was so intrested, it probably just goes back to her having an infection :( ♡

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I would definitely hold off on feeding until after the vet visit. You don't want to add a regurge to an already struggling snake's health.

Im wondering why you would keep trying to feed a sick, stressed animal then asking people whats wrong with it when it doesnt eat [emoji85][emoji86]

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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

Im wondering why you would keep trying to feed a sick, stressed animal then asking people whats wrong with it when it doesnt eat [emoji85][emoji86]

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... I was just wondering why she showed so much interest but didn't eat. I'm trying my best here. Thanks for the rude comment. It really helps.

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Not trying to be rude or nasty at all but sometimes a little common sense goes a long way. Digesting food would probably take even more energy than she has. Allow her time to get her shots, sleep and recover before trying something that is taking up the little bit of energy she has by striking out of stress. She may not be showing interest in the Mouse as food but as something in her enclosure that she doesn't want in there. After all she had a Rodent disfigure her face. After a experience like that I would strike at a mouse/rat too.

When you ask for help and get an answer you don't like, doesn't mean people are being rude to you, it means you are getting help you didn't know you needed. Some people in here (not me) are experts and have great advice to give. Learn!!!!!!!!:taz:

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Originally Posted by Peachylauren

... I was just wondering why she showed so much interest but didn't eat. I'm trying my best here. Thanks for the rude comment. It really helps.

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I wouldn't take that as a rude comment, but a legitimate question and concern from an experienced keeper.

He's trying to help you and your snake. Try to think of it this way...when you're sick, do you want somebody trying to force you to eat? Or do you want somebody invading your private personal space? Or would you rather be left alone to rest and allow medication and time to take it's course?
Granted snakes and people are entirely different, some general principles can be applied to both.

This forum is an invaluable resource for keepers new and experienced alike. The common theme: we're here for the passion we share for these amazing animals. Find the keepers who know their stuff and soak up all the info you can. I had years of keeping snakes under my belt before finding this forum and still learn new things all the time.

Remember: we're here offering our time, knowledge and experience. We don't HAVE to offer our time, we WANT to.

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Originally Posted by Peachylauren

... I was just wondering why she showed so much interest but didn't eat. I'm trying my best here. Thanks for the rude comment. It really helps.

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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

Not trying to be rude or nasty at all but sometimes a little common sense goes a long way. Digesting food would probably take even more energy than she has. Allow her time to get her shots, sleep and recover before trying something that is taking up the little bit of energy she has by striking out of stress. She may not be showing interest in the Mouse as food but as something in her enclosure that she doesn't want in there. After all she had a Rodent disfigure her face. After a experience like that I would strike at a mouse/rat too.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I wouldn't take that as a rude comment, but a legitimate question and concern from an experienced keeper.

Remember: we're here offering our time, knowledge and experience. We don't HAVE to offer our time, we WANT to.

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i agree that CALM was not trying to be intentionally rude. many of us have interacted with him on the forum for a while so we know his intentions better than most. he can be very straight-forward and a bit sarcastic which, in text form, can come off rude. but he's incredibly knowledgeable and a very good resource here, and he can be funny. :P

and like craigafrechette said: we are all here because we care about these animals. yes, yours too.

let's get your baby healthy first before we worry about food. they can go a lot longer without food than you think. :) keep us updated, please!!!

I am still learning snakes and Balls but coming from a small animal perspective, animals will not eat when they are ill. Cats with a upper respiratory infection will not eat as they cannot smell or taste their food. Canines will refuse food if they are ill. I know I don't want to eat if I am sick. The advice of taking your pet to the vet is the best option. Working at a vet hospital as a CVT I come across many people who follow Dr. Google and not the veterinarian. When you go follow your vets instructions to the tee and please don't miss recheck appointments.

You care enough about your pet to be here and that says plenty. People here are super helpful and knowledgeable. :D

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

i agree that CALM was not trying to be intentionally rude. many of us have interacted with him on the forum for a while so we know his intentions better than most. he can be very straight-forward and a bit sarcastic which, in text form, can come off rude. but he's incredibly knowledgeable and a very good resource here, and he can be funny. [emoji14]

and like craigafrechette said: we are all here because we care about these animals. yes, yours too.

let's get your baby healthy first before we worry about food. they can go a lot longer without food than you think. :) keep us updated, please!!!

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Im sorry guys.. I'm just so scared for Peanut and I love her so much so in being defensive of her.

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Originally Posted by Peachylauren

Im sorry guys.. I'm just so scared for Peanut and I love her so much so in being defensive of her.

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we've seen it a million times; we understand. :) it takes a big person to apologize, so good on you.

you are already doing so much for her, so be confident in yourself and listen to the advice given when you have questions. we want the best for her, too.

let us know how the vet visit goes!

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Originally Posted by Peachylauren

Im sorry guys.. I'm just so scared for Peanut and I love her so much so in being defensive of her.

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No need to apologize, you've done no wrong.
Keep doing what you're doing, keep learning and remember we're here to help. Like tttaylorrr said, sometimes judging tone through text can be difficult and it's easy to misread.