An open discussion–Going off feed.

[lesserlover]

I am always interested in how often things occur. This time I am looking to find out when are Ball Pythons more likely to go off feed. I am aware that those of you with large collections have balls that go off feed at different weights and for different reasons; however, the polling here is very limited so I want to open up a discussion about this issue. The question is, from your experience, when are Ball Pythons more likely to go off feed? Why do you think they go off feed? ARe they likely to die when they go off feed? What is your common practice for ball pythons that go off feed?


Thanks everyone.

[lesserlover]

I forgot to add that I am not referring to breeding and I understand that some balls have problems feeding right after hatching requiring them to be assisted or forced.

[seeya205]

I find that if your ambient temps are not high enough in the winter they will go off feed! Some just do anyways, that's just the normal cycle. They will not die in most cases because they usually start feeding again within a few months!

[Freakie_frog]

I've got males that go off feed every fall like clock work..no big deal they normally start back up after I quit pairing..It takes allot to starve a Ball Python to Death, however with that said. Not eating and the stress of breeding can bring on different issues like RI's or not breeding even on rare extreme occasions death.

[DemmBalls]

I have a young female that went off feed for no apparent reason. All other snakes kept in nearly identicle conditions are feeding like champs.

[Freakie_frog]

I have a young female that went off feed for no apparent reason. All other snakes kept in nearly identicle conditions are feeding like champs.

Whats her weight

[lesserlover]

When balls go off feed, would it be a bad idea to change the size of their tub?

[Freakie_frog]

When balls go off feed, would it be a bad idea to change the size of their tub?

I've moved suborn feeders to smaller tubs in order to try and get them to feed. I've even taken them for a car ride..

[lesserlover]

I've got males that go off feed every fall like clock work..no big deal they normally start back up after I quit pairing..It takes allot to starve a Ball Python to Death, however with that said. Not eating and the stress of breeding can bring on different issues like RI's or not breeding even on rare extreme occasions death.

What do you do to get them to feed again? At what weight can you no longer force feed or assist feed a bp?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

The question is, from your experience, when are Ball Pythons more likely to go off feed? Why do you think they go off feed?

After years on a few forums the most common topic is "help my BP is not eating"

In those majority of cases those are new owner with young BP (that should be eating) but that do not because of husbandry issues.

Than it would be followed by seasonal / breeding fast.

Than true stubborn feeders.