What to try next?

[bpandrew]

Hi everybody. I'm new to this forum and to B.P.'s, but not to snakes.

So.... Tinkerbell is about 950g and said to be a '07. I've tried for three weeks now and it doesn't look like she plans on eating the rat that is currently in her tub. The first week I tried the feed tub I have for my corns, second I tried live & FK in a paper bag, now she has a rat in her tub and still nothing.

So what do I try next? Her warm side is about 92-93, humidity is 58-59ish she has a hide on each side and a water bowl on the cold side. Thanks in advance I look forward to being a member of this forum.

[bivman]

What was the previous owner feeding?

[Adam Chandler]

I'd recommend checking out this article: http://www.worldofballpythons.com/ar...-ball-pythons/

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Just keep offering the same prey type than previously fed by the other owner and feed her in her enclosure.

If you can try to get info on how the animal was previously kept that might help (substrate, temps etc)

NO HANDLING

It can be seasonal, she might also have reach a plateau which often seems to happen around 900/1000 grams

I have had a female that size fasting for 9 months and barely loosing any weight so it happens, even more so in my opinion with older individual that are changing environment.

Remember as long as your husbandry is optimal the only thing you can really do is wait it out, your animal knows how to eat but she is just not ready to do so for you yet.

[bsash]

I would suggest asking the previous owner what they were feeding her. Second, I would leave her alone for two weeks to calm down from a lot of the stress from the initial move into your home and from moving each time for attempted feedings. Then just try a pre killed rat/ mouse and lay it on the warm side of her tub, do not remove her, and she will find it. If she still refuses after an hour or so, remove it from her tub and try once a week with a new rat. Just keep in mind, there is no need to force feed, they don't get to 950 grams from not eating.

[bpandrew]

ok, thanks everybody. I bought her from a reptile shop by my house that does a lot of great work with reptiles(especially snakes) I was talking to the owner today when i bought the rat and she was telling me that Tink was eating small rats. Same sub, but i need to check on temp.

[bsash]

You're welcome, we're all always happy to help. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.

[steveboos]

Biggest thing is to not handle them and to give breaks between attempts. Don't attempt more than once a week or they will just get fed up with it and not eat for a while. Just be patient and in time she will eat.

[bpandrew]

Well after three hours of getting to know eachother Tink finally ate her food! Thanks again everybody