Questions about feeding my new snake

[abby1013]

Hi everyone. I just got a new ball python last week. I estimate he is maybe 1 or 2 years old and is 3 feet long. I got him from his previous owner who claims he has had no issues and is a nice friendly snake. It seems he is transitioning to his new home just fine. He hangs out in his hide box all day but I have seen him explore his tank at night. He doesn't mind being handled and shed once which went just fine. So since he is doing all these other normal snake things I assumed the move didn't stress him out and that he would eat. I tried to give him a frozen thawed small rat and he showed no interest whatsoever. He totally ignored me waving it around in front of him and just kept trying to escape his feeding container. Do you guys think he is stressed? When do you think I should try again? Also can you refreeze the rat? I just hope I am doing everything right to make him comfortable. My last snake had lots of issues and didn't end up making it so I think I am paranoid about this one being ok.

[AkHerps]

Well first thing, no handling until he starts eating. What is your set up and temps?
What was the snake eating before you?
I would also not feed in a separate container, that is probably a big reason why he didn't eat.
Feeding inside the cage does not cause aggression.

[abby1013]

Well first thing, no handling until he starts eating. What is your set up and temps?
What was the snake eating before you?
I would also not feed in a separate container, that is probably a big reason why he didn't eat.
Feeding inside the cage does not cause aggression.

I have a 20 gallon long tank. The hot side stays around 88-90 and the cool side stays in the low 80's. There is a ceramic heat emitter and under tank heater. It has all the usual stuff like hides, water, and some branches to climb on. I was always told to feed in a separate container mainly so bedding doesn't stick to the food. Should I worry about that? The snake has been a good eater and ate one week ago so I know I have no need to panic yet, I just don't want it to be because of something I am doing.

[AkHerps]

Try to get your hot spot to about 92. Do you have a thermostat?

There isn't too much of an issue with the bedding, just observe to make sure everything goes smoothly and you can always switch to something that isn't loose like tile or laminate or paper towels haha.

Do you have something to check humidity? The bulbs dry out the air in the tank but it is possible to keep the right humidity in one with a little bit of work.

Cover up the exposed screen with either tin foil or plexiglass and that will help retain heat and humidity.

And usually you can re freeze the rat as long as it hasn't sat around thawed all day.

[abby1013]

Try to get your hot spot to about 92. Do you have a thermostat?

There isn't too much of an issue with the bedding, just observe to make sure everything goes smoothly and you can always switch to something that isn't loose like tile or laminate or paper towels haha.

Do you have something to check humidity? The bulbs dry out the air in the tank but it is possible to keep the right humidity in one with a little bit of work.

Cover up the exposed screen with either tin foil or plexiglass and that will help retain heat and humidity.

I do have a humidity gauge and it stays around 50-60 percent without me having to do much. I do have a thermostat, I'll bump up the temp a bit. So how soon do you think I should try feeding again? I can try it inside its habitat next time if you think it would like that better.

[AkHerps]

I would say give him a week to settle in with no handling.

Was he on frozen food before?

[abby1013]

I would say give him a week to settle in with no handling.

Was he on frozen food before?

Yes he always has been. So i'll leave him alone for a week then. Hope it helps, thanks!