Why won't Jacques eat?

[GodBecomeAnimal]

4 year old ball python. I just picked him up almost two weeks ago and he hasn't eaten anything yet. I've tried frozen/thawed rats and I've left him with mice that he seems to think are friends. Why won't he eat? He is friendly and doesn't seem stressed/sketched out about the move or anything.

[dirdad]

find out what and how the previous owner feed him. and if you feed live please watch the feeding you would be surprised how much damage one could do to your snake

[GodBecomeAnimal]

The previous owner fed him frozen/thawed, and I did watch the feeding for a couple of hours, these mice were young and they got along with the snake just fine unfortunately

[Skiploder]

4 year old ball python. I just picked him up almost two weeks ago and he hasn't eaten anything yet. I've tried frozen/thawed rats and I've left him with mice that he seems to think are friends. Why won't he eat? He is friendly and doesn't seem stressed/sketched out about the move or anything.

Why don't you tell us a bit more about Jacques?

Let's start with:

(1) Size and type of enclosure
(2) Temp and method of obtaining basking spot
(3) Ambient temperature and humidity in the enclosure
(4) Cool end temp of the enclosure
(5) Have you been leaving him alone or mucking with him?
(6) Is he in a room with a lot of traffic?
(7) Number and type of hides


If I'm reading your post right it sounds like you tried feeding him live. Don't leave any more live mice in the enclosure with him. It's a rotten idea and can result in some nasty injuries to your snake.

Once you answer some of those questions, people here can try to answer your question. While ball pythons are famous for not eating, many of those reasons revolve around environmental stress. In other words, the reason why your snake is not eating could probably have something to do with the way you are keeping him.

[seang89]

Give it some time. When hes hungry he should come around. Hes may not be that stressed from the move, but he may have went on strike until he figures out where hes stationed .

Just make sure hes got proper husbandry and offer him food once a week, Make sure the prey is heated nice and warm for him.

[Redneck_Crow]

It can take them a couple of months or even more to start eating. Some of them get really stressed at being moved. And some of them eat from the first day. Darth Jackass (that really is his name) grabbed a rat off of the tongs for me within a couple of hours of coming home to stay with me. He came halfway out of his cage to snatch it--I didn't even have a chance to do the dead rat boogie dance in front of him, he sprang at it as soon as I cracked the door.

They're individuals. A 4 year old male is well established and he's going to eat for you eventually. Make sure you have the temps right and he's got hiding places and he'll come along in good time. I'd keep him on f/t because it stinks less and offer him a rat next time if he won't take a mouse.

[kitedemon]

There are some really accurate comments posted already. more information for us to help if there are any issues and time for Jacques to settle in. How long have you had him?

[JLC]

Skiploder asks some important questions that we can use to help you figure out what's going on. Here's a list of things to consider as well. And if you're certain that all the husbandry is correct and the snake is in a quiet area feeling snug and secure, then just give it time. Keep to the f/t offering that its used to and only offer once a week....or even once every other week if the refusals continue. It may take a few weeks for it to be hungry enough to eat in a newish environment.

From our Caresheet:

WHY WON'T MY SNAKE EAT?

Lack of Security -- No hides, or hides that are too large or exposed (ie: half logs). They prefer dark, tight hides they barely fit into. Also, if the enclosure is too large, or too open (glass) or in a high traffic area with a lot of loud noise or movement. Another snake in the same enclosure can also cause serious security issues.

Over Handling -- Frequent intrusions into the enclosure, changes to the enclosure, and/or long frequent handling sessions can cause a shy snake to feel vulnerable and refuse to eat.

Improper Temps -- Temps that are too high or too low, or temps that fluctuate too much. Make sure you have an accurate and consistent read on your temps.

Improper Lighting -- Bright white lights shining directly into the enclosure, or 24 hour lighting can cause stress. Make sure there is some sort of day/night cycle.

Offering New Prey -- Changing prey species (ie: mice to rats) or methods (ie: live to f/t) can cause refusal. Such changes can be made, but may require patience and persistence.

Improper Offering of Prey -- Offering prey too frequently can do more harm than good. If a snake refuses, do not attempt to feed again for a week. Also, changing environments by moving to a feeding-box or removing hides and "furniture" can cause refusal in these shy snakes.

Prey Too Large -- Too large an item may intimidate a snake and cause refusal, or even a regurgitation if it is eaten. Also, if a ball python has eaten large meals in the past, it can cause a sudden an indefinite period of fasting.

Mites -- An external parasite common to snakes that must be treated and eradicated. A product called Provent-a-Mite (P.A.M.) is the safest and most effective method.

Seasonal -- Sexually mature ball pythons may fast for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months during their mating season (typically anywhere from late fall to early spring) especially if a sexually mature snake of the opposite sex is in close proximity.

Illness -- If all other possible reasons are eliminated, a vet check may be in order to look for internal parasites, as well as possible infections to the skin, scales, mouth or respiratory system.

Fortunately, ball pythons are extremely hardy snakes that can go for months (if necessary) of fasting without suffering any ill effects. This gives a responsible keeper plenty of time to figure out why the snake refuses to eat and get them on a regular, consistent feeding regimen.