Weird feeding incident

[brobertson]

So my 9 month old male pastel hadn't eaten in 4 weeks, but had shown some interest the last two. It seems understandable, because I administer betadine on his mouth 2-3 times a week for his injury(getting better). This week, I thawed out his rat, brained it, and heated it up. He was already out and ready to feed by the time I was done heating. I dangled it with tongs, and he investigated it for a minute, then went around the rat to where I couldnt see and gave a weak strike, then started to coil. To strengthen his feeding response, I started pulling the rats tail, when all of a sudden, the pressure released and the rat was in my hand. I looked closer, and found that one of the rats front feet was missing. My snake acted like he still had a whole prey, and started coiling around, a little harder to explain. I saw that he had coiled, but left a small gap, so I put the rat through the gap with its head sticking out towards the snake. He showed no interest, swallowed the foot, and then went off to his hide. Sorry, huge post

SO, I have a few questions.
Should I be starting to worry if my BP hasn't eaten in now 5 weeks?(this incident was last night, I will try to feed again on wed.)(the strike is not husbandry related, my temps are spot on.)

Should I continue to administer medicine, even if it means he doesn't feed?

Has anything like this(with the foot) ever happened to you?

[brobertson]

Anyone?

[rebelrachel13]

Haha. That's weird.

I've never had a snake eat just the foot. But I did have a foot fall off once, and after she finished the whole rat, she went back and ate the foot. Gross, but kinda funny.

[brobertson]

Haha, thats great!

[Slim]

I haven't had an experience like that myself. What is the nature of his mouth injury, and how long have you been treating it?

I wouldn't be too concerned out him not eating in such a long time since it seems he becoming more interested. I'd wait 5 days and try again. Hopefully he'll get the whole rat this time.

[DooLittle]

I have never had anything like just a foot before. Maybe next time he strikes, just let him have it. No pulling or wiggling, just see what he does.

[RestlessRobie]

With out know what the injury was or wether or not he saw a vet I would still say treat the unjury over feeding. Ball Pythons can go months with out food and very little is any weight or have ill affects. I have a young Juvie go 3.5 months and he is just fine eating great know. As for the foot falling off I have had tails come off before and it didnt affect the next feeding. I would just try to feed at your next schedule feed and keep treating the injury.

[Domepiece]

Are you thawing and refreezing the rats he does not take? Ive never had a rats foot come off before and I venture the only way it would is if the rat is decomposing from being thawed and refrozen over and over. Also there is no need to pull on the rat after they coil it, if they grab it let it go and leave them alone, messing with it or them is only going to make them not eat it. Ball pythons can go a long time without eating, if they are in good health and have a good weight on them, so I wouldnt worry about it not eating for 5 weeks. Goodluck hope you get him to eat.

[brobertson]

to answer about the mouth injury, it is just a little rub/maybe burn on the side of his mouth. It is already recovering, will probably be gone in a shed or two.