New to the ball python world, a quick question about feeding

[nitsuj]

Today me and my girlfriend who has also registered on this board (Tati) purchased a Ball Python today. So far things are going great, we have a well constructed home for her in a 20gal tank, that is properly heated and suited for a bp.

The pet store that we purchased the little guy from has been raised on live food. I would prefer to give her frozen food. The pet store advised us that the snake had not eaten in 5 days now and because of this, would have to feed within the next day or so. Out of curiosity tonight Tati put in a thawed small mouse but the python didnt seem very interested. The mouse has now been lying on the ground of its home for a couple hours now and still nothing. What should we do if anything? Is this a problem at all?

Aside from that everything is great, the snake is very friendly and has no issues with being handled at all

[Wizill]

read what i posted in her thread...

[Wizill]

wait my fault, it wasn't her thread so i'll say this again... if you just got the snake today then you shouldn't be thinking about feeding it for a week or two. you need to let it settle into it's new surroundings... when you're new to snakes, curiousity usually ends up causing them stress.

[BallKingdom]

Yeah there is alwaysa period of acclimation needed. I once stressed out massively when my tokay wouldn't eat voluntarily for a week.

[nitsuj]

So if she wont eat for a week or so, how do you know when she IS ready to eat? Are their signs I should look for?

[RPlank]

You can watch for her to explore her tank in the middle of the night. She should be curious at night, but may hide all day. If she is exploring during the day regularly, she is probably hungry.
When you do feed her, either she will take it, or she won't. Usually within a few minutes of putting it in, if she is going to. I agree that you should wait a week. It won't hurt her one bit.