Live feed time?

[jxs6799]

I have a two month old ball python that I've been assist feeding because he has never shown any interest in his food. I would continue to do so until he starts taking it in his own, but when I fed him today he was able to spit back up anything I gave him regardless of how deep I put it (tried a frozen/thawed fuzzy mouse and small mouse)

What is the next step I should try to get him to eat? Fresh killed?

[dboeren]

I would start by posting your temps, humidity, and pics of the cage so that people can double-check your husbandry.

When you try to feed F/T you're serving the mouse warm to simulate body heat right?

Have you contacted the breeder yet? Normally he should be established eating F/T before being sold.

[Alter-Echo]

How often are you feeding him? What temps and setup does he have?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Did you produce that snake? Did you purchase it as a non feeder or well started animal?

Can you give us some husbandry details, cage size, animal's weight, temps etc.

For feeding or assisting are temporary solution in most cases after 3 assist the animal will eat unless there is an underlying cause.

[jxs6799]

Vivarium: https://imgur.com/a/vOBs6Zd

BP size: 69 grams
Tank: 20g long

Warm side: 94
Cool side: 76
Humidity averages 70%

He was bought at Petco, with the breeder giving no information about when/if he was fed. I feed him every 7 days, first offering a f/t that is warm before assist feeding. I have tried pinning them too.

[Zincubus]

Assist feeding !?!

I've never had to do that in all my years ..

I'd suggest the next time to try feeding have a hairdryer next to the viv / rub .

Make sure it's evening as they're nocturnal , mine prefer low light / dim light and all four now only strike from within their hides .
Heat well with hairdryer then offer with tongs - dangle in front of the hide entrance - offer IMMEDIATELY whilst still warm - they cool down substantially each second. If there is the slightest interest shown , reheat and offer instantly- repeat as many times as it takes .



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[Stewart_Reptiles]

Vivarium: https://imgur.com/a/vOBs6Zd

BP size: 69 grams
Tank: 20g long

Warm side: 94
Cool side: 76
Humidity averages 70%

He was bought at Petco, with the breeder giving no information about when/if he was fed. I feed him every 7 days, first offering a f/t that is warm before assist feeding. I have tried pinning them too.

No surprise the animal is not eating that is what I would call a typical new owner mistake which reversible.

Do this to a T https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-hatchling-101 and I mean to a T (don't pick and chose what you want to do)

Assisting has to stop and you need to get that animal on track NOW

[55fingers]

How are you thawing it? Some snakes won't eat if the rodent is wet, another reason why warming it to body heat with a hairdryer works well (dries the fur).

Try to stay hidden and dim the lights. Make sure you're using tongs, as offering using your hands not only can scare the snake, but also get you bit.

You could also try pre-scenting for 30 minutes or so if you're not already.

[Craiga 01453]

No surprise the animal is not eating that is what I would call a typical new owner mistake which reversible.

Do this to a T https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-hatchling-101 and I mean to a T (don't pick and chose what you want to do)

Assisting has to stop and you need to get that animal on track NOW

^^^ exactly this ^^^^

Forget everything you're doing now and follow that link.

Assist or force feeding should be an absolute last resort.