Another 'Ball Python Won't Eat' Question - Any Help Appreciated :)

[Craiga 01453]

You're underfeeding your snake, hence him being so small. I've included a feeding chart.


https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...ing-Guidelines

[ReptileRant]

Ok. It might not hurt to try a rat. I’ve had cases where they won’t eat the mouse, but a rat gets them back on food. If it goes much longer I’d try a live mouse or rat. I know some people ate nervous to feed live, but as long as you either watch or check in on them frequently everything will be fine. If you try live and that doesn’t work try a live asf or small gerbil/hamster. Ball pythons go crazy over those and will most likely eat it right away. In regards to fake plants i get a lot of mine from Walmart or other craft stores. Make sure the plant doesn’t have any small parts that could fall off. I soak mine in water as hot as I can get it before using. If it falls apart at all or deteriorate it goes straight in the trash. Also make sure there are no wires or anything sharp exposed. Also check amazon, they have some pretty reasonably priced reptile safe plants.

[kthoms104]

Thank you so much! I'll keep it updated as best I can

Right? I was once told by a pet store employee that using a heat mat is "like not heating a house, but getting a couch with butt warmers." Though I think different heating methods all have their own pros and cons, I think she was just trying to sell me on their super expensive heating lamps :/

[kthoms104]

Thank you for the chart! I've been looking for something like that.
I try to offer him food as much as possible, but it feels like no matter what I do whether he'll take it or not is always a mystery. I'm hoping to improve his terrarium as much as I can and try some new feeding methods so that I can get him back on the right track

[kthoms104]

Thank you!! As of now, I'm going to try to feed him one more time with a mouse, then I'll switch to trying rats. It'd be wonderful if he just liked rats more than mice, lol
I'm looking at some plants from Walmart now, I'll try the water trick as well

[ReptileRant]

Haha, I think we should have a feed just for all the funny things pet store employees say. Ball pythons are not a basking species, so heat pads are great for them. Good luck and I hope you’re able to get him to eat!!

[Craiga 01453]

Thank you for the chart! I've been looking for something like that.
I try to offer him food as much as possible

Aha!! That may be your problem. Offering too often can further stress the snake and lead to further refusals.

At this point wait two weeks before offering again. And then only try every two weeks til he eats.

[kthoms104]

I didn't even think of that! Thank you so much, it's been a while since I last offered some to him, but before that I was offering him food quite frequently. I'll try the two week breaks