Possible mouth injury?

[CharlieBoi]

So my ball python struck the metal tongs by accident instead of the rat, worst fear of my life. It's been days and he hasn't showed any interest in food anymore. Infact he seems scared/stressed by the site of food right now. Could the tongs have injured his teeth, how sensitive are ball python teeth? Is there a way of checking his teeth/mouth, is a vet visit in need, or should I just not worry?

[Craiga 01453]

You can check his mouth if you feel the need. If you're not sure how you'll want to watch a few YouTube videos to learn how.
But you probably don't need to. He's likely just a bit stressed.

If you're trying to feed him again because he didn't eat when he struck you can wait a bit, it won't hurt. Offering food too often can actually lead to further stress, which can lead to further food refusals.

[Bogertophis]

This ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ Exactly. He might have gotten a sore mouth & a bit spooked by what happened, but once a snake refuses a meal, it's best to let them wait at
LEAST a week, or maybe two, before you offer food again. Gives them time to de-stress.

[CharlieBoi]

Thanks for the replies and advice everyone! Wasn't sure how worried I should be

[Crowfingers]

Mine did something similar this spring, he's 5 and fasts every winter. But he was suddenly ravenous around March 20th and I went to get his rat warm - he was sooo ready to eat that he struck the glass door of his cage before I could open it! He immediately squirmed back and forth like it hurt and retreated to a hide, he didn't come out voluntarily for two weeks. I checked his mouth/face and there wasn't any obvious wounds but I imagine it was bruised. He eventually ate and the incident was forgotten.

I think the pain response is strong in reptiles and when something hurts they avoid it from then on, but re-learn that everything is ok as long as the negative stimulus isn't repeated. I've heard of pet ball pythons refusing certain color of prey if a live one attacks them; my male gecko go bit under the eye by a particularly feisty superworm two years ago and STILL refuses to go near them

[dakski]

My boas have a habit of striking the acrylic doors in anticipation of food. The worst that's happened in 4 years is Behira, my female BI, bent a tooth and it fell out.

Unless there is noticeable damage, I wouldn't sweat it.

However, as mentioned, your BP could have been spooked and then to eaten that time. Wait until next feed and see what happens.

They can absolutely damage themselves striking the doors or tongs, etc. However, they are also pretty tough. Stay on top of it but otherwise, don't worry too much.