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  1. #1
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    I’ve finally have had my first few failed feedings…

    My boy has never skipped a meal since I’ve owned him at 140 grams. He is now a little over a year old and weighs 1200 grams. The last 2 weeks here he’s skipped meals. Husbandry is kept the same as it’s always been. 32qt tub, 70-80% humidity, 88-89 hotspot and 80 cool. He’s been on frozen thawed since I’ve had him. I prepare it the same way each and every feeding. I use a heat lamp to heat the prey up to 100F. What can I do to get my boy back on feeding? This is my first ball and I hear this is pretty standard in owning ball pythons. I just haven’t experienced it until now…

  2. #2
    Bogertophis's Avatar
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    I would suggest that you back off feeding (or offering) weekly- & when weekly prey is refused, don't offer again for 2 weeks- & if refusals continue for a few times, go to offering every 3 weeks.

    Sometimes we just have to trust & believe what our snakes are trying to tell us- and remember that fasting is rather normal for them in the wild- it's NOT normal for them to eat regularly every week like clockwork forever- their prey just doesn't usually show up on "schedule".

    Furthermore, as male BPs mature, they tend to eat less than females, since they're not the ones that produce eggs & go through all that for reproduction.

    As long as you're not seeing any signs of illness in your BP, like noisy breathing (whistling, or crackling sounds) or bubbling in his mouth- as with an R.I.- I'd say just play along & wait him out.

    And remember, I'm not actually seeing your snake either (hint- it often helps to post pictures so we can be sure he doesn't appear to be at all underweight). But if nothing's actually wrong, then your boy is just growing up, IMO. Male BPs often do this, but it might be when they're 2 years, or 3, or 4....they're individuals, as is their growth rate. And some may never fast- hahaha! They like to keep us guessing.
    Last edited by Bogertophis; 05-02-2022 at 10:06 PM.
    Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.
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  4. #3
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    Re: I’ve finally have had my first few failed feedings…

    Quote Originally Posted by Bweiser18 View Post
    My boy has never skipped a meal since I’ve owned him at 140 grams. He is now a little over a year old and weighs 1200 grams.
    My male BP was exactly like this. Had him since he was 60 grams. Never missed a meal until he hit 1200 grams. Took a mini break (missed 2-3 feedings) but went back to his usual self. Now he will consistently eat, but will miss the occasional meal here and there.

    I feed every 2 weeks, using small rats (40-69 grams)

    It sounds like you have a pretty good feeder, and probably just need to dial it back now.

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  6. #4
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    Re: I’ve finally have had my first few failed feedings…



    - - - Updated - - -


  7. #5
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    Re: I’ve finally have had my first few failed feedings…

    Just uploaded 2 pics of my boy. At what point do you think I would have to resort to offering live prey?

  8. #6
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    Re: I’ve finally have had my first few failed feedings…

    Appreciate the feed back brother! Yes I definitely agree with dialing back the feeding schedule

  9. #7
    BPnet Veteran Homebody's Avatar
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    Re: I’ve finally have had my first few failed feedings…

    Quote Originally Posted by Bweiser18 View Post
    Just uploaded 2 pics of my boy. At what point do you think I would have to resort to offering live prey?
    I hope you don't mind me taking the liberty of adding the photos to the thread. Great pics, by the way.

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  11. #8
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    Re: I’ve finally have had my first few failed feedings…

    No problem! I appreciate it. I use an iPhone and I can never seem to get pics on here?

  12. #9
    Registered User AutumnVanilla's Avatar
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    Re: I’ve finally have had my first few failed feedings…

    It is easier to insert pictures if you use Tapatalk app with your phone.

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  14. #10
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    Re: I’ve finally have had my first few failed feedings…

    Quote Originally Posted by Bweiser18 View Post
    Just uploaded 2 pics of my boy. At what point do you think I would have to resort to offering live prey?
    There’s no need to feed live if your snake was already eating f/t. You also shouldn’t worry about a few missed meals at all. That animal could easily go a year without food and be just fine. I’ve had two BPs go off food for 8 & 12 months without any issues. Unless my eyes are deceiving me that snake looks extremely overweight. I don’t weigh my snakes but that’s a huge yearling BP. I’d feed him small meals every 4-6 weeks until he slimmed down significantly. Aside from being too chunky he’s a nice looking critter.
    3.0 Carpet Pythons, 1.1 Bullsnakes
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