In early November I bought a juvenile Blood Python from a relatively well-known breeder on Morphmarket. The python arrived safe, sound, and in good health on November 4th.

The breeder indicated that the python had eaten five meals. Two live mice to get him started and then he was switched to f/t small adult mice, which seems size appropriate.


The snake is housed in a 16 qt tub. 83F hotspot, cool side around 78F. Humidity depends on the day but is generally around 70%. Sometimes a bit higher, sometimes a bit lower. I'm using coconut husk bedding. Multiple hides, water bowl, a piece of butcher paper covering everything inside the enclosure for added measure and 3 sides of the tub are covered.


After 7 days I tried feeding the snake and he refused to eat. He showed absolutely no interest in the f/t adult mouse. I waited another 7 days and tried again. This time he ate, but only when the f/t mouse was dropped in the enclosure and he was left alone with it.


Since the snake ate, I figured it was time to start handling sessions so I handled him a few times over the next week.


The next feeding day he seemed absolutely uninterested in food again. I thought that it might be because of the handling sessions so I ceased handling him and waited another week.


This Tuesday was two weeks from the last time he successfully ate and again he didn't feed. He seems afraid of the mouse if I tong feed and didn't take it when left in the tub overnight.


I realize that two weeks isn't that long to go without food but I'd really like to get this guy eating on a consistent basis. I have a Borneo short tail that I bought in June and he'll eat anything at any time. I also have a hognose that rarely misses a meal, despite the fact that they are notorious for going on hunger strikes.


Any suggestions?


Since he has successfully eaten for me in the past should I just wait it out with the mindset that he'll eat again when he's hungry enough?


Should I try putting him in an even smaller enclosure? A 16qt tub seems appropriate, but it's possible he needs something smaller to feel secure enough to eat?


Appreciate any help or ideas you might be able to give.