31 year old ball python

[MkMakie]

My 31 year old ball python that I’ve had since I was two years old has killed the last two rats but then hasn’t even tried to eat them! I know she can be picky but I’ve never know her to to do this, normally she would just hide from a rat if she didn’t want it. Any advice would be so appreciated

[Homebody]

There are lots of reasons why a ball python might not eat. This is an excerpt from our caresheet.

WHY WON'T MY SNAKE EAT?
In almost all cases, a ball python refuses to eat due to husbandry issues. Especially a young one. If your snake misses more than 2-3 meals (sometimes they won't want to eat while in shed) please check the following possible causes:

Lack of Security -- No hides, or hides that are too large or exposed (ie: half logs). They prefer dark, tight hides they barely fit into. Also, if the enclosure is too large, or too open (glass) or in a high traffic area with a lot of loud noise or movement. Another snake in the same enclosure can also cause serious security issues.

Over Handling -- Frequent intrusions into the enclosure, changes to the enclosure, and/or long frequent handling sessions can cause a shy snake to feel vulnerable and refuse to eat.

Improper Temps -- Temps that are too high or too low, or temps that fluctuate too much. Make sure you have an accurate and consistent read on your temps.

Improper Lighting -- Bright white lights shining directly into the enclosure, or 24 hour lighting can cause stress. Make sure there is some sort of day/night cycle.

Offering New Prey -- Changing prey species (ie: mice to rats) or methods (ie: live to f/t) can cause refusal. Such changes can be made, but may require patience and persistence.

Improper Offering of Prey -- Offering prey too frequently can do more harm than good. If a snake refuses, do not attempt to feed again for a week. Also, changing environments by moving to a feeding-box or removing hides and "furniture" can cause refusal in these shy snakes.

Prey Too Large -- Too large an item may intimidate a snake and cause refusal, or even a regurgitation if it is eaten. Also, if a ball python has eaten large meals in the past, it can cause a sudden an indefinite period of fasting.

Mites -- An external parasite common to snakes that must be treated and eradicated. A product called Provent-a-Mite (P.A.M.) is the safest and most effective method.

Seasonal -- Sexually mature ball pythons may fast for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months during their mating season (typically anywhere from late fall to early spring) especially if a sexually mature snake of the opposite sex is in close proximity.

Illness -- If all other possible reasons are eliminated, a vet check may be in order to look for internal parasites, as well as possible infections to the skin, scales, mouth or respiratory system.

Fortunately, ball pythons are extremely hardy snakes that can go for months (if necessary) of fasting without suffering any ill effects. This gives a responsible keeper plenty of time to figure out why the snake refuses to eat and get them on a regular, consistent feeding regimen.

Any of those seem likely?

[Malum Argenteum]

" normally she would just hide from a rat if she didn’t want it"

If she's being fed when she's not asking for a meal with any sort of regularity, it may be that she's simply overfed. Grabbing prey seems like it can sometimes be sort of automatic (annoyingly so in some snakes, those that investigate the world with their mouths), so a snake may well grab/contrict/kill a prey item without actually being in feeding mode. Could be your snake is just on a "feeding strike" with a twist.

[Bogertophis]

I'll add one thing: snakes get old, & when they do, they eat less & shed less frequently. Your snake, if 31 years old, is elderly & most likely her appetite (& metabolism) have just naturally slowed down. You might think about feeding with longer intervals between meals, feeding smaller prey items, or maybe both, as a strategy to match what your snake actually needs.

Keep in mind that none of us are actually seeing your snake, & even with pictures online, we cannot rule out that something else is wrong, causing your snake to refuse food. We can't rule out that she is ill, in some way, so it's on you to take her to see a qualified herp vet.

But I think it's more likely that your snake just doesn't need to eat as much as you've been expecting her to eat at this time in her life, or else you've failed to keep her home warm enough- when a snake senses it's winter, they instinctively refuse food so they don't die from food rotting in their stomach that they're unable to digest. Have you double-checked the temperatures in her enclosure? Please do...sometimes even the best equipment wears out & fails.

[Homebody]

My 31 year old ball python ...

Kudos! I'm super impressed. You're halfway to the record.


Good luck.

[bcr229]

I'll add one thing: snakes get old, & when they do, they eat less & shed less frequently. Your snake, if 31 years old, is elderly & most likely her appetite (& metabolism) have just naturally slowed down. You might think about feeding with longer intervals between meals, feeding smaller prey items, or maybe both, as a strategy to match what your snake actually needs.

This. I have a male BRB that is 25+ years old (he was an import so we're going by his estimated age when he was brought into the US). Up until last year he was an eating machine along with all my other BRB's. Last winter and now this winter he's started refusing so he gets smaller feeders but on the same schedule.

[Mr. Misha]

So to recap: feed smaller meals and less often. Don't worry you won't starve her. One of my girls goes off feed during the winter for about 3-4 months.

Also, I've noticed that smaller meals make feedings more consistent.

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