Hunger Strike ???

[T's balls]

I have a pied ball that is 2 1/2 yrs old. Had her since 6 months old.
Never missed a meal,fed every 7-8 days.
She ate the week of Christmas '24 did not eat the following week ate 1 mouse the next week and has eaten only 2 mice since. One being 2 weeks ago.
I feed live, have wasted $ trying to feed f/t.
Other than eating only 2 mice in 3 1/2 months I cannot come up with anything to explain the not eating.
I have tried mice (different colors) rats both frozen and live, she refuses rats period.
I'm at my whits end. Any advice?

[Homebody]

It's most likely seasonal. 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.

[KingPythons]

Might you have opposite sex bps near? I know the frustration, currently dealing with this problem. Currently learning patience as well. Kinova on YouTube has a good video that explains this issue as well. For me it’s seasonal, im talking about my animals. Just check your set up and health of your bp. If all checks out than it could be a seasonal thing for you as well. Sucks though. I know !

[dakski]

Enclosure information (size, temps, humidity, etc.) would be helpful as would the weight and weight change (if any) for your snake.

BP's go on hunger strikes. It is a thing they do. Your BP is now at an age and probably a weight that she might start as well. My female did it yearly for a long time starting at about the same age (she turns 13 this year). She will still skip meals in the winter. She can fast all winter and lose less than 5% of her body weight. I do not sweat a healthy adult BP losing up to 10% of their body weight. Oh, and until it has been 6 months, again, assuming she is healthy, I would not worry.

Handle her only when necessary - cage cleans, etc. Keep fresh water in there and proper temps and she will (likely) come around.

IMO - you are feeding too frequently. Adult BP's should be fed appropriately sized meals every 2 weeks or so. Feeding frequently can cause hunger strikes.

Also, stress does not help. Feeding her when is not hungry is stressful for her. Offer 1X a month until she starts eating.

Now is not the time to try to switch to F/T or switch prey items. Wait until she is eating again and then try it. Once she is, I would try to switch to F/T and rats. Better all around.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[EL-Ziggy]

Enclosure information (size, temps, humidity, etc.) would be helpful as would the weight and weight change (if any) for your snake.

BP's go on hunger strikes. It is a thing they do. Your BP is now at an age and probably a weight that she might start as well. My female did it yearly for a long time starting at about the same age (she turns 13 this year). She will still skip meals in the winter. She can fast all winter and lose less than 5% of her body weight. I do not sweat a healthy adult BP losing up to 10% of their body weight. Oh, and until it has been 6 months, again, assuming she is healthy, I would not worry.

Handle her only when necessary - cage cleans, etc. Keep fresh water in there and proper temps and she will (likely) come around.

IMO - you are feeding too frequently. Adult BP's should be fed appropriately sized meals every 2 weeks or so. Feeding frequently can cause hunger strikes.

Also, stress does not help. Feeding her when is not hungry is stressful for her. Offer 1X a month until she starts eating.

Now is not the time to try to switch to F/T or switch prey items. Wait until she is eating again and then try it. Once she is, I would try to switch to F/T and rats. Better all around.

Good luck and keep us posted.

^^What he said.

[MichPlat]

I have a pied ball that is 2 1/2 yrs old. Had her since 6 months old.
Never missed a meal,fed every 7-8 days.
She ate the week of Christmas '24 did not eat the following week ate 1 mouse the next week and has eaten only 2 mice since. One being 2 weeks ago.
I feed live, have wasted $ trying to feed f/t.
Other than eating only 2 mice in 3 1/2 months I cannot come up with anything to explain the not eating.
I have tried mice (different colors) rats both frozen and live, she refuses rats period.
I'm at my whits end. Any advice?

As people have said .. Royal Pythons can and do go on hunger strikes !!


I bought a 2.6 Kg High White Pied Royal that didn’t eat for over 15 Months !!!

After trying every known rodent ( plus chicks)!

It finally broke the fast after I left 3 chick heads in a dish overnight
!!

Incidentally you can feed frozen thawed extremely easily by using the tried and trusted HAIRDRYER method !!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bogertophis]

...It finally broke the fast after I left 3 chick heads in a dish overnight...

And knowing BPs (aka "royal pains" -jkg) the fact that yours finally ate chick heads was probably mere coincidence- he was just ready to eat again. I've previously known (& was frustrated by) about 10 BPs, for various lengths of time.

[MichPlat]

And knowing BPs (aka "royal pains" -jkg) the fact that yours finally ate chick heads was probably mere coincidence- he was just ready to eat again. I've previously known (& was frustrated by) about 10 BPs, for various lengths of time.

Yeah
Quite possibly


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk