Feeding question

[Reptile King]

I have a hatchling normal ball python that was hatched approximately two months ago. I have fed him three live hoppers and he gobbled them all down (in a three week period). Afterwards, I made the switch to frozen thawed mice. Although he has eaten frozen thawed he seems picky as to when he eats them. I feed my female normal, who was hatched in April of 2009, every five days and I get aggressive feeding responses 98% of the time.

I have tried to get my male on a 5 day feeding schedule but he will not have it. He seems to prefer every 7 days. The last two times I offered food on the 5th day he approched the mouse and smelled it like a dog would. Afterwards, he will slither away. On the 7th day he will attack the mouse like he has not eaten in several months! What gives?

On the 5th day I prescented the room. He exited his hide and began roaming. I was thinking that he smelled the food the was ready to eat. Not the case.

I have zero problems feeding on the 7th day but was just curious why he will not eat two days earlier? I am not in dire straights I am just curious.

Also, is it common for hatchlings to go off of food during their first winter or is this an adult thing?

[seeya205]

Each snake is different! Whatever works for your snake, do it! You should switch to rat pups because one of those will fill him up!

[psycho]

Probably still full from the other one at the 5th day & on the 7th is already gone down...some hatchlings would some won't...my normal is a juvenile & hasn't gone off feeding during winter but my pastel goes off & resumes like on feb or march...

[Neal]

A lot of snakes won't eat on a 5 day feeding schedule, yet some snakes will. It all depends on the size of the snake versus the size of the meal. Do you have an particular reason to keep them on a 5 day schedule rather then a 7 day schedule?