off food?

[lizlopez]

First off I am new to Balls so try to to rip me a new one

I was gifted an adult ball python about 3 months ago. it is about 4.5 ft long and was 1700g when I got it. the person who had it had only been feeding about 1X every 4-6 week so I started feeding med rats every week after some advice from here. Was also told he did not eat F/T but that is what I fed and he seemed fine with it. about 1 month ago he was a bit off for eating but I left the rat and he ate it before I came back the next day but since then has not eaten. He comes out acting interested in the rat but does not strike and had not eaten. I know that males can go on a fast in breeding season but that is not for a few months right? I checked his temps and he was a bit cold so I increased the size of his CHE. Any advice and when do I give a live rat to see if he will eat that?

[Lolo76]

Actually, the breeding season is getting underway now, so it could be a seasonal fast. Some of my males go off feed in the fall/winter, while the females tend to fast in the spring (and while gravid)... but it differs for every snake, as this year I had 2 males who fasted for 6 months from March-Sept. And I still have no idea why! That's just typical Python behavior, and I wouldn't worry unless the weight drops drastically - like 25%. And of course if he shows any signs of illness, such as respiratory sounds, mucus, lethargy, etc.

P.S. Wouldn't hurt to offer a live rat, as he might just be bored with f/t. You could also try feeding every 10 days instead, since he was used to eating less frequently... a 10-day schedule should be fine for an adult male.

[Skittles1101]

I have two "breedable" males right now that are off feed. I'd say just offer every 7-10 days as normal and when he's hungry he'll take it. It may be seasonal like it seems to be with mine, not sure how they know what time of year it is but they do. I only have one male that's taking food consistently still

[kitedemon]

My males are just starting to get spotty as well. One off all together and two that always take skipped one and taken one. I expect that they will stop all together soon. Check the temps and check his weight and just offer as Lgrey said and pop him on the scale every now and again some weight loss is expected but I be concerned if it was more than 15%.

[bivman]

First off I am new to Balls so try to to rip me a new one

I was gifted an adult ball python about 3 months ago. it is about 4.5 ft long and was 1700g when I got it. the person who had it had only been feeding about 1X every 4-6 week so I started feeding med rats every week after some advice from here. Was also told he did not eat F/T but that is what I fed and he seemed fine with it. about 1 month ago he was a bit off for eating but I left the rat and he ate it before I came back the next day but since then has not eaten. He comes out acting interested in the rat but does not strike and had not eaten. I know that males can go on a fast in breeding season but that is not for a few months right? I checked his temps and he was a bit cold so I increased the size of his CHE. Any advice and when do I give a live rat to see if he will eat that?

My 1150 gram male has been off for two months now. I just keep offering every week. My female did it last year for 4 months, it sucks when you are trying to get them up to breeding weight, but it;s just part of the ball python thing that you learn to accept. Like everyone said, just keep tracking the weight..

[Salamander Rising]

I have two "breedable" males right now that are off feed. I'd say just offer every 7-10 days as normal and when he's hungry he'll take it. It may be seasonal like it seems to be with mine, not sure how they know what time of year it is but they do. I only have one male that's taking food consistently still

The "male" I got at a show [everyone who's checked says it's a female] who supposedly ate F/T but won't was sent to the local herp pro to be 'taught to eat F/T'.

It didn't work.

The snake knows the difference and reuses F/T regardless of what sort of clever tricks are used and the pro was surprised because he's never not been able to switch a snake.

So I brought him/her home and now it won't even eat live.

I am doing what another BP member suggested by not handling, keeping secluded in small, comforting enclosure, etc but I'm becoming extremely worried.

My formerly friendly and outgoing snake is now jittery and nervous, won't eat, even though he/she acts interested and has to be hungry by now, since it's been at least 3 weeks since it ate.

I'm at a loss.

Can snakes develop a "food phobia" or something?

It watches the mouse run around but as soon as the mouse gets near it, it ducks back into its hide and won't come out.
The mouse actually went to sleep in the hide with the snake.

Previously, the snake would've nailed it instantly but not now.

I love the snake dearly but it's been one problem after another, starting with the gross misrepresentation of its feeding habits to seal the sale.

[the gender confusion issue is just more to be annoyed about]

I don't know what to do for him/her and I'm terrified it will never eat again.

I'm going to try smaller prey, perhaps even little non-threatening hoppers to build its confidence back up and stimulate its feeding response.

I don't know what else to do.

[Skittles1101]

Salamander, is your ball an adult?

[logomaster]

my female sometime do the same thing.i dont think it because of gender.try check your setup again,n if nothing wrong but she still dont eat,bring your snake to the vet.

[Salamander Rising]

Salamander, is your ball an adult?

No.

Hatched in May.

Not even 6 months old yet.

[Skittles1101]

I'd say there may be an issue of stress then for her to go off feed...