Snake won't eat

[Champagn3]

Hey guys, just got a banana ball python two weeks ago, well tomorrow(Friday) will be two weeks. Breeder has a very good reputation and my friend has two snakes by the breeder and they both eat fine and are healthy. He's 505gs but won't eat. I'm trying to feed him outside of his cage in a separate tub for a couple of reasons. I've heard stories of the rat going after the snake and taking a good chunk out of some. My friend also feeds outside of his cage and both of his eat perfectly fine. I put Loki in the box and he immediately goes up the side and out the box. Today I tried again and same thing. He was out of the box before I even got the rat in there. And last week the rat ran up to him and he struck the right and wanted out of the box right away. He didn't strike to eat more of letting the rat know get away from me. Any suggestions? Thanks again! Looking forward to posting photos soon!

[MontyAndMelissa]

Try feeding in tank, and try frozen thawed. He may be afraid of live! Moving the snake to a different feeding area just stresses them out. Just try in the tank once, worst case, he won't eat, best case, he eats. If he doesn't eat live in his tank remove the rat. DO NOT LEAVE THE RAT AND SNAKE ALONE TOGETHER.

[Sonny1318]

If you are going to feed out of his cage. You should have a separate enclosure/ tank that is not open (a lid/top something that will keep them in there).

[Champagn3]

All he's been fed his whole life is live rats. How long should I leave the rat in the tank? I would just like to avoid feeding in his tank. Could I get a separate tank to feed him in? I know the guys gotta be hungry, he's on the prowl day and night lately. Also if I do have to feed in his tank (which is last case scenario for me) what do I do if the rat goes after him?

[Champagn3]

Does the separate tank and enclosure need to have bedding and decor and a hide? Can it just be a tank? I can pick one up today. If he is in a 20L should it be a 10gallon or something different? Sorry for all the questions I just feel stupid and this is my third try tonight will be my fourth.

[200xth]

You don't need a seperate enclosure to feed him in. Feed him in his regular enclosure. There's no need for a seperate feeding tank.

[Albert Clark]

All he's been fed his whole life is live rats. How long should I leave the rat in the tank? I would just like to avoid feeding in his tank. Could I get a separate tank to feed him in? I know the guys gotta be hungry, he's on the prowl day and night lately. Also if I do have to feed in his tank (which is last case scenario for me) what do I do if the rat goes after him?

Snakes have their own personalities and just because feeding in a separate enclosure works for your friend doesn't mean its going to work for you, me or anyone else. IMO, I would wait another week and feed very late at night in his enclosure. Make sure its very quiet and try not to even let the bp know you are opening the enclosure. I also wouldn't handle him for the next week. Then drop the prey item into the enclosure and see if that works. Peace

[Champagn3]

I'd like to make this my last option if possible. Wait another week would making it 3 weeks with no food for the guy that doesn't seem like fun for anyone especially since he is on the prowl day and night for food

[Albert Clark]

I'd like to make this my last option if possible. Wait another week would making it 3 weeks with no food for the guy that doesn't seem like fun for anyone especially since he is on the prowl day and night for food

The more he is on the prowl the more secure and familiar he will become with the enclosure! He is not a hatchling, at 505 gms he has some reserves. Remember he is a snake, they are known to go long periods without food. 1 more week is not too long.

[Champagn3]

Would not waiting another week hurt any?