Young BP won t eat :(

[Joci]

I've had my young ball python, Fírnen, for 12 days (since Aug. 8th) and he hasn't eaten the small f/t mice I have offered him. I waited 7 days after receiving him before offering him the first mouse that he rejected. I waited a couple more days and offered him another mouse which he also rejected. Last night I tried one more time to feed him, I even left the mouse in all night, but he still rejected it. He seems afraid of the mouse and he will only sniff it tentatively before retreating to his one of his hides. I emailed the people I ordered him from, asking what type of prey he was offered in their care. They said that he was fed live hopper mice. I am not comfortable with feeding live, so does anyone have any advice on how to get him to recognize f/t as food? Also, my only husbandry problem seems to be my humidity issue (as seen in my last post). Is this affecting his eating?

[Joci]

Also, I did make the mistake of handling him before attempting to feed.. I know this was a mistake, so please don't give me a hard time about it friends

[Craiga 01453]

The number one reason snakes won't eat is stress. So, we need to make sure the husbandry is on point, first and foremost. Then we make sure the animal has proper hides and feels secure. Lastly, as you already addressed, you want to leave the snake alone.

Once you've gone ahead with all this, then you can attempt to feed. Until the above are all in order, you're probably looking at more refusals.

As for switching over to F/T from live, there are different methods and techniques, and switching will probably take some time and effort on your part.
There are plenty of threads throughout this forum you can read through and study while making sure your husbandry is on point, your snake feels safe and secure, and you give the animal time to acclimate and feel comfortable.

[Booper]

First of all what is your husbandry like? Most snakes will only eat if husbandry is spot on, so a hot spot of 91F with a cool side of 78F, humidity of about 55%-60%. Second, have you been heating the mouse? If the snake is used to live, it will be used to recieving warm prey. I heat mine up by running the head under a hot tap, but you can also use a hairdryer. I'm not sure of the temp it should be exact, I just go until it feels warm to the touch. Try dangling it in front and wiggling it, making it look alive.
Also I hold my babies before feeding... I didn't know you wern't supposed to, and I've only had 2 meals refused in the near year I'v been a snake owner.
Best of luck!

[RickyNY]

Live mouse: 100F. Dead mouse: 70F. = Snake is like

Live mouse: 100F. Dead mouse: 100F. = Snake is like

[Booper]

Live mouse: 100F. Dead mouse: 70F. = Snake is like

Live mouse: 100F. Dead mouse: 100F. = Snake is like

Basically

[Joci]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I'll improve my husbandry, heat the mouse up more, and see how it goes

[Booper]

I mean, do you have any pictures of your setup? Do you know what your temps are? Maybe we can help you with it

[Stewart_Reptiles]

What you are not comfortable with does not matter, your priority is to get him to eat and than switch, trying to switch an animal while it is adjusting will be a lot more difficult than adjusting and animal that is already well established in your care.

Do this to a T https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-hatchling-101

[Sunnieskys]

Live mouse: 100F. Dead mouse: 70F. = Snake is like

Live mouse: 100F. Dead mouse: 100F. = Snake is like

best post ever! Lol