well my ball is going on 8 years old. i am use to her every year now not eating for decent spells (over 9 months). but she was always shedding healthy and still growing and active. but when she decides to eat... SHE EATS. but here lately she has been eating as if she is preparing for somethin(every three days now-for three weeks-2 medium rats). i read somewhere that they eat like when they are ready to mate. im not sure if she is or not, but my fiance asked me a question that i had no clue to the answer. if she is ready to reproduce, and i dont mate her, will she be unhappy/sad? i know that may seem weird that i am asking but she is like my baby and i dont really want her to be stressed. any insight would be helpful..... thanks Rome