I only started building up my collection of ball pythons a year ago (keep and breed plently of other snakes / lizards) and most ate fine up until the last few months.

I've heard from plenty of sources that they somethings hit a feeding wall at around 1KG in weight, and then slow down abit. Ive got a female pastel at 750g who is still eating like a pig, but my male spider who used to be my best feeder has become really picky since passing about 500g (he is now around 670g) and has not eaten for a month. Is this likely to be his age and the fact he is becomming sexually mature? Would have though it would be abit early to be a breeding season fast. Not worried yet since I have heard them fasting for upto 8 months or so but it is anoying / frustrating!

Also have a normal female who will strike and then leave it, strike then leave it over and over again (she will eventually eat it sometimes), any tips of how to make her a more consistant feeder?

Should also point out that they are fed defrost, I'm over in the UK and thats how its done here. I do breed mice so could try live mice, but would prefer to keep them on rats.

They are all kepts in tubs in a rack with plenty of hides. 92* hot spots, 80* cool end.