I know that when kept in racks etc. balls generally seem to prefer smaller tubs where they are tucked away and feel secure. I have a newly acquired ball that has now been with me for about 3 weeks. She is not feeding. The previous owner fed both live mice and f/t rats (he bred his own rats, and when he ran out, he would buy mice because rats are not easily available around these parts unless in bulk).
In the three weeks I have tried to feed 3 times, once a week. First time was a f/t rat heated with tongs. No interest at all, in fact it looked kind of scared of it.
Second time tried a live rat while very closely supervised. No good.
Third time was a f/t rat scented with live rat (thawing in ziploc bag with rat bedding, and also rubbed on the live rat). No good. That same time I also tried a very small live rat.
I am not worried because she is quite big at almost 800 grams. But you know how it drives you nuts especially when that is the only one not feeding.
What I then found out when talking to the previous owner was that she was kept in a HUGE HUGE HUGE tank! WAAAY too big for a ball python. I figured a smaller tank is better and the guy agreed. But it ate in the huge tank and not here aparently. He only fed her once every 2 to 3 weeks though I found out.
I think she is just off feed, no matter what I try. She wasn't picky before.
Do some balls prefer bigger tanks instead?
hot end 90 cold end 80 humidity 60 yadda yadda...
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