Hello! I'm a long time reader, first time poster.

I recently decided to try my hand at Ball Python breeding. My most recent pick up was a Pastel Piebald hatchling. I picked her up at a show for an amazing price. Almost too amazing... Now I know why. She's been refusing to eat for almost 2 weeks now. In my haste and excitement when I heard her price, I didn't even think to ask about her feeding habits. I just couldn't pull my wallet out fast enough. Lesson learned on that front...

She's 57 grams and becoming fairly skinny now. I've been alternating pinky rats and very small mouse crawlers every other day, but she's taken neither. I also leave for vacation in a week, for a week, and I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving without her having a meal in her. I have a few sitters who can feed while I'm gone, but none I would feel comfortable asking them to assist feed.

At what point should I give in and assist feed? Thank you in advance for any assistance.