Hello, my name is Julie and I am a first time ball python owner (though not by choice) I have always loved snakes, but have never owned one because Ive never had the interest of learning to care for them. Then one day, about a month ago my sister arrived with a cardboard box and a little 15inch or so ball python. Since then I have turned into its mayor caregiver.

I have tried reading up on everything and anything to do with pythons yet this little snake has been a huge worry for me. The pet shop said he/she was eating once a week, frozen mice. I went to another petshop and they said we could start her on hoppers and work our way up so she could eat live prey. I preferred this method as I panick at even the thought of dealing with dead animals, and I kind of enjoy watching snakes hunt lol.

First time she fed, but only after I left the room. Second time, same thing. Third time, after 3 days of trying to get her to eat she did. But she refuses to eat, seems scared of her prey and hides. Today she got bit and boy is it nasty

She still has not finished shedding, still has skin on her head and neck and is always lethargic. The pet shop where I buy the mice have ball pythons and they are active, moving from side to side, trying to escape etc. Ive thought about buying a frozen mouse, or even conking the live one over the head (sounds cruel sorry, im too chicken to do it anyway) and trying to feed her but Im positive she will refuse it as well, then i'll be stuck with a rotting mouse.

I dont know what to do anymore, I didnt ask to have her in my care but I would still like to do whats best for her! Please help