I got this hatchling ball python in early December. Breeder says he was a slow starter- he was a little over 100g when I got him. I switched him over to f/t rats after getting him, and he's gained about 100g since that time.

Maybe it's just a wierd quirk or just something I haven't really seen before, but I've never had him strike his feeder. When I offer the rat, he slowly swings his neck around it and wraps. Only after it's "dead" does he put his mouth on it. This happens even if I use tongs to give the rat a "struggling response".

I keep him in a 16qt tub. Other than that, the set up is the same as my other two ball pythons. Basking temp is between 88-91, cool side is at 77. Humidity is around 70%. Reptichip for bedding, two snug hides on each side, and a water dish. I also have a small blanket over the top to provide extra security. I feed him every 5-7 days.

Is that kind of feeding response normal (normal being relative)? I usually have to hold the feeder vertical to his neck, then he wraps it as shown, and just...plops there. Is he just lazy, or is there something I can do to improve on my end?

This picture was during his feeding last week (Jan 6th) as an example. However, on this occasion he actually dropped the feeder after this process and ignored it when offered again. Didn't take this week either, so I'm thinking of doing a complete clean of his tub and trying again next week.

1.0 Pumpkin Pied "Dante", 1.0 Crystal Ball "Icarus", 1.0 Mystic Potion "Galahad"