Question about getting our new ball to eat?

[M&J in NC]

We just picked up a '98 normal female that has not eaten since Feb 23. We offered her a medium rat yesterday because that's what we were told she eats, but she didn't eat. In fact, she avoided the rat and it's been 3 weeks since her last meal.

I have a few questions...

1. We weighed her on a bathroom scale, she weighs 3.5 lbs and she's 4' long. How often should she eat?

2. If I can't get her to eat soon, how long before I should start to worry?

3. Her prior owners told us that she eats live medium rats, but she also has scars from were rats have been left in with her for days. She acted afraid of the rat yesterday, should I keep offering her live or should I try F/T?

Thanks

[DutchHerp]

First of all, three weeks is NOTHING.

You have nothing at all to worry about yet, especially with her being that big.

You can start to worry after a few months, maybe half a year.

Are the scars recent? If so, she might be a little spooked. Try again in 1-2 weeks. Eventually she should start eating again.

Mind you, BPs are notorious for just going on feeding strikes for no reason.

[M&J in NC]

No, the scars are not fresh.

Thanks for the reply

[waltah!]

I second that you probably don't have any cause to worry at this point. It may take a while for her to feel comfortable in her new digs. She can go a long time at her size without feeding. I know that most of mine are not eating much this time of the year, but i'm sure they will pick up again when they are ready. Oh, and pics are a must! LOL

[DutchHerp]

I forgot to add, pictures of your setups with details on it might also help!

[M&J in NC]

Dutch,
If you want to see pics of her "old" setup, check this out.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=87165

[DutchHerp]

Oh.dear.god. That's freaking horrible.

Just get her settled in and wait like, 2 weeks, and then offer a smaller food item.