Ball Python Cannot hold down rodent

[seercirra]

i just wanna say, in that video when it first tried to bite, i highly doubt its because of the camera. it was because you stood up too quickly and shocked him.
remember they cant see well, so moving around at that kind of range is gonna worry him, as he can tell that theres something big and warm infront of him, but cant see in detail where your going or what your doing. for all it knows, any sudden movement like that by you could be an attack lunge by a big cat or something lol, and ofcourse itll hiss out.

[guambomb832]

To kc261, I use a heat mat with two books on both sides of the screen top with tape on half of the screen(sticky side pointing out of the cage, not in). I am using a flukers hydrometer and thermometer combo and it usually says 77.6 degrees and 60% humidity. The hot spot measured was like 95 degrees with like 45% humidity. I will try the crumpled newspaper but when he starts eating, do I have to leave it there? Maybe some greenery will help because I can leave it once he eats again.

[thefifthdentist]

YouTube - Wild Ball Python Alah

So yah you say your snake wont eat. you should stress it out poke at it more with your pool cue..... i mean "snake hook"

Makes perfect sense to me really, snakes don't feed if they feel threatened or stressed so give em' a couple nice jabs with a snake hook *cough* pool cue and they'll calm right down.

[Nate]

Makes perfect sense to me really, snakes don't feed if they feel threatened or stressed so give em' a couple nice jabs with a snake hook *cough* pool cue and they'll calm right down.

There's already been one warning handed out. Consider this a generous second warning.

These comments are not helping out anyone at all.

[jamesa2580]

After following all the advice given (add hides, cover back and sides, leave him alone for at least a week or two, double check temps/humidity) I might suggest a live asf. Every ball python I've had that has gone off feed for one reason or another always goes for the live asf. Not sure if you have a store near you that sells them.

I know you said you didn't want to start feeding him asf's, but it's probably what he's most used to eating in the wild. Once he eats that, try the following week with an f/t small rat. If he goes for that, you're back on schedule.

He was stressed out for sure. Just be patient and give him some time and he'll come around. Remember also that they feed off your energy, so if you're nervous handling him, he'll sense it and be more stressed and likely to strike. Also once he's settled and you do start handling him, I would do just that - handle him with both hands gently and let him get to know you. Don't just set him down right away on an unfamiliar surface as he'll be stressed out right away. Let him crawl through your hands and give him good support. Limit it to a couple minutes and let him go back in his cage. Wait a few days and handle him again gently. Increase it my a minute or so each time and you'll find he's probably a pretty sweet guy. Just be patient and hang in there.

Thanks for seeking advice and good luck!

[_Venom_]

Try leave a frozen rat/mouse in the enclosure overnight.

[Haydenphoto]

YouTube - Wild Ball Python Alah

So yah you say your snake wont eat. you should stress it out poke at it more with your pool cue..... i mean "snake hook"

OMG dude your a moron why would you even think about doing that to him ! i have never had any of my balls even strike at me - NOT ONE TIME. You should not own a snake. You should give it to somebody that would love and take care of him !

[Haydenphoto]

There's already been one warning handed out. Consider this a generous second warning.

These comments are not helping out anyone at all.

Sorry nate i didnt see your post on the last warning just makes me upset to see any animal be treated like that

[twh]

Try leave a frozen rat/mouse in the enclosure overnight.

i'm sure you meant a thawed/warmed rodent ,correct?

once in a thread PAM (provent-a-mite) was being discussed and a reader thought it meant cooking oil.better safe than sorry.have fun!

[guambomb832]

One more time for everyone..... 4 months ago, first ball python, was scared.....you know the rest of it.....everyone is a peta member aren't they.