I think this is a husbandry problem which can be easily fixed.
Your hot side temp should be closer to 33-34*C. This is a temp that they need in order to digest their food properly. This can be obtained with a Under tank heater being controlled by a thermostat. You must control any heat source that you use or else you could burn your snake.

How are you measuring your temps? What kind of thermometers? You should be using digital thermometers with a probe to get the most accurate readings. The stick on gauges and strips are garbage and are extremely inaccurate.

What kind of hides are you using? Ball pythons are very secretive and if they don't feel safe and hidden, they might not eat. Half log hides are NOT recommended because they are very open. Instead, try to get some rock cave type hides with a small opening. Your snake should fit snugly inside.

Also, tank size can have a lot to do with it. In a big tank, a bp can feel very exposed. Sometimes moving them to a smaller enclosure will make them feel safer. Adding a bunch of fake plants to "clutter it up" will also help make him feel more secure.


If you fix all of these things and he still isn't eating within a month, he might just be looking for a mate. This isn't a problem then. He will start eating when he needs to. On that note, are you sure it is male? Females go off feed more often than males.

Good luck!