I have a hatchling normal ball python that was hatched approximately two months ago. I have fed him three live hoppers and he gobbled them all down (in a three week period). Afterwards, I made the switch to frozen thawed mice. Although he has eaten frozen thawed he seems picky as to when he eats them. I feed my female normal, who was hatched in April of 2009, every five days and I get aggressive feeding responses 98% of the time.

I have tried to get my male on a 5 day feeding schedule but he will not have it. He seems to prefer every 7 days. The last two times I offered food on the 5th day he approched the mouse and smelled it like a dog would. Afterwards, he will slither away. On the 7th day he will attack the mouse like he has not eaten in several months! What gives?

On the 5th day I prescented the room. He exited his hide and began roaming. I was thinking that he smelled the food the was ready to eat. Not the case.

I have zero problems feeding on the 7th day but was just curious why he will not eat two days earlier? I am not in dire straights I am just curious.

Also, is it common for hatchlings to go off of food during their first winter or is this an adult thing?