Some Good News!

[RosieReal]

So, I have had my ball python for about a week now. She wasnt in the best shape when she showed up here, having come from less than ideal situation.
Last night was the first time I've attempted to feed her, and as I have yet to see her even come out of the hide (although my boyfriend has seen her explore a bit) I was unsure how much interest in food she was going to show.
I defrosted her food like I do for the cornsnake (using hot tap water), and put the sub-adult mouse she came with, plus an 11g hopper (she was not being fed size appropriate food, or enough or often enough.). I left them on a paper towel infront of her hide, covered the viv and left her alone for the night.
This morning, no sign of EITHER food item.
From this point on, I will probably be feeding every 5-7 days (on reccomendation from my intro thread, she's kinda thin).
I was just happy with the success. Shes a nervous snake to begin with and I was wondering how she was settling in, but I've been leaving her strictly alone for the past week.
Of course, the first thing I did when I woke up was check, and seeing that she ate made my day and i wanted to share.
Hope everyone else's day is going just as nicely.

[cllong23]

That is awesome! Congrats!

[Kaorte]

Ball pythons are secretive snakes. Hiding all the time is actually a very good sign. They are more likely to eat if they have been hiding for a week than if they have been cruising for a week.
You didn't say how old the snake is or how much it weighed but I bet hoppers are too small. I would just start with adult mice.

[Joey'D]

sounds like a start, and a start is a good place to begin a new healthy and caring life with your new Ball

congrats on the feeding, and best of luck with the next time.
im sure within a few weeks your ball will be exploring and hanging out more often.

one thing i read in your post about how you defrosted the mouse, i normally just leave mine out for a few hours, and then rinse it off.
i dont like the idea of using too much hot water, as snakes cannot digest cooked meat, and running hot water over the rat can run the risk of slightly cooking the food, just a thought.

[Kysenia]

Nothing better then a new arrivals first successful feed! Grats!

[Chocolate Muffin's]

I know the joy,congrats!

[Boanerges]

Yay Congrats!!!!!!

[CritterVet]

one thing i read in your post about how you defrosted the mouse, i normally just leave mine out for a few hours, and then rinse it off.
i dont like the idea of using too much hot water, as snakes cannot digest cooked meat, and running hot water over the rat can run the risk of slightly cooking the food, just a thought.

I think this is hooey. Digestion of meat is a matter of breaking up the proteins in the stomach and intestines using enzymes that clip up peptides. The protein being cooked is going to make this process easier if anything.

My recommendation is to defrost rodents in the refrigerator overnight and then put them in warm water or under a heat lamp briefly to get them up to temp before feeding. The longer a dead rodent is left at room temperature (or warmer), the more microbes in the GI tract are going to replicate, and the more foul it becomes.

[Karbon]

It's a great feeling when they eat for the first time. Lets you know you're doing something right! Congrats.

[RosieReal]

Thanks everyone.