Questions regarding eating and pooping

[Azaria]

Hey all! Today was the second time my new ball python ate! I fed him the Friday before last as well. I chose not to feed him last friday because he had not yet pooped.

Is that okay? I have read that you can get your ball to poop by giving him a bath but there's no reason to rush them, so I didn't bother. How long is too long without pooping?

The other question I was wondering about is... how much does it take to agitate your ball into regurgitating? The first time I fed him I did it in his cage because I was getting desperate. This time, I fed him in his feeding tank. I was a little worried that I'd bother him too much putting him back in his lovely home... obviously I'm over worrying, but is there any reason to?

Thanks everyone!

[stevepoppers]

Don't worry about how often he poops. They have an extremely slow metabolism, and absorb a lot more of their food than we do. He will poop when he's ready, just like you.

Feeding in a separate container is generally considered unnecessary and stressful. However, simply moving the snake should not cause problems.

[Azaria]

Also! I was wondering if it's imperative that a ball has bottom heat for digestion? I have an overhead light, with a hide beneath it that is identical to the hide on the cooler side.

[stevepoppers]

No, but it is highly recommended. See the results of this poll. Reading through a bit should tell you why.