It is not uncommon for a ball python to take a week or two off of feeding. (I believe the record is somewhere near 24 months...) Although that is NOT a good thing, a few weeks off here and there creates no problem for the snake. There are some tricks like leaving a frozen thawed rat in with your snake in a closed container inside its cage over night etc.... however NEVER leave a live rodent in with your snake without your supervision... It is common for new snake owners to freak out about their reptile not eating but it is important to remember they aren't like us, they can easily go two or three weeks without food.