Snake refuse F/T and live, what can I do?

[RichsBallPythons]

I have to disagree with all the post so far.

1) You should handle your python at least once every 2-3 days after purchasing him.

2) Try feeding in a separate cage at night and try only thawed mice and heat it up with a hair dryer.. Try feeding him once a week and if he does not take it than try live mice. I would not try every day one than the other.

3) Size of the cage make no sense... Python are born in the Wild and have an extremely large area where they are found. If size really was an issue I do not think they would have survived and they would be extinct ..

4) If your python refuses food after 4 weeks I would take him to an exotic vet and they may need to force feed him. Once they get older they can go much longer with food. Do not give up.. You snake will eat when it is ready. I have a captive breed python who is also picky and she goes 4 weeks at times without eating.

I think you should take a look at the care sheets too. You have much to learn young grasshopper

1. No you should NEVER handle a snake when first buying it. They need accumulation periods to adjust ot the new smells.

2. Feed in the enclosure, moving from one cage to another is enough to cause refusals. Feeding in their home is enough to keep them relaxed and comfortable to eat.3

3.Size of the cage makes HUGE sense, ball pythons are not free roaming snakes in the wild of Africa. They live in SMALL tight holes like termite mounds in the ground. They barely come out and spend 80%+ of their life hiding.

4. 4 weeks is nothing to make a vet trip for, seriously what kind of advice is this. Sounds like a petco employee