When is the breeding season (hunger strike) over?

[Hapa_Haole]

My unsexed ball of 3 years hasn't eaten in a couple of months after never missing a meal. Considering that nothing has changed carewise, I'm blaming the breeding season.

So when should I expect him/her to stop worrying about making babies and start eating again?

Thanks,
Dennis

[RichsBallPythons]

How are they setup. Most dont start their fasting periods for winter till around this time.

If hes already been fasting for months sounds more like stress related.

Need pictures of the setup. And how big of prey and how often

[steveboos]

Well if it is just a breeding related issue, then in early spring is when you should expect them to start eating again.

I am with Rich, that is a little early for him/her to stop eating. My female just stopped eating 2 weeks ago and this is usual for her, but yours is quite early.

[Hapa_Haole]

Hmm that's a bit troubling. She's been in the same setup for over a year. 32qt tub, 2 hides, 90F warm side/82F cool side temps (measured by a heat gun), small f/t rat every 7 days.

Any thoughts on what could be stressing her out now?

I don't have a pics of the setup, but this video shows it. She's quite a bit bigger now so the hides fit her more snugly. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmB1Jyifw_w

Thanks,
Dennis

[RichsBallPythons]

If the tub is setup like that still in the video i would drop to one only. cat litter pans t hat size are good for snakes over 1400gs.

So could be the hides taking up entire cage with no real comfort in the cage.

[steveboos]

Oh wow, what a cramped house! I know you are following the careguides to the T, but sometimes only one hide is necessary. I would take out on and put a nice big bowl of water in there for her and leave it at that.

[Hapa_Haole]

Funny you mentioned that because I thought she was a bit cramped too. For a month I only had 1 hide in (the cat litter pan), and right now I'm using one cat litter pan and a smaller hide that allows space for a water bowl.

I think I'll try taking out the cat litter pan so she only has one hide. Should I leave the remaining hide on the warm or cool side?

Thanks,
Dennis

[RichsBallPythons]

Keep it on the warm side and while their in it they will move it as they see fit.

[blushingball419]

Yeah, it seems like she's probably a bit cramped in there, so hopefully removing one of those hides will do the trick!!

Beautiful snakes by the way! Your bp reminds me of my girl, very laid back and she's about the same size. And that short tail is really awesome looking!!

[Hapa_Haole]

Yeah, it seems like she's probably a bit cramped in there, so hopefully removing one of those hides will do the trick!!

Beautiful snakes by the way! Your bp reminds me of my girl, very laid back and she's about the same size. And that short tail is really awesome looking!!

Thanks! My BP is actually quite a bit bigger now and believe it or not the STP isn't far behind after only one year of growth. I can't believe he used to be able to cram himself in that small water bowl because he sure is FAT now!

Dennis