Ball python not eating.

[LeahMichelle]

Hey guys my 4 and ahalf old male python wont eat.. he hasn't eaten since January... we have left him in the feeding container with the rat for an hour before and still nothing.. it's like he is afraid of the rat... he hasn't really lost weight before but now he looks like he is getting skinny.... we've even tried to piss him off with the rat by dangling it in his face and stuff and nothing... help.. and i really hope i don't have to take him to the Vet.

Any Advice?

[R_lopez]

What are his temps on the cool side and hot side how many hides what's the humidity??

[LeahMichelle]

hot spot is 90 and his cool spot is 76-81. and he has 2 hides and i spray his tank once a day. so his humidity is at 70 or so.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

we've even tried to piss him off with the rat by dangling it in his face and stuff and nothing... help

No it definitely does not help it will only need to more refusal

In most cases refusal are husbandry / stress related and for sexually mature male going of food is not abnormal at all either.

1. A run down on your husbandry, enclosure size, temps, humidity (how you measure them as well), hides etc would help. Also handling frequency.

2. Has the animal ever ate for you and was he a consistent feed and if so on what type of prey.

3. Feed him in his enclosure BP are easily prone to stress and something as simple as feeding in another outside the enclosure can lead to refusal.

4. Assuming the animal has a good body weight this length of time without food is not something I would really worry about.

[R_lopez]

Don't piss him off with the rat that just causes stress and if he's stressed he will not eat

[Homegrownscales]

I agree any ball that is refusing is just going to get stressed out by you dangling food in his face. Give him at least a week and then try a live prey item that is appropriate for his size.
Stop all unnecessary handling. I hope you have a scale bc you should be recording any weighs, feedings, sheds, regurges, and defecations. This will give you a better background if he needs to go to The vet in the future.

Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com

[JLC]

From our Caresheet:

WHY WON'T MY SNAKE EAT?
In almost all cases, a ball python refuses to eat due to husbandry issues. Especially a young one. If your snake misses more than 2-3 meals (sometimes they will not want to eat while in shed) please check the following possible causes:

Lack of Security -- No hides, or hides that are too large or exposed (ie: half logs). They prefer dark, tight hides they barely fit into. Also, if the enclosure is too large, or too open (glass) or in a high traffic area with a lot of loud noise or movement. Another snake in the same enclosure can also cause serious security issues.

Over Handling -- Frequent intrusions into the enclosure, changes to the enclosure, and/or long frequent handling sessions can cause a shy snake to feel vulnerable and refuse to eat.

Improper Temps -- Temps that are too high or too low, or temps that fluctuate too much. Make sure you have an accurate and consistent read on your temps.

Improper Lighting -- Bright white lights shining directly into the enclosure, or 24 hour lighting can cause stress. Make sure there is some sort of day/night cycle.

Offering New Prey -- Changing prey species (ie: mice to rats) or methods (ie: live to f/t) can cause refusal. Such changes can be made, but may require patience and persistence.

Improper Offering of Prey -- Offering prey too frequently can do more harm than good. If a snake refuses, do not attempt to feed again for a week. Also, changing environments by moving to a feeding-box or removing hides and "furniture" can cause refusal in these shy snakes.

Prey Too Large -- Too large an item may intimidate a snake and cause refusal, or even a regurgitation if it is eaten. Also, if a ball python has eaten large meals in the past, it can cause a sudden an indefinite period of fasting.

Mites -- An external parasite common to snakes that must be treated and eradicated. A product called Provent-a-Mite (P.A.M.) is the safest and most effective method.

Seasonal -- Sexually mature ball pythons may fast for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months during their mating season (typically anywhere from late fall to early spring) especially if a sexually mature snake of the opposite sex is in close proximity.

Illness -- If all other possible reasons are eliminated, a vet check may be in order to look for internal parasites, as well as possible infections to the skin, scales, mouth or respiratory system.

Fortunately, ball pythons are extremely hardy snakes that can go for months (if necessary) of fasting without suffering any ill effects. This gives a responsible keeper plenty of time to figure out why the snake refuses to eat and get them on a regular, consistent feeding regimen.

[ScubaDiver007]

have you tried an ASF?

Dont stress to hard about non eatters. I had one go 8 months. I would just offer a smaller sized rat ( Live ) .. then one day.. he just started up again.

as long as its healthy..

my two cents..

Rich

[AliCat37]

I'm sorry. This all seems normal to me. Male balls go off feed during breeding season. Even if nothing is wrong with their husbandry. My friend who keeps his entire snake room hot and humid even has one that will go off feed for 8 months.
My male was off feed for a few months recently too. He never lost weight. As long as they do not lose weight nothing is wrong!
However, I don't like my animals not eating, so I switched him to ASFs recently.