Ball python strange feeding habit...

[Bestinthehaven]

Has anyone ever heard of a ball python that would only eat WHILE being handled? I just got my first ball python, its a juvenile about two feet long. Has been here for two weeks and ate twice. Both times it would only strike and constrict the mouse while I was holding it. I've tried every other method, this is the only thing that works, but makes me nervous about when the snake gets bigger... Anyone heard of similar behavior?

[cmack91]

i did have a couple times when my snake did this when he was young, he would run from the mouse, so i would put it in its box and hold the snake over it and he would take it almost instantly, hes only ever done it those times though, now he wont eat if my hands are anywhere near him

[Bestinthehaven]

I feed mine pre killed hoppers (mice). Mine won't run from it. Just shows no interest unless he is coiled around my hand and I an dangling the mice in front of him by the tail. Once he hits it and coils I always put him back in his terrarium, but I bet he might just eat while coiled around my hand/wrist. In a way its cute almost like it thinks its a green tree python. Next time I am tempted to see just how far it will go while being held, but I'm not sure if this behavior should be encouraged...

[cmack91]

if your feeding p/k, just lay the mouse in the enclosure over night

[Bestinthehaven]

Tried that... Allowing the snake to strike the mouse while being handled is literally the only way thus snake has eaten for me. I got it from petco, wondered if this behavior was learned from its time there, but thee people at the store said they fed all their snakes in a seperate container and never held them while offering food. maybe the snake just loves me that much... And if all else fails, if anyones b.p. won't feed, try holding it. Maybe this isn't as uncommon as we think.

[cmack91]

throw it in over night, if he doesnt eat it wait till next week and try again, dont just give in and feed him in your hand, eventually he should eat it that way

[Virus]

And you never got any pictures?

But here's something I posted a month or two ago, but it's definitely interesting to experience being the giant 'feeding branch'

[Bestinthehaven]

I know right, the snake just ate last night, so I'm thinking in about 4 days trying again. I want to get a video for youtube and I'm gonna attempt to just sit still and let the snake rest and eat on my arm instead of flopping it down in the tank as soon as it constricts. The more I think about it I kinda feel like you said. Kinda neat to be the giant feeding branch. I love animals so its an honor that the snake shares this moment with me, since some won't eat unless you leave the room or throw a blanket over the tank. I guess since I don't need the ten gallon tank I bought as a feeding tank now, I can start setting it up for an emperor scorpion or a tarantula, if I can make up my mind which one I want first