Ball python not feeding

[sweballp]

Hey

I've got a female pastel ball who hasn't eaten for a little over a month now. I got her about two months ago. Fed her the first time a week after I got her home. Offered her food a week later, which she did not accept. Anoher week later she ate again, but hasn't eaten since.

I've offered her food about once a week since then. She is about 14 months old and her weight is about 670 grams. She seems healthy in every other way.

The temperature and humidity in the rack is fine, I house another pastel female under the exact same conditions and she eats like a champ.

So what should I do? Is it just the season that makes her less inclined to eat?

Thanks in advance for answears.

[crazyj83]

I asked the same question about both my male and female bp and was told the weather can bring them into an off feed. Mine went from once a week to nothin in 3weeks. Kinda worried me, but was told its normal...

[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.

[sweballp]

Thanks for your answers.

crazyj83: I guess its a possibility but none of my other 3 ball pythons have gone of food (not even my yb male in breedingmode, although im sure he will stop eating soon).

JLC: Check on everything, thats why I find it so strange. Her two meals in my care were f/t rats which I simply left in her tub and she ate them within 10 minutes. I've tried offer smaller rats, mice and different ways of presenting them to her. With tweezers, in her hide, left over night and so on. I can se no signs of illness whatsoever. And since she isn't mature yet the season shouldn't be a problem.

[heathers*bps]

So you are offering f/t correct? Is it possible that you aren't heating it enough?

[sweballp]

It's heated enough. My YB male and bloodpython are very picky about the heat aspect so I always make sure to get the food nice and warm.

[meowmeowkazoo]

My spider female went off feed for a little over a month. I finally got her to eat by offering live mice. You could try offering a different prey animal than what you usually offer.

Rats, mice, gerbils, hamsters are all worth a shot.

I also had my albino female go off feed. She was a solid F/T feeder, but started refusing and will now only take live and SOMETIMES will take prekilled.

[Daybreaker]

Rats, mice, gerbils, hamsters are all worth a shot.

To the OP: If you do try ASFs, Gerbils, or Hamsters just be aware that it's not unheard of for some snakes to get stuck on a prey item and not want to transition to something else. Before trying any of the three I mentioned, make sure that you have easy access to them if your snake gets stuck on them and won't take to (or won't transition back easily) to mice or rats.

[Homegrownscales]

Also hampsters and gerbils are not a prey I'd feed live. They are highly aggressive, and will not hesitate to bite. They have sharp teeth and sharp claws. Personally I don't think you need to change anything. Check the animals stress level, husbandry, hides. Keep everything the same. Keep offering 1x weekly. Alot of people get nervous so they over offer or start switching stuff up and all that does is cause more issue.


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

[mkeller13]

My spider female went off feed for a little over a month. I finally got her to eat by offering live mice. You could try offering a different prey animal than what you usually offer.

Rats, mice, gerbils, hamsters are all worth a shot.

I also had my albino female go off feed. She was a solid F/T feeder, but started refusing and will now only take live and SOMETIMES will take prekilled.

X2 One of my het albino females is a very picky eater too. Try offering live prey item.