Ball Python that wont eat on her own

[zeion97]

I guess I'll start by saying that I have kept ball pythons for years, have many, and know quite a bit about the husbandry and what have you. Im just trying to see if anyone has had my same problem. I have a 2010 het caramel female that supposedly was eating when I purchased her but has never eaten on her own for me. Essentially I have been assist feeding her for over a year. I have tried all sorts of rodents f/t and live and she just wont strike, I have even tried letting her get real hungry. She just sits there like a statue and then breathes really heavily like she wants to strike and then curls up into a ball or trys to get away. She is otherwise healthy and wieghs 450g and wraps and eats when I assist but she just wont take the leap to do it herself. I'm assuming something is wrong with her feeding response. Has anyone had this same problem and if so, whats the longest amount of time you have assist fed? Thanks

hmm... weird.. maybe look at the inside of her mouth? I had this problem with my Normal Legalos, I had to assist feed him twice then he started eating all on his own. Have you taken her to a vet?