I am also new to ball pythons (actually snakes period). I tried two unsuccessful feedings with my 7 months old. I was attempting to feed F/T as well and she showed very little interest. The breeder was feeding live as is yours. I waited the acclimation period as well of almost two weeks. It was pointed out that it is a lot of change for the snake to go through in a short amount of time. New cage, new environment, noises, smells etc. Now a new food source. It may be a little too much to change everything.
It was suggested to me to keep feeding what the breeder was feeding her for the first 6 feedings or so until she is very comfortable and then slowly change her over to F/T. After 6 or more feedings of live, try freshly killed (pet stores will sometimes assist if that is too hard for you), then after a few successes try offering F/T. I plan to follow this advise.
I tried offering a live rat last Saturday and after a few minutes BANG! I was the happiest pet owner on the face of the earth! Last night was the second live feeding and it went even easier. I stand over like a hawk with an unsharpened pencil and tongs handy incase the rat claws or bites while being constricted but it has gone well so far. I still plan to move over to F/T. It is more important to me that she eats regularly then how she eats but to each his own. Just thought I would share because that took a world of stress off of me.
I hope it works out well for you. Good luck!
Reply With Quote