Weight

[crystal ball python]

I have a 4 year old 40 inch long male ball python. He hasn't eaten in 5 months and I am worried he might be sick. He is acting normally otherwise and all his accommodations are met and nothing had changed before he stopped eating or after. I feed him pre-killed and I've tried some tricks here and there like braining or rubbing gerbil litter on the rodent. He will inspect the food, but won't eat. I usually leave it with him over night as he usually likes eating alone in the dark better.

Last night I offered him a live rat and waited for about 15 minutes. He showed the same amount of interest, but did not eat it or try to attack it. I weighed him today and he is at 1700 grams. I'm not sure if he has lost weight or not, and if so, is he in normal range for a ball python of his length?

Is it time to take him to the vet?

Thanks.

[The Serpent Merchant]

There really is no such thing as normal weight for BP's, they vary in size/weight greatly.

A picture would help if you could post one.

For a male, 1700 grams isn't what I would consider low, especially if he is only 40 inches long.

A vet really isn't going to be able to do anything, you just need to make sure that your temperatures are correct and that your hides are nice and secure.

I would look over this to make sure that everything is spot on.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

[AK907]

Balls go on hunger strikes, it happens, especially during winter. A lot of the time there is no reason. Balls are just finicky sometimes and enjoy keeping us on our toes.

As far as weight, pics would help, but now that you have a scale, monitor his weight. If he starts losing drastic amounts of weight, then I would be concerned.

What are your temps? Humidity? Hides? Location in the house? Handling practices? Describe your whole setup in as much detail as possible, pics will helps too.

Since it had been a while since he last ate, when he does eat again, make sure it is a little smaller meal. Do this for a couple meals so it gives his body a chance to build back up to eating normal sized meals. You might also give mice a try. Those that read my posts know I am very against regular feeding of mice, but sometimes it helps get them started back on feed. Another option would be African soft furred rats if you can find them in your area. These are like candy to a ball python and have helped a LOT of people get picky eaters back on feed.

[crystal ball python]

He has gone on a hunger strike in the winter before, but it wasn't this long and he started fasting pretty late, about December.

His temperature is about 80-85 on his heating pad and the ambient temperature is about 70 all year around. His humidity I have not measured, but it is better than it was before as the ventilation is a lot less than when he had a screen top cage. He has a basket hide that he loves and fits very snuggly in. I rarely handle him, maybe a couple times a month and then only for about 30 minutes. He is in a 30 gallon long and I have filled it with faux plants so he can feel comfortable in being well hidden.

The thing about his environment is that nothing has changed in it since March of last year and he ate every week until December.

Here are some pictures. I hope they help.
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/857/021fx.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/834/019clp.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/10/017dn.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/62/005zrd.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/705/001nmg.jpg/

[The Serpent Merchant]

He looks ok, but your cage temperatures are incorrect.

the hot side needs to be between 88-92 degrees. Is the heating pad being regulated by a thermostat?

The ambient temperature is too low as well. it really should be at least 75 degrees but 78-82 degrees would be better.

[crystal ball python]

Well I'm glad to hear he's not in any danger. I will work to adjust the temperatures though, thank you.