Feeding problems

[steve_r34]

i didnt say leave her alone i said close the lid keep it dark or dim in the room enought for u to see and step back and watch dont hover over her tub and and i would not try frozen again if its not working

[MootWorm]

I would say try another 2 times or so with frozen, then make the switch with a live rat pup. On each attempt, leave the feeder overnight. Some snakes only eat when they're absolutely alone.

I definitely wouldn't shake it or try to disorient it, especially if you go with an adult mouse. That's how snakes get bit! If and when you go to live, keeping the feeder calm, well fed and watered is your best bet. Good luck!

[Megz]

I think covering the tank will definitely help as well. Mine is covered on 3 sides with a dark towel.

The only question I have is does that interfer with the day and night cycle. I can definitely try that but if its constantly dark is that a bad thing or am I misunderstanding. Also how long would u say I should keep the towel on the cage?

[MsMissy]

Bp's do not need a day and night cycle. As long as the tub is getting in light from the room during the day, he will be fine. Most all of us with tanks blacken out 3/4 sides because it makes them feel more secure.

[MootWorm]

I've got a towel on most of my tub for 24/7, unless it's feeding or handling time. Mine seem to prefer it that way, no issues whatsoever

[Pickenprod]

Hi there Megz.

I also have just the one BP, and I wanted to chime in here because mine does exactly the same thing as yours! He used to be a great eater when he was young. He'd immediately strike at his f/t rats and eat them right away. But then, when I'd had him for about 7 or 8 months, he became finicky.

He stopped accepting the rats, and just wouldn't take them no matter what I tried. In the end, he went for two months without food! During spring, no less. And in the last month of it, I was away for a school course. So I wasn't there to offer food to him... when I got back, you better believe he ate that rat!

He still does exactly what you describe (going up to the rat, sniffing it, turning away) and tends to roam around his tub like he's hungry. I'm not worried though, because I figured out exactly what to do for him.


1. I have to give him a little extra heat for the day of feeding. He seems to like it hot! (I do this by putting a hot water bottle on top of his tub for that day. Wrapped in a towel, and covering the whole tub with a towel as well.)

2. I have to really warm up the rat! I'll thaw it in warm water, then at the end when it's definitely thawed, I'll give it another go in extra-warm water. And then, I take the hair dryer and blast it at the rat's head to really toast it!

3. And finally, I have to place the rat in the tub, inside his warm hide. He won't touch it if it's outside the hide And then I put the towel over the tub and walk away for 3 hours. Nowadays, almost every time the rat is gone!


Hopefully this eases your mind a little bit when it comes to Roxy's behaviour. I promise, she's not traumatized!! She's just... being a ball python The things we do for them!!

[Megz]

Hi there Megz.

I also have just the one BP, and I wanted to chime in here because mine does exactly the same thing as yours! He used to be a great eater when he was young. He'd immediately strike at his f/t rats and eat them right away. But then, when I'd had him for about 7 or 8 months, he became finicky.

He stopped accepting the rats, and just wouldn't take them no matter what I tried. In the end, he went for two months without food! During spring, no less. And in the last month of it, I was away for a school course. So I wasn't there to offer food to him... when I got back, you better believe he ate that rat!

He still does exactly what you describe (going up to the rat, sniffing it, turning away) and tends to roam around his tub like he's hungry. I'm not worried though, because I figured out exactly what to do for him.


1. I have to give him a little extra heat for the day of feeding. He seems to like it hot! (I do this by putting a hot water bottle on top of his tub for that day. Wrapped in a towel, and covering the whole tub with a towel as well.)

2. I have to really warm up the rat! I'll thaw it in warm water, then at the end when it's definitely thawed, I'll give it another go in extra-warm water. And then, I take the hair dryer and blast it at the rat's head to really toast it!

3. And finally, I have to place the rat in the tub, inside his warm hide. He won't touch it if it's outside the hide And then I put the towel over the tub and walk away for 3 hours. Nowadays, almost every time the rat is gone!


Hopefully this eases your mind a little bit when it comes to Roxy's behaviour. I promise, she's not traumatized!! She's just... being a ball python The things we do for them!!

Omg u have no idea how much that helps thank u so much I feel so much better ill definitely try everything u said. As for inside the hide the only concern I have is will there be enough room for her to actually eat it? I have an exo terra hide size large. So it is the flat rock one so to speak. Is that okay? That really does help what temp do u get it to when u say u heat up the tub?

[Pickenprod]

Omg u have no idea how much that helps thank u so much I feel so much better ill definitely try everything u said. As for inside the hide the only concern I have is will there be enough room for her to actually eat it? I have an exo terra hide size large. So it is the flat rock one so to speak. Is that okay? That really does help what temp do u get it to when u say u heat up the tub?

Ah haha, sorry I haven't logged in for awhile. Did you get Roxy to eat yet?

As long as there is enough room for the snake and the rat inside the hide (everyone touching the ground), there's enough room for her to eat it. I can't speak for the exact size of the hide, or your snake, but it should be alright.

For the heating thing... I have to admit, I don't aim for a specific temperature. I just leave the hot water bottle on for a few hours. It's probably over the recommended temp, but I figure it's only one day a week.

I also forgot to mention. Stay with slightly undersized rats if your ball won't eat the larger ones. Mine definitely gets intimidated by the big ratties

[Megz]

She seems scared of it like she won't even go near he hide. I tried all those and she didnt strike it again she is so disinterested. I don't understand what happened. She use to strike and now nothing and its been a month and a week since she has eaten what do I do I left the rat in the hide but so far she is not going near the hide at all just sitting at the other side of the tank I'm worried for her

[Crazymonkee]

I'd go with live, see if she takes it.

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