Baby ball python not eating

[rickm]

....also, once the python grabs the feeder, jerk it around a little bit like the mouse is struggling....then back away very slowly and stay as still as possible until the baby eats.

[bcardi151]

just find a small mouse i never used hoppers for my babies.

[junosan]

Can BPs actually tell the difference between a live mice and a f/t mice where the owner is trying to make it seem real

[rickm]

Can BPs actually tell the difference between a live mice and a f/t mice where the owner is trying to make it seem real

yes, for some reason a frozen thawed rodent will not smell the same. I don't know if the freezing process changes the cell composition or what, but I have seen animals that will pound pre killed rodents, that will turn and crawl away the second they smell a frozen thawed rodent....even a warmed up frozen thawed. a lot of experienced keepers believe that freezing them, somehow changes the smell of them. and live feeders move, and it triggers the hunting instinct in snakes....so you have to sometimes do this to elicit a feeding response.

[junosan]

yes, for some reason a frozen thawed rodent will not smell the same. I don't know if the freezing process changes the cell composition or what, but I have seen animals that will pound pre killed rodents, that will turn and crawl away the second they smell a frozen thawed rodent....even a warmed up frozen thawed. a lot of experienced keepers believe that freezing them, somehow changes the smell of them. and live feeders move, and it triggers the hunting instinct in snakes....so you have to sometimes do this to elicit a feeding response.

Today My BP leaked all the water out of the waterdish and his enclosure was like a shallow pool with 80% humidity...this happened when I was away during school. Hope it didn't do any harm..did it?

[BallPython4]

You should make sure to thaw out the frozen mouse, and even leaving it in the room for "scenting" might help your snake get excited to eat it. If you're looking for a guide to which kind of feeder to buy, they have a good one on the Rodent Pro website. Here is the link to the article- http://www.rodentpro.com/feeder-mice-guide.asp. They have all sizes of mice so you could start with pinkies or they also have hoppers. They have dark and hairless hoppers, not sure which kind you would need or want. I've also heard if you hold the mouse with tongs and wave it around to make it look alive, that can help.

[crazypythonlady]

I had the same problem with a pair of black pastels I got in August. They were started on live hopper mice and I feed F/T. Basically I solved the issue by 1)Leaving them alone for 7 day period. I only went in to change water. 2)Thawed out the mice in water and then placed them in hot water for about 5 min. and as disgusting as it sounds I cracked the skulls. 3) Did the best zombie dance ever and low and behold they took them. Sometimes we rushed to feed babies when they just need to acclimate to their new homes. I have been feeding 2 times a week and no problem. Don`t freak out just have a little patience

[junosan]

I had the same problem with a pair of black pastels I got in August. They were started on live hopper mice and I feed F/T. Basically I solved the issue by 1)Leaving them alone for 7 day period. I only went in to change water. 2)Thawed out the mice in water and then placed them in hot water for about 5 min. and as disgusting as it sounds I cracked the skulls. 3) Did the best zombie dance ever and low and behold they took them. Sometimes we rushed to feed babies when they just need to acclimate to their new homes. I have been feeding 2 times a week and no problem. Don`t freak out just have a little patience

I tried the cracking open the skull method and it didn't work. I'm just leaving the mice in there for now though. I'm seriously stuck. I don't know what to do anymore...

[NH93]

When I got my baby BP he hadn't eaten for 2 weeks, and it took 10 days for him to eat for me. In an earlier post you said it has only been 2 weeks since he last ate? Losing 22grams seems like a lot (and I'm not an expert at any rate, so it might be a lot). But try not to worry yourself *too* much! That will only stress you out more, which I'm sure doesn't help the situation.
I don't have anything else to offer, unfortunately, as my BP already had 3 f/t feedings prior to me (All I did was let the thawed pinky sit in a warm cup of water beside the vive for a few minutes to arouse my BP... then placed it inside with tongs - he wouldn't strike it - He ate it butt-first, without curling around it).
Strange things happen. You just never know.
Good luck!!

[Crazymonkee]

Get the smallest live mouse they have.... unless they advertise that they sell feeder mice... I wouldn't ask for it as a "feeder" just find the smallest one and say... "I want that mouse"

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Do this.

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