Big Male Stopped Feeding

[Montypython696]

I've had my big male (I think) now for 7 years now, and the only feedings he has ever missed is when he's shedding. But the last two weeks I've tried to feed him he has showed no interest. I tried on 10/31, and today 11/7. He currently weighs 1870 grams. He's in a nice sized tub, and has been for 4 months now, never any problems. His tub is heated by heat tape and is always at a nice 86 degrees inside the tub. However, this is his first winter in a rack system with 4 other balls, two of which being female. Any suggestions? Is it normal for them to stop feeding this time of year?

[Crazymonkee]

Yep it is!!
The whole tub is 86? Or the hot side is 86?
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[Montypython696]

I would say about half of the tub is at 86 (I have it long ways) the other half is in the lower 80's.

The reason I ask is because out of 7 years of having him he's never refused twice in a row. A little shocking to be honest.

Should I continue to try and feed him? Or stop for awhile? I ask becase rats are expensive and I dont want to waste them if I dont have to.

[Louie]

I believe you have more experience than I do but I would advice you to just wait a week and try again. Just because it will stress him if you keep trying and you know that they can go a month without eating as long as they are healthy and fed beforehand.

"Snakes don't bite. Just humans."

[Physician&Snakes]

This is normal for adult males as this is the seasonal breeding cycle, wait about 6 weeks and try again, repeat. You only have a problem if he begins losing significant body mass and muscle tone.

[satomi325]

It's normal for adult males to go off feed around this time of year.
It's the start of the breeding season for ball pythons.
At this point, just offer him food as normal. I wouldn't worry quite yet, especially if he doesn't loose weight.

[Montypython696]

I don't think I have to worry about significant weight loss just yet, as he is quite pudgy. He is currently (as of yesterday) at 1870 grams, I think I would start to worry if he got below 1500 grams.

[Montypython696]

Maybe I should get him a nice fat female for him, I sure he's been lonely the last 7 years.

The three females I have now, are all around 400 grams and should be ready hopefully next year.

[Phantomtip]

He's getting ready to find a girlfriend. From what Ive read (including the breeding stuff even though I don't plan to breed) males will go off their food for a while when they are looking for a girlfriend to breed with. If this is the first time hes been around females since hatching 7 yrs ago then he is experiencing hormone changes even though the girls are babies.

[jason_ladouceur]

As has already been said. Totally normal. I've personaly had a ball go 18 months without feeding and she was fine. Don't let it stress you out. I'd still offer food but every couple of weeks. No point in wasting feeders that he likely won't take anyway.