Tired of Eating Problems

[titanoboa]

This is in the way of a general rant about ball pythons as pets. So I got my son a ball python because he loves them and because he is allergic to

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anything with fur. He loves it. I admit I loved him too. I set up the cage with hot and cold hides, got the requisite heaters both uth and lamp, and even put a thermometer and set it at 92. Temperatures and humidity are at the right range, but I am tired of feeding it F/T. He goes off food for no discernable reason. He's too young to be breeding, as he is only 20 inches. I am tired of trying different techniques to try and feed it, and this is a captive bred animal (I made sure of that). I am aware these things are flighty, and knew feeding would be an issue. As a radical measure, I'm going to see how long it can go without being offered food. I don't intend to starve it, but if that happens, it's not the end of the world. I think people should really think twice about keeping these animals as pets. I'm doing this for my son, but I can't see how he will keep interest in it if it won't eat. I may switch to a dwarf red tail if this one bites the dust. I heard they don't have the same feeding problems. Thanks for listening. End of rant.

[Archimedes]

If this is the way you feel, both you and the animal may be better off rehoming it to someone willing to put in the patience to care for it, and offer a rehoming fee to ensure it goes to a proper home. Then you can put the rehoming fee toward your boa, which are much better eaters, it's true, but do require a firmer hand and get a bit bigger.

Whatever you decide, research is key. It's harsh but true... if you aren't willing to care for it, don't get it.

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[Daybreaker]

Can you describe your setup? Maybe something husbandry related is making him not eat.

When you say you have a thermometer set to 92, do you have a thermometer or thermostat?

How are you measuring your temps?

Have you tried live? How have you tried to offer the f/t feeders?

I would try to get this guy eating regularly before giving up on him and letting him starve/getting another snake: and if you get another snake I would recommend a corn or king snake. I've had some slow starter ball pythons but after tweeking some things in the tub/trying other feeding methods they took to eating great.

[martin82531]

I haven't been keeping ball pythons for too long, year or two but a couple things I have learned that might help.

First and foremost be patience, ball pythons will go off feed, it's not a matter of if, its a matter of when. As long as your husbandry is correct, I wouldn't worry about it too much about it. The longest one of my balls went off fed was close to three months, best thing you can do is keep offering on a regular schedule and monitor the weight, if you don't notice significant weight loss, don't worry too much.

Second, ball pythons make a wonderful pet, but you have to take into consideration, they are no were comparable to what someone might be use to, they are not going to wag their tail when you go to open their cage. They are very docile creatures and spend a majority of their time in hiding. If you purchased a ball python purely for being able to feed it, it just not be the right pet for you or your son.

Third, I don't people need to necessarily think twice about keeping ball pythons, not like they are a dangerous species to keep in your home, but I would recommended doing some research, they are not going to be the most exciting creature to keep per say, (i.e. doing tricks or jumping on you when you come home)

I would finally suggest, just evaluate, why you wanted a Ball Python in the first place, do some additional research about Ball Pythons, and see if this matches with your exceptions of keeping such a creature. Even though I rarely see mine out an about, nor do I even hold them often, I definitely find great satisfaction of housing such a creature, just a different type of satisfaction from what someone else maybe use to.

[cory9oh4]

Try feeding live. Or scenting your f/t with another type of feeder.

[satomi325]

Suggestion: Feed live. If it refuses rats, try a mouse. If it refuses a mouse, try an asf.

I appreciate your honesty. These animals are not for everyone.
If your son really loves ball pythons, is it possible to trade it for a more strong feeder? I know that the more picky eaters aren't the best pets for first time owners. I understand your frustration. But either way, please do not starve this animal willingly or experimentally. As an owner, you've taken the responsibility to care for this animal to the best of your ability. Keep offering food or rehome it if you cannot continue to care for it.

[Crazymonkee]

Try live... you don't have to feed frozen thawed. Definitely please rehome it... starving an animal that doesn't understand what you're doing it for is far from the correct answer.
Do tons of research before getting anything else

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[Libby]

Titanboa, I understand exactly where you are coming from. My son is also extremely allergic to everything (see sig below) and my husband and I got a ball python as a family pet, knowing that it would not be like having a cat or a dog. I'm also glad you felt comfortable sharing your real feelings with the forum.

Our bp is 17 months and over 1300 grams. After being an extremely good eater for a year and a half, she has turned down 3 of the last 4 rats we've offered her. I did figure out that we had been feeding her rats that were too large, since we didn't realize the 10-15% of body weight guideline was only for younger animals. Hopefully we'll get her back on schedule.

The thing that has helped us most in feeding Millie in the past has been to check the temperature of the f/t rat with a heat gun. If the rat is under 90F, she just won't eat it, but we don't want it so hot that it would hurt her. I would also suggest a digital kitchen scale to track your snake's weight and make sure the size of his meals is appropriate.

Most importantly, though, I want to tell you that while a snake may not be a "real" pet to you, it is your child's entire experience. If you cannot care for the bp, then do please rehome it. Whatever you do, though, do not teach your child that it is ever appropriate to neglect an animal by deciding to stop feeding him.

[Archimedes]

Very good input offered, and OP, I want you to know that I was absolutely not attacking you at all. You are certainly not the only person on the forum to decide that BPs aren't for them, and I applaud you for realizing before you unintentionally mistreat the animal. But I do urge you to be more proactive before "starving him out". Certainly waiting out a BP's appetite is fairly common in the hobby, but not before exhausting all other options (scenting, live, brained, etc.).

I wish you the best with your pet and your decision.

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[Eazyyyb]

Please give your BP away to someone who will work with it with patience. My BP is a picky eater too but I go through every measure I need to so she eats and I always will. And don't get a boa if you can't handle a BP. The feeding response is stronger but it is a more advanced snake in other ways. Just my 2 cents