Hello,

I have owned a ball python for about a year. I got it when I turned 12, and it was 2 years old.

I have been feeding it in a separate enclosure ever since, as that is what the pet store told me to do. I have just now started to feed it in it's living cage.

I think this is affecting his eating habits. He seems hungrier, so I bought bigger mice.

The main issue is that I was feeding him today, but he didn't strike. (the mouse was heated for 25 minutes in hot water)

This has happened before. I try later, about 2 or 3 hours, and then try the next day. After this, if he still does not eat, I contact the pet store.

This time, I was closing the cage again, and he got back into a striking position. I reached my other hand out to pick up the tongs I use to handle the mice, and he struck.

I noticed that he struck before his open mouth almost hit my hand. I moved my hand, and he slithered back into his cage.

I need to feed my snake. Right now I am waiting, and will try again later. Please help if you can.

REPLY WITH ANY HELP OR INSIGHT. THANK YOU.