Rather attack than eat :/

[Scirlygirl]

I know ball pythons are notorious for being picky eaters BUT I think this is really crossing the line. My little girl is only 250g and 6 months old. I got her in march and she has only ate once, and is more interesting in attacking the day lights out of her food than eating it. I got her to eat once on a f/t hopper mouse but that's it. Her set up is fine, she just has the nastiest attitude I've ever seen a snake have--Rattling her tail, hissing loudly, striking at everything, puffing up. She is just a nasty little thing.

How can I get her to stop striking and start eating? She doesn't look underweight but I'm still worried

Thanks in advance!


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[satomi325]

Post your set up and husbandry please. Sounds like she's insecure and defensive than actually having a nasty attitude. I also say that because the most aggressive BPs are the best eaters.

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[Michelle1221]

I agree about posting setup info. I have had two with attitudes and they are the best eaters.

[Scirlygirl]

This is the same snake that grabbed on to her last little meal( a f/t hopper mouse) and held it side ways in her mouth while banging it on the sides then eating it without "constricting" it. She acts more like a viper than a python lol. Can't put my hand in the cage without her violently attacking me several times. She's nasty nasty nasty!
Here is her set up:
She's in a C serpent rack, and has a hide box but I took it out to take the pic. I mist her one to two times a day. My others are doing fine in their tubs this way






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[satomi325]

I suggest using a smaller tub.
6 or 12/15 qt tubs.

Or add a barrier to your current tub and block half of it to make it seem smaller. She's definitely insecure. Add lots of clutter. Fake plants or balled up paper.

While some young snakes can do well in larger tubs, many don't. They're scared and insecure, which lead to going off feed out of stress and striking out at everything in defense. It isn't aggression. Its defensive strikes.

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[Scirlygirl]

The only things in her cage is aspen bedding, her hut, water bowl, one little fake plant (loves to hide in it instead of her hut). I'll go ahead and make it smaller and see how she does, thank you!


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[bcr229]

Her hide may be too big if she's using the fake plant as a hide. Try putting some loosely crumpled-up newspaper into her hide to take up some of the space if that's the case.

[Scirlygirl]

Thanks guys! Will give everything a try


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