I usually leave the food item in overnight.It is just very frustrating when he won't eat.When he ate the two rats last month,I was overjoyed that he finally ate.Now,it's back to a long fast again.Oh well,I think I'm doing all I can.I may take him to a local vet who supposedly sees exotics but honestly I have no real confidence in vets.The ones I've seen say that they see snakes but usually I end up knowing more than they do about snakes.Not being arrogant,just stating the truth.I live in east Texas and there are just no good reptile vets in the area.I don't think he needs a vet anyway but if he doesn't eat soon then I may try it just to be on the safe side.This is my first ball python and this eating thing has me uptight.I've had several burmese pythons and red tail boas in the past and they always fed on schedule unless they were in a shed cycle.I've done some research and it seems that ball pythons being picky eaters is common from what others say.