Ball Python Not Eating

[Lexiethekitten]

Hello! My lovely, male ball python, Diablo, is not eating and has not for about a month.
When I got Diablo, it was for free and from a family member, he was skinny but around 3 feet long, now he's almost 5 feet. His weight has slowly gained (it's still not the right amount), but now he's not eating and I'm worried he's either stressed out, ill, or it's the seasons changing.
I feed him thawed, medium sized rats... The previous times I have tried to feed him; He strikes, but does not eat.
Any ideas?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

5 feet and not eating for a month is nothing, feed smaller prey, if it is indeed a male medium sized rats are a bit too much food, if you want an animal eating with more consistency offer smaller prey items.

The fast can be seasonal or due to sexual maturity in either case granted he has a good body weight I would not worry too much, the key is patience, and make sure that your husbandry is optimal (refer to the care sheet for that)

[Lexiethekitten]

5 feet and not eating for a month is nothing, feed smaller prey, if it is indeed a male medium sized rats are a bit too much food, if you want an animal eating with more consistency offer smaller prey items.

The fast can be seasonal or due to sexual maturity in either case granted he has a good body weight I would not worry too much, the key is patience, and make sure that your husbandry is optimal (refer to the care sheet for that)

Alright, I'll definitely try smaller prey, at least until Spring time... I believe his weight may have gone down a little, but not a lot.
He behaves sweetly and is very active.