Have I got to worry for my baby ball python?

[Franz71]

Hello everybody,

after having owned a Ball Python as a pet for more than 25 years, last year he died and so I decided to buy my first couple and try to reproduce them.
Fortunately I succeded and I got 5 viable eggs. After 8 to 12 days from the first shed, still 3 out of 5 pythons have not yet started to eat.
In particular I'm worried for the smallest of the group that today is weighing only 26 grams. He shed on the 17th of September, but until now he refused to eat.
I've tried every 3 days with fuzzy mice, but he seems not interested. Therefore I would like to know your point of view because you are much more expert than me (as already said for me it's the first time). Should I already consider to assist feeding him or should I wait and try again to offer food?
Every suggestion is welcome!!

[Eavlynn]

Are you trying to feed live or frozen thawed prey? Sometimes it takes a live prey item to get them jump started and eating.

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[Franz71]

I've always tried with live prey in particular I used fuzzy mice

[Eavlynn]

Keep offering food, they should come around. If they don't after another week or two, you may have to assist feed to get them started. It usually doesn't come to that though.

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[Franz71]

Thanks a lot. Shall I keep on offering prey every 3-4 days?

[Albert Clark]

Well, there is a specific tutorial that Deborah has put together here specifically about hatchling housing and care that you need to read through bc it's very helpful. It's a sticky and you can use the search bar to get to it. Is the 26 gram hatchling drinking water? Deborah's sticky is called " hatchling 101".

[Albert Clark]

This- http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...hatchling-101

[Franz71]

Thanks a lot, I will immediately look at it.
As regards your question if he drinks water, to be honest I have to say that I'm not able to answer. In the future I will take care to observe the water consumption. Maybe is a stupid question, but why it's important to determine if he drinks water?

[Albert Clark]

Thanks a lot, I will immediately look at it.
As regards your question if he drinks water, to be honest I have to say that I'm not able to answer. In the future I will take care to observe the water consumption. Maybe is a stupid question, but why it's important to determine if he drinks water?

YW. Well if the animal is refusing meals, you have to triple check and make changes to your husbandry. Also, not feeding he should be made sure that he is taking in fluids. 26 grams is a critical lack of nutrition and hydration. Hydration should come before feeding at this point. You may want to just sit him in a small bowl with tepid water so he starts to absorb some fluids.

[Franz71]

I'll do it for sure as soon as I get home from work.
Thanks again for your patient support