Winter Fasting

[alydric1]

I got my ball python in July. He was always a great and eager eater, even used to peek out of his hide whenever I entered the room. When winter began he first started refusing food. He refused for the first time, and then didn't eat again until 2 weeks later where he took a F/T rat. Then he refused meals again and now it's been about 3 weeks.

He spent most of the time in his hide and looks healthy and fine whenever I take him out. Recently I've seen him just sitting out in the open on top of logs or whatever spot he chooses at night, not roaming but just sitting. Then today I came in and there he is again sitting out in the open only its during the day now. Could this be a sign that he is starting to get his appetite back or is he just choosing to not hide anymore?

I was going to take him out to try and feed but he's wedged between a log and the side of the enclosure and won't let me get him lol.

Should mention that Temps and humidity are in the recommended range as well, and he's always been happy in his environment. I just don't get why one that's under a year old wouldnt eat.

[Yzmasmom]

Under a year I've not heard of....they are normally hungry. My 3 year old started fasting Jan 1 but my 5 month old is eating every week.

[redshepherd]

I was going to take him out to try and feed

You can feed him inside the enclosure- it'll increase the chance that he eats, and it's safer for both you and him.

My albino male missed some meals last winter and this winter. Last winter, he was only half a year old. Young ones can skip meals/lose appetite over winter too.

[alydric1]

Update: attempted another feeding but he simply was not interested in the rat. He was definitely aware of it but moved his head away quickly whenever it came near his face. Suppose I'll just give it a shot every week until he finally does.

[AlexisFitzy]

Update: attempted another feeding but he simply was not interested in the rat. He was definitely aware of it but moved his head away quickly whenever it came near his face. Suppose I'll just give it a shot every week until he finally does.

Try spacing out the feedings to maybe every two weeks or every 10 days. Allowing more time between feedings will give him time to get hungry. I've had a picky eater in the past so I know from experience that feeding more often just leads to more refusals and more wasted rats lol. Once he gets hungry he will eat for you as long as husbandry is on point


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