Hi guys, I have some concerns.

[zina10]

I think he is simply in "breeding" mode...both my males (voracious feeders normally) are refusing food right now.

One is used for breeding, the other is not. The one that is not breeding isn't even in the same room then the females and he is STILL refusing food. And he is "cruising" every night.

I think your boy is looking for some ladies !!!

I can't believe the vet put him through all that stress . Ok, you did cultures just to be safe, but an "appetite stimulate" ? And worse yet, force feeding ? Is your vet knowledgeable about snakes, in particular Ball Pythons ? They often go off feed, esp. males during breeding season.

You can kill your snake doing force feeding. That is the utmost of stress, and completely un-warranted !! That is last ditch effort when a snake is facing certain death from starvation and you have nothing to loose.

Your boy looks nice and healthy, the husbandry seems spot on, and you did all you could.

Just offer once every 2 weeks and unless he is taking a dramatic turn for the worse or loosing a LOT of weight, just let him be.

You sound like a wonderful and dedicated owner, wish everyone cared so much. But try not to worry so much. I bet your boy is just "in the mood"