New BP not eating? Need ideas!

[blondiee411]

Hi guys!! I haven't posted in a while but in the mean time I bought a new BP! A pastel that has BRIGHT yellow (will post pics later). Anyways, I've had him for almost a month now (bought him 1/31). He was born 12/6/16. The guy who bred the snake said he had eaten a week before he gave him to me. I've tried everything! I thawed some frozen mice (tried frozen 2 times a week), and he didn't even strike, just curled up into a ball. Okay so I bought him a live mouse, still nothing. He tried to escape the feeding tank whether the mouse was alive or thawed. I asked the breeder and he said "Idk try feeding him in his living container like I did" sure, I give that a shot. What does the snake do? Curls into a ball again lol. I can tell he's hungry but no matter what I do he curls into a ball or tries to escape! He just won't strike unless it's at my boyfriend any tips to feed this stubborn little snake so he can finally eat?! Thank you!!

[Gc99]

I had the same issue. You might want to change to rats (i had to change to mice, my bp doesnt take rats) and i would say leave the snake in his cage and dangle the live rat, it worked for me

Sent from my HTC Desire 626s using Tapatalk

[blondiee411]

The only problem is he's so tiny! He's not thicker than a man's thumb. Also nowhere in my area sells hopper mice or pinkies or any of that

[Gc99]

Well, in that case I would say wait until late at night when he goes out, make sure whatever you are feeding is small enough, and make sure its nice and warm for him.

Sent from my HTC Desire 626s using Tapatalk

[BBotteron]

If that don't work:

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-hatchling-101


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[shaundouglass135]

Try leaving F/T in over night, I've got a snake that will only feed over night


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Zincubus]

I'd read all the existing threads on the subject in this very forum .

I bet we have this kind of issue crop up on a daily basis


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[BBotteron]

Daily, twice a day, maybe 3 lol I had the problem the week I got my male I think? It's been to long (a month is a long time haha) looked back at previous threads and just followed everybody's advice! Worked wonders and he's eaten every 5 days since no problem


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[FlynnTheBP]

I just got my BP as well and at first he also wouldn't eat. I heated up a f/t mouse, then ran it under hot water and dangled it in front of my BPs nose. It took him nearly a week to finally come around. (Don't put the mouse too close to the snake, you may be scaring him/her). You can also put the snake into a dark bag with the prey, usually they will take it quickly. Good luck and don't worry too much, it will probably eat when it's hungry.

[Zincubus]

I just got my BP as well and at first he also wouldn't eat. I heated up a f/t mouse, then ran it under hot water and dangled it in front of my BPs nose. It took him nearly a week to finally come around. (Don't put the mouse too close to the snake, you may be scaring him/her). You can also put the snake into a dark bag with the prey, usually they will take it quickly. Good luck and don't worry too much, it will probably eat when it's hungry.

This method WORKS if done properly ...

A couple of mine will only strike feed from within their hides so I do as suggested in the above post and dangle the rodent in front of the hide's entrance - usually works but if it fails simply reheat the rodent with a hairdryer and immediately offer again whilst it's still warm , continue until it's grabbed ...
I always wait until evenings to feed as they're nocturnal of course .

Incidentally , if it shows no interest at all not even a tongue flicker maybe it's best to leave for a week .