New BP owner- first signs of shed and first food refusal+ handling question

[Kippykins]

About 5 weeks ago, a precious little pastel girl weirdly ended up in my care. I have never had a BP, just redtails who seemed phased by absolutely nothing, so I want to make sure I'm doing the right things for my little lady Ouroboros.

Her age is unknown, though she weighs in at about 670g. The last time she ate was 11 days ago, a small rat (on the small side of "small" trying to go by the 10-15% rule I've read about) but she turned down her food last week. I've tried thrice since then out of anxiety, but I'm worried that offering the rat too often will encourage her non-feeding behavior, which I've also read about.

Another concern I have is her shed status/handling. This will be her first shed in her new home. She has a pink belly and dulling colors, so she's on her way. We typically handle her every day (she mostly just hangs out around someone's neck while they play games, but she also loves to explore), but I'm wondering a) if that handling frequency is stressing her out in general and b) if she needs to not be handled as she approaches shedding. I know not to mess with them when they're in blue, but am I harming her by holding her at this stage? She generally seems cool with being held, but I'm admittedly not experienced enough to know BP stress signs well.

I'm considering not holding her until she completes her shed, then changing her substrate and re-offering her food. Is this a good route to take? All suggestions are appreciated- sorry for the novel.

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[Kaorte]

Stop handling the snake while it isn't eating. Do not offer food so often. Leave her completely alone for 7-10 days and try offering food then. After a refusal, you want to only offer on the next scheduled feeding day. Offering over and over again can stress them out even more and make them even less likely to eat.

Generally I think it is okay to handle a snake that is just starting the shed cycle, but because yours is not eating, I would leave her be completely. Only bother her if completely necessary for cleaning purposes.

What is her enclosure like? Are her temps being monitored by digital thermometers? Is her heat source regulated by a thermostat? What are her hides like? Just trying to rule out any environmental factors. It is entirely reasonable to think that she refused food because she is stressed from over handling and/or shed cycle coming up.

[tttaylorrr]

The last time she ate was 11 days ago, a small rat (on the small side of "small" trying to go by the 10-15% rule I've read about) but she turned down her food last week. I've tried thrice since then out of anxiety, but I'm worried that offering the rat too often will encourage her non-feeding behavior, which I've also read about.

offering food so soon after refusals will stress her out. wait about a week after the last feeding to try again; if she refuses again wait another week.

I'm wondering a) if that handling frequency is stressing her out in general

it's a possibility. i handle just about every other day for about 20 minutes. only sometimes do i handle them longer if they seem to chill out with me. i don't handle them if they're not eating regularly.

and b) if she needs to not be handled as she approaches shedding. I know not to mess with them when they're in blue, but am I harming her by holding her at this stage? She generally seems cool with being held, but I'm admittedly not experienced enough to know BP stress signs well.

most likely yes it stresses her out. i don't handle my beeps when i notice the shedding process because they're more shy and cautious. i'd leave her alone until she actually sheds.

I'm considering not holding her until she completes her shed, then changing her substrate and re-offering her food. Is this a good route to take? All suggestions are appreciated- sorry for the novel.

this is what i would do.

[Eric Alan]

Her age is unknown, though she weighs in at about 670g. The last time she ate was 11 days ago, a small rat (on the small side of "small" trying to go by the 10-15% rule I've read about)...

The 10-15% "rule" only works for hatchlings and only really makes sense up to about 500 grams. You're right to be offering her a small rat now, but not because it fits the "rule".

Here's a good guideline on how to choose the right sized feeder for a BP:
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...ing-Guidelines

The others have covered pretty much everything else. Good luck to ya!

[Aste88]

It's normal for a snake approaching a shed to refuse food, doesn't have to be stress related.