Not Eating.

[Mizaniverse]

Hi forums! I've had my ball python Myko since July 4th last year, and she was always a good eater. Until now. This is her 4th week without food. I'm worried about her, though I do know they fast, it's still going to worry me whenever they don't eat. Anyways, nothing recently has changed, not in the food i'm giving her or her cage or anything. Anyway, I know ball pythons are known for being problem feeders. But the thing is, whenever I put the rat in the cage (f/t) she shows interest, flicking her tongue like crazy, tracking the rat with her head. But then she seems to lose interest, and decides to go back into her hide. I don't know why she's doing this. If you're wondering about husbandry, she has 50/60 humidity, 92-82 twmpetures 3 proper hides, and a water bowl. If anyone knows why she's doing this help would be much appreciated Thanks

[KMG]

Mine has gone off feeding and done the same thing.

Unless it starts loosing weight I'm sure it is just a snake being a snake.

[Mizaniverse]

okay thanks. what should i do if she does start. loosing weight.

[redshepherd]

Mine also do that "looking interested but jk nope" thing when they are off feed/fasting. It's normal.

You'll only need to worry if she loses significant weight, becoming really skinny- then there might be an underlying issue.

She will lose a bit of weight over the fast though, that's normal. Most likely you won't have to worry. They always get back to eating eventually, whether it takes 2 or 5 months. Just offer once every other week, and don't over-offer.

How much does she weigh now?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

4 weeks is nothing for an animal that age wait until she decides to go of feed for 3,6,9,12 months

Do you have a weight on that animal?

If could be various things such as what we call "the wall" which is why I ask abut weight, husbandry, catching up to compensate with over feeding etc.

You can do a few different things, change the enclosure, change substrate, downsize, lower temps etc, to see if anything triggers her back but most importantly it's about PATIENCE, they are efficient and that is just what BP do sooner or later.

[Sauzo]

My 3.5 year old girl is up to just over 4 months now with not wanting food. She did just shed yesterday though which is weird and she dropped a urate. I offered her a small rat today as it was feeding day anyways for my baby boas and like clockwork, she didnt want it lol. My sunglow was extra happy as she was sitting at the front of the cage waiting for that door to slide open like she knew the BP wasnt going to eat it haha.

I wouldnt worry too much as long as your husbandry is good. BPs are not the snakes for people who worry easy haha. They can drive you insane. Get a boa or retic. Mine never refuse food and actually want to eat more than they should which i guess is a worry in itself too

[Mizaniverse]

My 3.5 year old girl is up to just over 4 months now with not wanting food. She did just shed yesterday though which is weird and she dropped a urate. I offered her a small rat today as it was feeding day anyways for my baby boas and like clockwork, she didnt want it lol. My sunglow was extra happy as she was sitting at the front of the cage waiting for that door to slide open like she knew the BP wasnt going to eat it haha.

I wouldnt worry too much as long as your husbandry is good. BPs are not the snakes for people who worry easy haha. They can drive you insane. Get a boa or retic. Mine never refuse food and actually want to eat more than they should which i guess is a worry in itself too

Yeah, she just shed too. Haha yeah I have a boa too and she never misses a meal in shed or out.

- - - Updated - - -

4 weeks is nothing for an animal that age wait until she decides to go of feed for 3,6,9,12 months

Do you have a weight on that animal?

If could be various things such as what we call "the wall" which is why I ask abut weight, husbandry, catching up to compensate with over feeding etc.

You can do a few different things, change the enclosure, change substrate, downsize, lower temps etc, to see if anything triggers her back but most importantly it's about PATIENCE, they are efficient and that is just what BP do sooner or later.

Last I checked she was around the 1150 mark.Good to hear it's not abnormal. Thanks again for all the help