4 month old Ball python not eating

[Craiga 01453]

If he is 85 grams and not eating a 20 gallons than is just not gonna cut it even cramped, do this to a T https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-hatchling-101

I also wonder how much handling you are doing with this snake? All new snakes should not be handled until they've fed easily & reliably for 3 times
at regular intervals, at least, & for best results. Remember that just because a snake is docile when handled does not mean it isn't stressed: anything
that picks up a snake in the wild is normally a predator that's about to eat it! Most of our snakes do learn in time that they are safe with us, but that
is going against their instincts. So if you've been handling this snake, you need to back off while he does some more growing & feeds consistently.

You should be feeding him at night, if you aren't already doing so. That's his natural time to hunt. Many snakes are put off by too much light or by us
"hovering" during the feeding process also...just offering possible suggestions here, in case. What kind of hides are you using? (some are too "open"-
like those half-round hollowed tree bark things; some are just too big & don't offer "back pressure".)

Both great replies, they summarize everything I would have said very well. There are two typical reasons a young BP will refuse food. Husbandry, addressed by Deborah above, and stress, addressed by Bogertophis above.


Follow Deb's advice, she's awesome and really knows her stuff. If you follow to a T, you'll be in good shape.

Also, what Bogertophis said about handling is spot on. At that size, that snake is thinking "predator" every time it sees you and is likely stressed due to handling. I personally advise new keepers to let their snake get three consecutive meals without refusal before handling. Until the snake has eaten 3 times, without refusal, no handling. I know it's tempting to want to hold your new pet, but getting it eating is most important right now. You'll have 20+ years to handle the snake, so let it settle in.



Good luck, keep us posted and feel free to ask any questions you may have!