Quote Originally Posted by Tara18 View Post
Hi everyone!

I got my first ball python at the Toronto Reptile Expo in March and he's been great other than a few things... He won't eat. I've tried feeding him F/T rats once a week since I've gotten him, and he shows some interested (A lot of tongue flicking and even stretching his jaw) but he won't eat. I feed him late, waving the rat around a little bit before leaving it overnight. He is just over 200 grams and I've tried both fuzzies and pups. I even brained one a tiny bit last week but no interest. I'll leave the rat in the fridge overnight to thaw before letting it sit in warm water. I've used a blow dryer as well a few times.

He is in a glass tank with screen lid, but I've kept most of it covered with a towel. He has a hot side (85-90F) and a cool side (70-75F) and I mist his tank twice a day. He has an UTH and a bulb just to boost the temp a bit. He has hides on each end, a water bowl and a branch to climb. I've kept handling at a minimum, especially as of lately.

Before I purchased him, the breeder told me he fed really well on live and even took frozen before just fine. I know BP's can go a while without eating, but its been about 7 weeks and I think he might be getting a bit skinny.

I'd prefer not to feed live, but I understand I might have to go that route.

Should I be worried? Should I continue trying to feed him F/T until he's hungry enough to eat it, or try something new?
He also used to be very active at night, trying to crawl up the tank and explore, but now he just curls up in his hide or in the corner of the tank. I haven't seen him come out at night (or during the day) for the past week or two.

Thanks <3

Couple Questions...

I know you said you have him in a tank.. What size tank is he in? Based off of what you have in there I would say it has to be at least 20 gallons..

You said you are feeding him "rats.." What size?

And to answer your question about "live feeding" I would say the answer is yes.. In my opinion everyone who takes on one of these animals should absolutely understand that live feeding is a possibility.