New Ball Python Hasn't Eaten!

[vivi]

Ah, thank you! I will try that warming method next feeding day. I just have a few more questions:

Could I try feeding again in just a few days instead of waiting a whole week? This is because of my concern about him not eating for too long, since it's been about a month.

Should I lower temps, like suggested in the first link that Vivi provided?

And lastly, should I try switching to a smaller enclosure/divide off his enclosure to make it smaller? Although, I am worried this might stress him out since he seems adjusted to the one he's currently in (in his hides all day, roams around at night for a little starting around 11 pm).

Thank you again, guys! All of this has been very helpful and I am re-evaluating all of my methods. Hopefully I can get my stubborn noodle to eat.

No, trust me he will be fine without food for a week. Offer again in a week or a minimum of five days, offering any more often can be stressful.

I'd aim for the temps provided and aim for 50-60% humidity. 70% should be provided when in blue. Deborah has a lot of experience, I trust her advice.

Not sure on the last one.

[AlfredoBP]

Thank you so so much again! I will change everything needed and update next week when I offer for the fourth time.

I am glad I found this forum. You all seem very knowledgable and passionate about BPs. It's great knowing there's a helpful community out there that loves reptiles as much as I do!

[vivi]

Sounds good.

Do you have any pictures of your noodle?

[Caitlin]

Well, I'd question that he has adjusted to his enclosure, since he isn't eating. If you don't make any other changes, you could offer a meal in a 4-5 days - he is just a baby, and it's important to resolve this feeding strike before it settles into a really problematic situation. But if you do go ahead and make changes based on Deborah's post, which you really should follow to a T - then yes, wait a week.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?237595-My-ball-python-won-t-eat-My-BP-is-stressed-hatchling-101

And just to make sure - you are not handling him, correct? Is his enclosure in a room with low traffic/noise?

[vivi]

Well, I'd question that he has adjusted to his enclosure, since he isn't eating.

That's a good point.

[AlfredoBP]

Yes! His name is Alfredo. This is the day he came home and also him approving of some artwork I made for him.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/UkmEAAiHB7u821D6A

https://photos.app.goo.gl/cGYHhijorVX71KYk6

[AlfredoBP]

Well, I'd question that he has adjusted to his enclosure, since he isn't eating. If you don't make any other changes, you could offer a meal in a 4-5 days - he is just a baby, and it's important to resolve this feeding strike before it settles into a really problematic situation. But if you do go ahead and make changes based on Deborah's post, which you really should follow to a T - then yes, wait a week.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?237595-My-ball-python-won-t-eat-My-BP-is-stressed-hatchling-101

And just to make sure - you are not handling him, correct? Is his enclosure in a room with low traffic/noise?

Okay! I will offer in 5 days and if he does not take it I will completely change his enclosure according to Deborah's post and try again.

And yes, I have not been handling except to weigh him or do cleanup if necessary, and he is in my room where I am not in very often except if I am doing coursework or sleeping.

[vivi]

He's gorgeous. I love the albino gene in BPs. You're a great artist too and seem like a great keeper who cares about their animals. I'll be looking forward to seeing Alfredo's progress to see if you can get him eating again.

Welcome to the forum.

[AlfredoBP]

I attempted to feed again last night, but no luck. I warmed up a rat pup in the same room with lights off, and he was out and about looking like he was looking for food. When I offered it to him he showed some interest, and after a few minutes he struck, which got me excited because he's never struck before. He was watching it for a while and struck again, but in the end he just went back into his hide and stopped caring about it. I plan to switch over to Deb's method today, but unfortunately I don't have access to a different container because the ones I was looking at won't be shipped quickly enough. I'm hoping just dividing off about a third of his current enclosure will work.

[Reptile$ 4 Life]

If he continues to not eat f/t then you may have to try live.