Baby ball python not eating for 2.5 months

[Ryres5850]

Hello, my baby ball python has refused food for around 2.5 months now and I’m wondering what my options are. I’m very scared she will starve herself to death. I have checked and double checked my husbandry, my temperatures and humidity are correct. She has gone from 230 grams to 190 grams. She only defensively strives at her food, never coils around it and does not take it when I leave it at the entrance of her hide. I’ve tried to feed her rat pups (which she ate before), smaller rats (fuzzies) and hopper mice. She is still shedding normally and active. I’ve tried to make her feel secure by downgrading from a 20 gallon to a 40 gallon (around 1.5 months ago), and blocked off the sides so she can’t see out.

would a vet be of help to me? Would they even be able to do anything or would it be a waste of money? Should I be searching for an organization that takes in reptiles? I really don’t want her to die. Any suggestions about what my options are are deeply appreciated!

side note: I wish I could add pictures of her and her enclosure here but I don’t seem to be able to without a url.... :/

[jmcrook]

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-hatchling-101


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[Bogertophis]

...side note: I wish I could add pictures of her and her enclosure here but I don’t seem to be able to without a url.... :/

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-Post-Pictures


How often do you handle her? What kinds of hides does she have? Pics of set-up would help us to help you also.

[Ryres5850]

I never handle her at all. Unfortunately I’m not very good with technology so I’ll have to figure out how to take pictures from my camera roll and put them
in here...

- - - Updated - - -

I never handle her at all. Unfortunately I’m not very good with technology so I’ll have to figure out how to take pictures from my camera roll and put them
in here

[jmcrook]

Tapatalk app for your phone is infinitely easier for uploading pictures.


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[Cheesenugget]

Read the 101 sticky and try it. It worked for me. Imo 20 gallon is still way too big for a baby ball python. What seems small and claustrophobic to us is perfect for a scared little noodle. And the supplies listed are cheap.

I wouldn't take it to the vet unless there are signs of illness. The fact that she is defensive sounds like she is just scared. A trip to the vet will make her more stressed out, and some vets will force feed which makes it even worse. A snake that can eat should eat on their own. Force feeding is the last option.

Lastly, once you follow the steps, I would use a live rat pinkie that it was used to eating. If everything works out, you'll get a strike in a matter of seconds.

[Ryres5850]

This is her enclosure. Sorry for the awkward angle, it’s in a raking system. The blacked out area is a F/T rat


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[Ryres5850]

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-Post-Pictures


How often do you handle her? What kinds of hides does she have? Pics of set-up would help us to help you also.

Okay I figured out the picture thing and added one to the thread. Thank you!
This is her. Does she look very underweight?


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[cuddlykhajiit]

Still looks healthy. Snakes won't starve themselves so I wouldn't worry about that. Do you know the temp of the food you're offering?

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[Ryres5850]

I heat her food to around 100F, when she was eating for me she would only take it when it was this hot


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