Picky Eater--but the WEIRD kind?

[MrMoyb]

Chiming in to say my BP is just as picky as yours, OP.

She has to be out and actively hunting to strike. Prefers the f/t rat extra warm. I have to be almost completely motionless.


If it's too late in the evening and she's on her way back into her hide, I can either throw the rat away now, or leave it the cage and throw it away in the morning.

If she strikes and misses, game over.

If she strikes and coils but drags herself/the rat into the water, game over.

I can't prove it, but I also think she's tentative about rats that are size outliers in the multi packs.


She's a healthy size and shape, so it's more funny than frustrating. If she was consistently not eating and losing weight I'd probably try to find a perfect ritual that works.

[Zincubus]

It’s probably been mentioned but many Royal ‘Ball’ pythons do far , far better if you offer less frequently


I feed every 10 to 4 days and they eat every time

( I cheat and use the hairdryer method though lol)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[VelkynKarma]

3. What size rat are you feeding and how often? How much does Phantom way and how old is he.

The last question has to do with appetite. Shayna used to get medium rats once she was over about 1kg (she's now about 2kg). I offered medium rats every 2 weeks as an adult, but she would still often refuse. I switched back to small rats (still every two weeks) and she rarely misses a meal (except in shed or her winter fast). She actually put on some weight because she was eating regularly, was more active, and strikes now 2/3 of the time. If she doesn't show immediate interest, or I guess the wrong hide, etc. I just put the rat down and if not in her winter fast, the rat is usually going down the hatch or gone within 30 minutes.

Frankly, if your BP is eating regularly, I like to say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." However, number 3 could be a factor.

Keep us posted and good luck.

Phantom turns two next week (July 16th). He just crossed 800g (829 to be precise). I've been feeding Small rats since I got him, but he's getting to that awkward in-between stage at this point if I understand feeding sizes correctly (he needs bigger Small rats, or smaller Medium rats). He eats once a week (usually Wednesdays), based on what the breeder suggested, but now that he's getting bigger it might be better to extend that by a few extra days.

I'm of the 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' philosophy as well, since he IS eating, even if he's a bit weird about it. But I'm always interested in hearing other suggestions or learning about ways I can potentially make his life better, too.

[Bogertophis]

Phantom turns two next week (July 16th). He just crossed 800g (829 to be precise). I've been feeding Small rats since I got him, but he's getting to that awkward in-between stage at this point if I understand feeding sizes correctly (he needs bigger Small rats, or smaller Medium rats). He eats once a week (usually Wednesdays), based on what the breeder suggested, but now that he's getting bigger it might be better to extend that by a few extra days.

I'm of the 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' philosophy as well, since he IS eating, even if he's a bit weird about it. But I'm always interested in hearing other suggestions or learning about ways I can potentially make his life better, too.

First off, male ball pythons often eat less than females, & you probably don't need to size up at all. (I can only say probably- since I haven't seen him & I'm assuming he's not thin or starving.)

Anyway, many have better luck keeping their adult male BPs on small rats. And also, better luck feeding less often. Feeding once a week is a lot for a 2 year old male BP- that could be your biggest problem- you're just trying to feed him too much & too often. I would certainly not offer sooner than every 10 days- & if need be- go to every 2 weeks. These snakes are "designed" to survive without regular meals, & if you find he needs more food in the future, you can also go back to feeding more frequently.

[dakski]

For what's worth, I would try feeding every two weeks.

A small rat is fine.

Shayna eats a small rat (60-80G or so) every two weeks and is closer to 2kg. Phantom will still grow eating every two weeks, if he has a lot of growing left, it will just take longer and he will probably be healthier for it.

I also bet his appetite increases and you will see fewer refusals as he ages. Do not be surprised if at his age and weight he fasts in the winter though.

Good luck and keep us posted.