Ball python striking but not taking food

[Homebody]

Hi all,

My BP is increasingly getting worse at eating his rats. It's taking longer for him to actually take his rats, and tonight he struck at it repeatedly but didn't take it. I let the rats thaw during the day and warm them up in hot water before feeding. I haven't changed the thawing process since I got him so I can't imagine that is the problem. He was a better eater when he was on mice, though.

His husbandry is good, but he is almost too big for his hide now. Could that be causing him to stress out and strike defensively?

Thanks for reading!
Emma

A couple questions: 1) When did you switch from mice to rats; 2) What size mouse was he eating before the switch; 3) What size rat are you feeding him now; and 4) How often are you feeding him?

As for his hides, if you post a picture of your enclosure, we'll give you feedback on what, if anything, you should improve. Thanks.