New ball python not eating / not loosing weight and acting strange

[Bogertophis]

I agree with Gio's post #7 - He's not "skinny" & I'd still guess the size of the rats (mediums for a male are a lot of food) are part of the issue. BPs can be very frustrating pets because for them, fasting is just what they're designed to do to survive in the wild. Larger meals (for many owners) seem to promote refusals (fasting until they're hungry again).

One other thing- (without seeing the hide you're using)- we suggest giving all snakes at least 2 hides, one with heat & one cooler, because a snake will choose a sense of security over the right temperature, so if they only have one hide, that's not ideal for their natural need for thermoregulation. BPs especially are nervous when out in the open, & maybe that's why he's so restless??? He wants to be on the cooler side, but there's nowhere to hide to feel safe.

What are the lowest temps. in his home? (And in yours) In a colder climate or if you keep your home or room on the chilly side, even with a warm hide on one end, the other side of that enclosure might still be too cool, which tells a snake to fast (so they don't get stuck in winter with undigested food in their GI tract- they can die from that in the wild). IF that is the case (?), you might need a larger UTH or a second heat source. Just something you need to check. The "cool side" is hopefully not below 78*F (25.5*C). See?

Also- BPs prefer a snug fitting hide- something with only one doorway that's not oversized, a ceiling that's not too high & the overall size not much bigger than they are- so they can feel some "back pressure" when inside. In the wild, they jam into old termite mounds & other tight places where they feel secure from predators, so try to duplicate* that for him. (*no termites needed- ) And I'd not rush to see a vet- give him plenty of time with proper hides available, smaller food, & double check those temps. I'm strongly suspecting 'husbandry' is all you need to tweak for this guy, & most vets don't get into that, they're all about the medical side of things.

Pretty snake, btw.

And yes, what's with using 2 names here???