Ball pythons less than 12-18 months age that refuse food 95% of the time do it because of a problem with their husbandry.

Make sure your temps are correct ... 82-84 on one side of the cage, 92-94 on the other 24 hours a day 7 days a week measured with a good digital thermometer ... humidity should be between 50% and 60% ... make sure your snakes enclosure isn't exposed to drafts or near exterior doors or windows ... make sure your snake has at least one small tight hide on each side of the enclosure ... if you can fit anything inside of the hide at the same time as your snake, the hide is too big.

Even for adults, fasting can be avoidable by maintaining a consistent environment and feeding routine. I used to have problems with ball pythons fasting in the winter like everyone else until I started making an effort to be consistent ... now, I haven't had an animal established into my collection fast in years ... it really works if you are diligent.

Hope this helps.

-adam