New to Forum and I have a problem...

[michele07_441]

Hello everyone I'm new to the forum and have a problem please help...I just got 2 baby balls we can't get them to eat....any ideas please help...info on the babies...well stupid me I got them from a pet store that has no idea about their background...I know I know never buy from a pet store..but I thought they would be fine and I'm sure they will if I can get them to eat the pet store said they ate for them...got them last friday and the force feed the one and he ate..but the other one wouldn't have anything to do with food he keep dropping it out of his mouth...both were dehydrated they now have plenty of water and are drinking(seen them) alot...temps are in the 80s by using a light I haven't got them a UTH yet but working on it...they have hides we have tried feeding at night, early morning, and day, so I'm lost as what to do now... any help is great at this point...also is there anything I can buy to give them to help them out...dewormer, vitamins, something to help them want to eat...I know you can use b12 for dragons can you use it on BPs too? If needed my e-mail addy is michele07_4411970@hotpop.com or michele07_441@hotmail.com please help I don't want to lose my new babies!!!!!!

[Adam_Wysocki]

Get the temps right ... 82-84 on one side, 92-94 on the other ... seperate them each into their own enclosure ... provide plenty of small tight places for them to hide on each side of the cage ... and leave them alone for at least 10 - 14 days (no touching, handling, poking, playing, etc) ... then offer them each a small live hopper mouse over night.

99% of the time ball pythons that do not eat, don't because of husbandry problems ... fix the husbandry problems and the snakes will eat.

Also, stop the force feeding ... it stresses them out more than it helps which only makes the problem worse.

-adam

[joepythons]

I second everything Adam said.Please stop trying to force feed them as you are causing them more stress thats not needed.

[JLC]

Ball pythons...even babies....were designed to be able to withstand long periods of time without eating. So....take a deep breath...and relax.

Your first step is not getting them to eat...but getting their environments correct. Your second step is allowing them a chance to settle into their new homes so they can feel safe and secure enough to want to eat. And THEN offer them food.

Basically, this is just my long-winded way of seconding everything Adam just said.

For more details about how to achieve those temps or what sorts of hides to provide or other questions you may have about setting up their homes...take a look at our caresheet:

http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=52

Good luck with them. And be prepared to learn patience. It is a primary lesson BP's teach to their owners!

[Adam_Wysocki]

Basically, this is just my long-winded way of seconding everything Adam just said.

I like it!

-adam

[michele07_441]

Thanks everyone...sometimes being a new mom to babies can be I knew I came to the right place for help

[JLC]

Thanks everyone...sometimes being a new mom to babies can be

I hear that!! Education is the key to peace of mind in this situation....but even if you've read everything there is to read, it takes time and experience to get over those "new Mom" nerves!

[michele07_441]

Thanks...when it is time to feed them should the pinkies be live or frozen/thawed? Sry so many questions but I have never dealt with babies before..my older ball she eats anytime and eats frozen/thawed...she is 9yrs old and was over a year old when I got her....I also read on a different thread on here that it is save to feed them inside their enclosures...helps me out alot...and again Thank you for all of your help....

[JLC]

I think the choice between live and f/t is basically up to the keeper. Whatever works best for you and is most readily and consistently supplied. However, pet-store babies may take live much more readily than f/t.


If I were in your shoes, I'd start with live feedings until they are eating consistently and gaining weight well. Then eventually switch to f/t, if that were my preferred method of feeding.

[JenHarrison]

Feeding live or f/t is entirely up to you, it's all personal preference. If they were fed f/t before you got them, they should be just fine and take them without hesitation. If not, then it may take awhile to switch them over. I feed live out of convenience...they're easier to keep, I don't have to deal with the nastiness of thawing out dead rodents, and I can control what they eat before becoming food. If frozen rodents are easier for you and you like them better, then by all means choose those. Once you get your babies eating, they should take whatever you want to give them.

Baby ball pythons are easy compared to baby humans...my husband and I have already decided no more kids, just more animals. lol!