help

[aaronyarm]

Hi everyone -

I am new to this and have the usual new question - my BP wont eat-


I have had him for about a month - he is a about 17 inches long.

The prob I am having is that he is not eating.

I have been following husbandry tips both on here andfrom a book called 'ball python care'

the temps all seem to b correct i.e. (90 basking area and 80 cool area) The humidity is around 50% he has 2 hides which he seems to like. I have wood chippings as the substrate. The tank is not to big (sam greound space as a 20 gal however it is half the height. It si in a quiet area - he has not shed or shown any signs of shedding

He seems to be very inquisitve and moves round quite happily. However I am a bit concerned about him not eating. Is it worth trying Assisted feeding? I do not wish to offer him n e thing live.

The breeder told me that he had been feeding and they didnt have n e problems. Any suggestions?

I am trying to do everything right but this is so frustrating as I am sure you all know.

hope you can all help

[recycling goddess]

what was the breeder feeding him?

sometimes it takes a bit for a snake to fully adjust to the new surroundings. if you are feeding f/t - are you making sure the prey item is nice and warm when you offer it? if not, they often refuse to eat. also... how are you offering the prey? tongs? putting it on the substrate?

please give us as many details as possible... and then someone should be able to assist you

and - welcome to the forum!!!

[aaronyarm]

thanks for the speedy response.

I am using tongs (12") to feed.

THe breeder was feeding f/t as well. I have tried leaving it on the substrate over night. I am making sure that it is warm. I usually wait 3 days before trying again, is that too often.

When I first got him, I was handling him, however I have stopped handling for the last 2/3 weeks as I heard it was not good to handle a new snake.

I have tried feeding at dif times of the day etc...

[Laooda]

I've never had on of mine go off their meals, (all young) but if I understand correctlly, a BP will/can "fast".... Time of year? new surroundings? Not sure if this is true, I promise someone will have more input!! GOOD LUCK!

[recycling goddess]

thanks for the speedy response.

I am using tongs (12") to feed.

THe breeder was feeding f/t as well. I have tried leaving it on the substrate over night. I am making sure that it is warm. I usually wait 3 days before trying again, is that too often.

When I first got him, I was handling him, however I have stopped handling for the last 2/3 weeks as I heard it was not good to handle a new snake.

I have tried feeding at dif times of the day etc...

it's a really good idea to get into a routine with your ball. first, feed in the evening and a f/t prey item cools quickly. dangle the prey near the hide your ball is in... doing the 'i'm alive and waiting to be eaten' dance LOL

if it doesn't eat... wait one week and try again.

i also suggest not holding or bothering your snake (except water changes) until you get it eating.

often times, when people do not follow the "first week no touching" rule... they end up with feeding issues. that's probably what's causing this issue now. your snake will eat... just give it time and space.

[recycling goddess]

and personally, i have never had a snake eat a f/t prey item left in it's enclosure over night. so if they don't eat during the "dance" then i set the item down at the opening to it's hide (after rewarming) and leave the room... i go back 20 minutes later and if it's not eaten... i remove it (refreeze it) and try again in a week.

[arcane]

You may also want to try feeding outside of the tank. A smaller tank or tub with just the snake and the rodent. Blast the mouse with a hair dryer so it's nice and hot. Dangle it in front of the snake, but if he doesn't take it, drop it in. Cover the container (with a lid and blanket so it's dark), and don't check for awhile. My BPs first feeding at home I had to cover the container before he took it. Now he eats fine.

And you may have to leave him overnight if he doesn't eat it, so put it on a moderate head source so it doesn't get cold.

Also get into a routine. Feed at the same time of day. I feed tuesday evenings. So during the day he knows. Pip also knows it's time to eat when I put him in his feeding tub.

[Laooda]

See!!! Tons of great info!

[aaronyarm]

thanks for all the help ill give the suggestions a go and keep u all informed!!!

[piranhaking]

i have had several rat and corn snakes eat when i left it in over night. I've also had luck with the small container idea. The reason that helps is partly because it makes the smell stronger.