New Snake feeding question ~ need opinions

[VesuviusVicki]

We are animal lovers but this is our first snake. The pet store said that the snake last ate on Mon/Tues of last week. We got Rocky on Saturday and he has been doing really well. He stayed in the hide on the hot side for the last couple days, but today he has been moving around a lot. I take it as a sign that he might be getting hungry, but I was trying to follow the 'not messing with him while he adjusts theory.'

Should I just go ahead and try to feed him, or would it be better to let him adjust for a couple more days? I don't want to do anything traumatic. Thanks for the advice.

[Spaniard]

First off Welcome to the site.

His moving around a lot could mean that he is still adjusting to his environment; wait a week since introducing him to his new home and try feeding then.

Since pet stores can often give the wrong care advice you might want to check out a care sheet to make sure all your temps and humidity are on point. They are wondeful snakes, enjoy them, we're here to help if you need.

[adi]

try feeding him....if he eats, awesome if not, just let him settle down a bit more.

that is a sign of being hungry, or it can just mean he wants to chill and look around

[Nate]

heh i think you're going to get conflicting advice. I wouldn't say it's a good idea to feed now, but i definitely don't think it would be a bad idea to try.

If it was me, i would try a thawing out a frozen rodent and wiggling it. Live rodents tend to crawl all over them and the snakes can get defensive and refuse.

[VesuviusVicki]

I think you are right Nathan.

I already have the frozen mice in the freezer. I was going to do live feed but as much as I read about it, I have decided against it for now.

Spainard ~ The pet store already gave a lot of wrong information. But I am quickly learning here.

[Spaniard]

Spainard ~ The pet store already gave a lot of wrong information. But I am quickly learning here.

Unfortunately they're good for that, luckily you stumbled into one of the best ball python forums around.

[VesuviusVicki]

Unfortunately they're good for that, luckily you stumbled into one of the best ball python forums around.

Glad I found this place, and sorry I just noticed I spelled your screename wrong.

[Spaniard]

Glad I found this place, and sorry I just noticed I spelled your screename wrong.

I wouldn't have noticed if you didn't say anything

[VesuviusVicki]

Well, I tried but no luck. He sniffed it then ran to his warm hide and curled up really tight. I tried to nudge him a bit but I don't want to scare him anymore. Should I leave the mouse in for awhile? Not sure how long it will stay warm.

[Spaniard]

Well, I tried but no luck. He sniffed it then ran to his warm hide and curled up really tight. I tried to nudge him a bit but I don't want to scare him anymore. Should I leave the mouse in for awhile? Not sure how long it will stay warm.

Given the response you got I don't think it will do you much good. The fact that he went back into his hide is a sign of insecurity, the scent of a rodent in his enclosure might just stress him out seeing as how he's still not acclimated and secure in his new home. Wait a week, or a couple more days at this point and try again.