Just got a baby BP who wont eat, I think its normal, but need conformation

[whyteboi]

Not sure if this is husbandry or general, so sorry if this is wrong forum

This thing is a BABY. Im guessing under 1 week old. The shop got him on thursday, which is 4 days ago. Anyway heres the scoop

hes never eaten
never shed
Just got him 3 hours ago
fuzzy is in cage as I type this

I read somewhere a baby wont eat till it has shed OR? Is this true? Ive also heard if you get a baby, you have to not touch them and wat 3 days to feed them. Which is true?

Should I take the heat lamp off and put a towel over? he is either ignoring it, or not noticing the fuzzy.

If the general concensus is to take him out, when should I try next?

Thanks

(if I have more questions i will just post them)

[qiksilver]

currently the same question is about two spaces up on the front page BUT, you're gonna want to wait more than 3 days to feed

[whyteboi]

1. my moms attached to the stupid fuzzy and wanting to nourish and care for it since the snake wont eat it... lol
2. can i touch the snake till i try to feed it next, or leave it alone till after it sheds/ or 3 days?

[lord jackel]

Here are 2 posts about this topic (one from Ed and one from me...should answer your question)

I would have to agree with you that a less established ball might be a little discouraging for a new owner. How every it is not impossible.

I see that you said that he doesn't use his hides this is more than likely because they are 1: to big and he is not feeling secure or 2: due to the temp difference they don't offer him the right temp he is looking for. active in a ball that young can mean it is stressed.

If your using a glass tank I would suggest setting in up along these lines.
http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/...ead.php?t=32800

If your not I suggest getting an accurite thermometer the dial type sold in pet stores are bad known for being wrong by up to 15-20 degrees..

Allowing your snake at least 1-2 weeks to settle in before feeding is best (this means no handling, feeding or any contact other than spot cleaning and water changes.
When feeding live if my snakes don't eat with in 30 minutes I remove the prey and either try a different prey size or type. if they still don't eat then wait till next week.

A few comments -

1. I wouldn't bother trying to feed him till he sheds the first time (he won't eat till then)
2. Make sure his first meal is really small (pinkie would be ideal) this way you can leave it with him overnight without issue.
3. At 88 on the warm side you are getting low you need to get some more warmth try for low 90's
4. What is your humidity? You need it to be higher right now as hatchlings can dehydrate quickly (my pre sheds are on wet paper towels...just to give you an idea)

Good Luck...keep us posted.

[whyteboi]

Ok well I do have a kinda big hide, I could swap in a tissue box instead of what I have now which is half a log with the inside taken out.

What should I do with fuzzy? let him stay in cage and give him milk (mom done twice already lol) he has white fur, but eyes not open, so I am thinking he MIGHT be able to live, but im not sure. Or put him in freezer until after he sheds?

[qiksilver]

you should at least wait a week... what is with you and 3 days? it won't matter what your mom thinks of the fuzzy because fuzzies aren't weaned yet, so that's going to be a bit of a problem for you because it will starve to death if your snake won't eat it. Snakes can go weeks and months without food, so 3 hours isn't going to be a problem, put the top on, and step away from the enclosure, let it settle for a good long time (meaning a week or MORE) and don't touch it till it settles

[qiksilver]

wow, alright well your mom's got the fuzzy covered, stratch that part of my post

[rabernet]

Why are you trying to feed a ball python the same day you got it? Get it set up in a 6 quart tub with two tiny hides and don't mess with it at all. Let it get through its first shed and THEN offer food. If it doesn't eat, continue not messing with it (that means handling or touching) for another week and try again - repeat.

[ZEKESMOM]

Why are you trying to feed a ball python the same day you got it? Get it set up in a 6 quart tub with two tiny hides and don't mess with it at all. Let it get through its first shed and THEN offer food. If it doesn't eat, continue not messing with it (that means handling or touching) for another week and try again - repeat.

Yeah, what Robin said

[whyteboi]

Umm... can I leave it in his/her 10 gallon glass aquarium? I have it set up with newspaper, a hide, and a weird looking trunk thing that it can hide under with about 88 temp and 60% humidity. Or do I need a 6 quart tub