Feeding Question

[rukik]

Hi I have a 2 year old female ball python. I recently took ownership of her from my brother. She only ate live food with him and i wanted to attempt to change that to frozen. I was successful. I have been able to get her to eat one large rat a week for a month. But now all of a sudden she refuses to eat, its been 16 days since she has eaten. I have been attampting to feed her once a week still. I though she may be about to shed becasue her scales are becomming a little dry on her back. The humidity of the tank is usually between 60 and 80 %. The temp range is constant. She isn't displaying any other signs that she may be sheding. Also she is looking little thinner than normal. Should i be worried?

[ChrisBowsman]

Nope. BPs are notorious for skipping meals. I'd still listen to what the experts have to say, but I'm sure many will agree.

[Dvas_Romeo]

A BP going off feed (especially during the winter months) is not uncommon. Having last eaten 16 days ago, your BP should not be losing weight. Many balls have been recorded to go off feed for months (i.e. 3, 4, even 6 months) at a time. My BP had suddenly decided he didn't want to accept his usual rat offerings about 3 weeks ago as well and hasn't eaten since. Just continue offering your BP every week (or on his usual feeding schedule/day), and so long that your BP hasn't lost noticeable weight...there is nothing to worry about. Are you actually measuring his weight? The general rule of thumb is that if indeed your BP is losing body weight, a trip to the vet would be recommended. Otherwise, don't sweat it!

[Sparky1]

Nope, she is in theory old enough to breed and most stop eating during that time. My big girl went off feed three weeks ago when the weather on the west coast started to get bad and our temps droped alot.

[rukik]

Thanks for the quick replies. About her dry skin... she shed 34 days ago. At first i thought she may be getting ready to do it again... but its way to soon i think. She hasn't gotten the pink belly, (she usually does) her back scales are devoloping a slight blue tinge under light and they are slightly dry, as well her underbelly scales seem a bit brittle in the mid section, i was wondering is this a sign of dehydration?

[Dvas_Romeo]

Not sure if it's a sign of dehydration but your mentioned humidity of 60% - 80% seems to be a bit too high. Shoot for 50% - 60% humidity.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

As long as your BP does not loose too much weight he will be fine.

Check your temperature and make sure they are 80-84 on the cool side, 90-94 on the warm side, this require an accurate reading provided by a digital thermometer/hygrometer.

Check your humidity and make sure it is between 50%-60%

Make sure the enclosure is in a low traffic area.

If you handle your BP often, try to limit handling (Too much handling can cause stress)

Ball Pythons can also fast to catch up if the prey they have eaten in the past are too big or if you feed them too often. Try feeding your Ball Python smaller preys, this will allow your BP to feed with more consistency.

[rukik]

Well She is still refusing to eat, Her last meal was january 4th, I bought rats that are slightly smaller. She shed on March first, temp. is proper in the tank (digital thermometer) the humidity is just right (55%). I switched her from live to frozen (the last 3 feeds were frozen) could she be being picky? 2 1/2 months no food. Her skin is starting to look a little loose but not unhealthy, and she is still extreamly active, even during the day time. i was wondering if anyone knew some tricks i could try to get her to eat?