Getting a little worried???

[stevenkeogh]

Leave her alone and don't try to change her habits. If she favours the cover of the foliage then so be it.
Do not offer food more than once a week.
Forget about her apart from changing her water and try again in a week.
Learn patience, you own a ball python.
-Steven

[trott]

Thanks. Yeah, i was going through this phase where when she wasn't using a hide after 3 of 4 days i figured it wasn't tight enough or a temp issue so i would change it. I've got quite a collection now.

It's funny because my friend, who i feel is not a good herp, has 2 BPs in one tank,about 8 mos old, one half log that they don't use. His temps are all off, the tank is in a hallway with alot of traffic. He only has a heat lamp and his are shedding eating and growing like crazy. He's feeding live though.

[piper]

Thanks. Yeah, i was going through this phase where when she wasn't using a hide after 3 of 4 days i figured it wasn't tight enough or a temp issue so i would change it. I've got quite a collection now.

It's funny because my friend, who i feel is not a good herp, has 2 BPs in one tank,about 8 mos old, one half log that they don't use. His temps are all off, the tank is in a hallway with alot of traffic. He only has a heat lamp and his are shedding eating and growing like crazy. He's feeding live though.

Maybe try to educate him from what you learn here so he doesn't or send him here!

[SnM_Man]

my lil girl who sounds to be the same size just got off a 3 1/2 week feed strike .... how are u preparing the food ??.... try using tongs to take the mouse outta the freezer n once thawed out put it in a sandwhich bag and heat it up in a bowl of hot water from the tap for like 5mins and before extra carefull not to touch the mouse at all ... worked for me anyway

[monk90222]

Welcome to the world of Ball Pythons and the headaches associated with them. BP's are great self regulators of food intake. Missing a few feedings is not a big deal. She'll eat when she wants to...just keep offering weekly and she get back on track soon....I had a boy go off food for 14 mos......he's back on for about a year now....

[wax32]

My guy hasn't eaten for 4 months now. He acts normally and isn't losing weight. They are all different!

[trott]

The funny thing is the guy i know (bad herp) had his last bp live 26 years.

My feeding method with the f/t is using long thongs/forceps, in low light. I thaw the prey and run the baggie under hot water for about 20 sec. to get the temp up. It would only take a second or two.

I believe it is a little stress. She has a real timid personality. When she comes out at night ,if you go to look at her, she'll freeze and then head back to her hide/corner. I took the time while trying to feed her to move her tank to the least possible traffic area of the condo. It's only been 2 mo. since i've had her but it's hard to believe her stress level being higher now than the first mo of adjustment.

When you guys had your bp go into fast, how old were they ?

[starmom]

Again, I would put her into a smaller space as a small space is especially helpful for timid ball pythons. Have you tried, or thought about trying, a very small tub like a 6 qt??

[trott]

Not yet but thats a good option.
I think tomorrow night i will place the f/t mouse on a dish in the warm end over night . Maybe i'll get lucky.