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Need some not-so-typical feeding ideas

Posted By:

Matts Animals

In Relation To:

Lily

im not in a panic, but im ready to start trying something new.

my ball python used to be a great eater, ate every week since i got her, bout about a month and a half ago, she stopped. now you can excuse the normal questions like did i change anything, heat, activity, humid, blah blah blah, nothings changed, she acts normal, just doesn't act intrested in food out of nowhere.

i checked to make sure she wasn't "plugged up" or anything, shes empty, she acts completly normal, even acts like shes hunting at night, but if i drop a mouse in there she pretends like its not there. ive tried switching times of day, different days. ive even tried offering her a mouse sized rat and f/t mouse , still pretends like its not there.

last thing i tired was a long shot, but i swapped her into a bigger cage (mayb she wanted more room to roam around?) but she didn't like that and swapped her back.

so anyone got any thing new i could try? i thought mayb some sort of breeding season, but i thought that was like in november? and shes a 08. the other 2 eat fine also, i donno why she would just go off feed.


Points:	50
Topics:	Feeding , General Health
Tags:	Feeding, Regius
Species:	Pythons > Pythons > Python regius
Administrative:	Show/Hide

Accepted Answer

3/11/2009 7:01:21 PM

glendtcocaine

Dont worry at all, this behaviour is totally normal for ball pythons to go "off" food, even for many months at a time. It coincides with the breeding cycle, typically in the winter months they go off food, with no harmful effects. I know that it may seem frustrating, believe me I know all about it, I have 8 ball pythons and right now only one will eat. I offer food every week as usual but none want to eat right now. When the seasons change and she feels right, she will eat and eat on her regular schedule as normal, but until then, really, really dont stress yourself out about it!!

Author Comment

3/11/2009 7:07:27 PM

Matts Animals

lol im not stressing, just thought it wasn't the breeding cycle since the other 2 are eating. was wondering if anyone had a "try this it worked for me" because like everyone else i want her to grow up big and strong and make lots of babies a soon as possible, and she can't do that fasting. but thanks

Member Comment

3/13/2009 8:26:22 AM

sparky

I feel your pain. I have 2 off feed at the moment and I just try to keep a watch on their weight and keep trying to feed on my schedule and hope for the best.

Assisted Answer

3/13/2009 8:02:13 PM

MegF

Not that big a deal. I'm taking care of a pair of balls right now who are approaching three months of not feeding. I'm afraid it's typical of balls and just something you have to live with. I suspect she won't lose much weight at all.

Member Comment

3/13/2009 10:15:44 PM

Eriathiel

Like has been stated... sometimes balls just get stubborn! If it gets to the point where she is looking unhealthy I would take her to the vet but until then... She's just being a typical ball!

Member Comment

3/14/2009 3:33:38 AM

Exhume

i would try the frozen thawed head split.
or a tuna dip.

Member Comment

3/14/2009 4:34:27 AM

aaron

You sure she's a she?

Assisted Answer

3/14/2009 11:58:28 PM

amarilrose

It's winter. Even if you haven't changed anything in temps or humidity in her cage (and none of us are perfect, so there probably is a difference just because of the change of seasons), she knows it's winter. Winter = BP's off feed. Granted, that isn't 100%; every snake is an individual, and there is a wide range of how long each BP will go off or stay off its feed (or in some cases, if), but now really isn't the time to try wierd new tactics; just offer food in whatever way has been "normal" for her to accept it before. Offer food regularly (like as often, or just half as often as you normally would), and don't get too upset over the refusals.

Assisted Answer

3/15/2009 10:44:12 AM

Zues

Do you have a scale? Keep an eye on her weight. If she starts losing weight then I would worry. If they go off feed on there own you will see very little weight loss.

Assisted Answer

3/21/2009 10:22:55 AM

Brewster320

I wouldn't worry to much but if you really wanted her to feed there are several tricks you could use including braining, scenting with canned tuna, scenting with chicken broth, or if you can get your hands on some you could offer african soft furred rats. All are good tricks but like stated early its nothing you should worry about for now, its common ball python behavior.

Member Comment

4/7/2009 7:39:02 PM

chris

It may sound stupid, but make sure the food is warm enough. I've had it where my ball python won't notice a mouse if its luke warm. just a suggestion.

Member Comment

5/23/2009 1:29:41 AM

delonybro

I can second everyone else's comments about not worrying at just 6 weeks of not feeding, but I've got one suggstion. One thing I've noticed in the past is the magic food for getting balls back on feed is gerbils! I recommend pre-killing immediatly before feeding as they've got some serious teeth, but it's worked for me and the zoo i worked at every time. Worth a shot!

Member Comment

10/25/2009 9:35:13 PM

zachrfields

It may just be because of breeding season, Its definetly time, She probably just wants some.

Member Comment

1/17/2011 3:42:58 PM

abi21491

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