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Ball python snake won't eat

Posted By:

Hokage

In Relation To:

Alba

hi my name is hokage and I bought baby python before but this time I bought 2 adult python and I think there both female.the person who sold it to me said he feed them every Saturday but didn't ask live dead or frozen.So I dried feeding them the new Saturday and one of the ball python ate but the other one didn't.So the snake that ate,ate the other mice and now ate 2.so I separated the other one and but a new mice and didn't want to eat it.it was affaid of the mice and ran.he's been doing this for almost 4 days and I'm worried please help


Points:	250
Topics:	Feeding
Tags:	Hokage
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Accepted Answer

9/1/2008 9:42:10 PM

FartherAway420

A ball python is known to be a tempermental eater. Especially in new surroundings. It took a month and a half for my Ball to eat but now eats every 5-7 days without a problem. Also if I am understanding you correctly you are feeding them in the same enclosure at the same time? I would not do that as there is always that chance they may both go after the same food item and injure themselves. And if this is an adult Ball Python then a mouse is too small of a prey item. Try feeding it a midsized to large rat.

Member Comment

9/1/2008 9:44:50 PM

noahsboasandreptiles

Hokage, sometimes BP's got off feed for MANY reasons, as their demeaner is usually shy. Let it settle down for a few days so it gets used to the new environment. Then try again. I have some of mine that have gone off feed for months. Sometimes it can be due to their breeding instincts. Other reasons for them gong off feed are mites, ticks, parasites, inadequate temps or humidity. Make sure you keep the right temps and provide a cool side, hot side and hide spot.

Member Comment

9/1/2008 10:08:30 PM

REPTILEN1NJA

sometimes when a ball python reachs about 1000 grams or about 1year and a half of age they will go off food for a while you didnt specify if you feed them live or frozen some balls will only eat live so if you feed frozen you mite want to try that. also like noah said make sure all you temps are correct and check for mites and ticks if thats all clear he mite be going thru a fasten period. just keep trying most likely he will eventually eat,different things you could do is leave mouse in its hide and leave the room sooner or later he just might eat that just worked for my blood python or try scentin it with a rat they may have been on a rat diet and one is more pickier than the other and if all else fails dont get to worried he might just be getting used to his new enclousure. but as farther said to def do not feed them in the same tank the more domiant one may scared the other 1 from eating or they could hurt eachother

Member Comment

9/6/2008 10:12:00 AM

dalvers63

One of the best things to do when you get a new snake is set it up in it's new enclosure with the proper hides and temps and then leave it completely alone for at least a week. This is especially important for ball pythons as they can be very shy in new environments. Once your snake has settled in, then try to feed it whatever the last person was feeding it.

If these are adults, I'd suggest a small rat once a week. Unless they are thin and need to gain weight, a small (between 70-80gr) rat is more than enough for any adult ball python.

I would also suggest that you not keep snakes together (if that's what you're doing) as they are solitary creatures and unless your cage is huge there will be competition for the best hiding and basking spots which can stress out the animals even more.

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