First...the 2 1/2 wks is about how long I would have left him totally alone, then started offering. I go a month. No handling, clean cage and fresh water and proper conditions and no bugging. If you have been trying to feed this whole time he is stressed. Now what I would do is leave him totally alone for a couple of weeks. Then I would offer a f/t mouse or rat of appropriate size for your snake, if a bit on the small side. Leave the dead animal in the cage (without ingestable substrate!) overnight, no pestering or peeking. IF it is a no go then wait another whole week. Try again. You could try dozens of different ways and things but if you just keep trying every day or two you are gonna stress the animal further and further from eating ever.

As for wrinkling......I would think dehydration first. A luke warm soak before you leave him alone for til the next offer of food should bring him back to hydration. Just deep enough to sit in, not that he will have to swim, not hot and not cold.

I really recommend the Ball Python Manual by the Barkers.....loads of info on feeding.
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Sonya

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