Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got my first ever Ball about a week ago. He wouldn't eat in the pet store, but I wasn't too worried -- he seemed stressed. I tried to feed him myself today (about 6 days in) and he wouldn't eat and shyed away from the mouse. I tried a frozen/thawed mouse, then waited a while, and tried a pre-killed fresh one. He wanted no part of either.

Should I be worried that I have a snake that won't eat? Or should I just give him time?

I know these are terribly naive questions, but I am worried and I want to do this right. Thank you for all of the help.

While I don't have any ball pythons, I'll say that in general, a week is a pretty short time for non-eating purposes. Start to worry if he either looks like he's losing weight, and/or goes a good deal longer without eating (like more than a month or two, which would be a bit out of character for a young animal, even though older ones can go many months without eating!)

-P
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0.0.1 Normal corn snake (Frito)
0.0.1 Creamsicle corn (Tang)
0.0.1 Ghost corn (Raynham)
1.1 Bay of LA rosy boas (Rivet and Cali)

One thing to always remember with ball Pythons is that "patience is a virtue"
You didn't mention how old he is but here are a few general suggestions.
Give him a little more time like 3-5 more days before trying again.
Make sure your temperatures are right, that he has an appropriately tight/secure hide, and that he is in a low traffic area... leave him alone for the most part, aside from making sure he has fresh water, and temps are correct etc.
1. The room should be dark and quiet. They usually prefer to eat in the evening.
2.Make sure what you are feeding him is thoroughly thawed and WARM.
3. Use feeding tongs... you may have to slightly wiggle the prey.
4. watch to see if he is peeking out of his hide and offer the prey just outside... Don't touch his face with it.
5. Move slowly!... any sudden movements will startle him
6.if he doesn't take it, you can leave it in his cage outside the hide over night... and leave the room, turn out all the lights.
7. If he still doesn't take it give him another few days and try again.
Note: Often young BPS prefer the movement of a live hopper mouse or Rat Pup. You may have to get him started on these first before moving to F/T
** Don't panic... they can go a while with out eating. Depending on how old he is as long as he isn't loosing weight, getting skinny, or dehydrated he can go a several weeks. adults can go months (some have gone a year or so without eating).
If You haven't gotten one already, buy a basic ball python book... there are other suggestion in there for feeding tips/tricks ( that I haven't had to try....Yet)
Good luck!
BRGDS,
A
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"There is a fine line between a hobby and mental illness"
COLD BLOOD.........WARM HEART