Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i have a wonderful ball python whom i adopted when he was just a few months old. he is now a bit over 3 years in age. every winter he goes on a hunger strike for about 4-6 weeks but always starts his regular feeding routine after that time. this season is different. he hasn't eatin' in 8 weeks. he has lost 2 ounces in the last week and i'm very concerned. i've checked his temperature, humidity, and he always has fresh water (which he has been drinking more this last month than ever before in 3 years). i can't think of anything that has changed that might have him stressed out.
i've read up on force feeding (my first two years of this i was panicky until i was reassured that ball's will sometimes do this during the winter). this is a drastic measure i would like to avoid. does anybody have any suggestions? or is it time to consult a breeder with experience on force feeding?
thank you soooo much in advance. altais has a beautiful body and does not need to diet
wendy

Wendy: relax. DON'T FORCE FEED HIM. Ball pythons go off feed, that's what they do. Whether it's for 4 weeks a year (you've been really lucky) or for 8 months a year, they do it. As long as your husbandry is good, you'll have no problems. I have 35 balls and only three of them are eating, and 25 of them haven't eaten since October. I also have some females right now that haven't eaten since September, and I know for a fact won't eat until April or May. 7-8 months. I'm not worried. If you think he's stressed now and won't eat for you, if you attempt to force-feed a 3 year old male that hasn't eaten for a month or so because he's off-feed, you have a VERY good chance of stressing him out so much that he may never eat for you again. Ride it out, and try to relax. It happens.

thanx for the reply. i really appreciate it. i'm still quite concerned though. he seems happy enough. he's drinking and still active at night. guess it's the waiting game for now...

Just make sure that he caves first. Stay strong, and good luck.