Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So.... I just got my first ball from a friend. He said that the snake hasnt eaten in a while and he hasnt been able to get him eating. I'm an experienced keeper of reptiles but i have never had an eating problem. Any tips out there to get him to start eating again? Also, he is in my rack. Should the substrate be about 90 degrees? Thanks in advance for your help!

Thanks,

Dan
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1.0 Albino Leopard Gecko - (Maverick)
0.1 High-Yellow Leopard Gecko - (Charlie)
0.0.1 Albino Corn Snake - (Cleo)
1.1.4 Mangrove Watersnakes - (Kaa and Kali and their babies)
0.0.1 Common Snapper - (Shredder)
1.0 Cockatiel - (Buddy)

if there are other animals in that rack i might move him till u are sure that he is not eating do to a sickness, start by trying f/t and if not then go p/k, then if no wait a week and try a live sometimes its finding what they want, how long has he been off food

My friend said he has been off feed since November. Should he be at 90 degrees?
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1.0 Albino Leopard Gecko - (Maverick)
0.1 High-Yellow Leopard Gecko - (Charlie)
0.1 Albino Corn Snake - (Cleo)
1.1.4 Mangrove Watersnakes - (Kaa and Kali and their babies)
0.0.1 Common Snapper - (Shredder)
1.0 Cockatiel - (Buddy)

If the snake is adult it may be off for breeding season. It should start eating soon. I have two left that still have not eaten, but with warmer weather coming they should start soon.

He is a full grown Male. Should i have a hide for him in the rack tub or will he feel secure enough in there?

thanks,

Dan
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1.0 Albino Leopard Gecko - (Maverick)
0.1 High-Yellow Leopard Gecko - (Charlie)
0.1 Albino Corn Snake - (Cleo)
1.1.4 Mangrove Watersnakes - (Kaa and Kali and their babies)
0.0.1 Common Snapper - (Shredder)
1.0 Cockatiel - (Buddy)

I would go with what is closes to what he had. I have a few that have hides in the rack. He may start eating if you give him a hide. I bet he is not eating because of breeding season. He should eat soon, Feed him whatever the person before you feed him. then try switching to what you do..

surface temps at their hottest should be in the nineties on the hot side and lower gradually (to room temp) as you move down the rack. (allow for tight hides in all temp ranges)

ball pythons, like most reptiles, like their hide spots tight and secure. while racks usually are fine on their own, i would provide hides for now. they can't hurt

Thank you very much!

Dan
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1.0 Albino Leopard Gecko - (Maverick)
0.1 High-Yellow Leopard Gecko - (Charlie)
0.1 Albino Corn Snake - (Cleo)
1.0 Ball Python - ()
0.0.1 Mangrove Watersnake - ()
0.0.1 Common Snapper - (Shredder)
1.0 Cockatiel - (Buddy)