Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, I've had my male ball python since he was a baby for around five years now, and I'm experiencing something new with him. He has never, ever, missed his once a week feeding, and all of a sudden, he has gone off his feed for three weeks. I understand that ball pythons are sometimes sporadic feeders, but since I've never had this problem with him before, I'm seeking a little guidance. He has maintained his weight, and nothing in his caging or food supplier has changed. Should I just wait this out, and for how long can he not eat before I should start worrying about his health? Thanks for any advice!
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0.1 Splendida Kingsnake
1.0 Ball Python
1.0 Sinaloan Milksnake
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa
1.0 Mexican Black King
0.1 Rough Scale Sand Boa

If nothing in his normal routine or surroundings has changed I wouldn't worry about it. Typically balls could be classifieds as "seasonal" feeders (rather than "sporadic". Most balls go off feed sometime in their second year - sometimes earlier if the snake is larger or more developed.

Your ball may not eat with regularity again until spring. Don't sweat it, if you have a scale you could weigh him now and again when he resumes his regular regimen and you will most likely see that he has only lost a few grams if he has lost anything.

During this fast you can still offer food, but you'll find he probably isn't interested and will just become more stressed by the activity. It is safe to drop from once a week feedings to offering only once or twice a month during this period of time.

I almost forgot... if your snake is displaying any signs or symptoms of illness disregard everything I wrote above and instead bring him to a vet.

It's just that time of year. They can go a long time without eating before it becomes a problem. My Pastel male went off feed from Jan. to the end of May and he didn't lose much wieght...only about 50g.

Shelly

You could also look into getting him a female companion or two. He is probably just going off feed for the breeding season. He will start back up eventually. I have had a male go off feed for 6 months.