Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an about 1 year old ball python and he is about two feet long. My problem is that he hasn't pooped in about 4 weeks. I have been feeding him once a week every week. Do you think this is a problem or is it ok?

What size prey are you feeding and what are you feeding him on (i.e. in the tank on the substrate)?

Some of mine only go every 6 weeks, dont worry it will come..

Only reason I asked about the substrate was while I have never had it happen personally, I have "heard" of it causing blockage. Though it seems unlikely to me. I agree just wait it out. Nothing to worry about unless you see a bulge around the opening back there. Plus the bigger they get the less they go.

Mine usually go when they shed. If you do see a bulge you can also try soaking it in warm water it may move things a bit but I am sure it will go on its own.

I was feeding him fairly large hoppers but last week I fed him an adult because the hoppers were getting too small. I have also been feeding them on paper towels out of their cage,, thanks for the comments

Are you saying you are feeding your 1 year old snake hopper mice????? If so he's not pooping because you are starving him and he needs to reserve as much as possible.
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Tosha
JET Pythons

Holy crap! There's your problem and Tosha is more than correct on this one. Hatchlings are started on an appropriate size RAT. Trust me there is a difference. You are in fact starving your snake. It's not pooping because it's absobing everything it can off of the mouse and, well, there is probably nothing left to poop. It's a mistake and we all make them and it can easily be fixed. Rule of thumb: feed the snake rats first and foremost. Second: if your not sure what size feed a rat just a TAD smaller that the biggest part of the snakes body. Im just speculating since you didn't mention it but if your concerned it wont be able to swallow it trust me it will. The herp store I volunteer at has people come in all the time saying they were told not to feed anything bigger than the snakes head or neck. THIS IS WRONG! We had a couple bring in their 11 ft Burmese that they had adopted from a military friend about 3 months ago because he was very aggresive and was eating every other day. They were feeding him jumbo rats because they didnt want him to "choke". So, I threw a large rabbit in the bin and needless to say the snake is VERY happy now.

Sorry, this was more of a rant than anything. You did nothing wrong other than making a mistake. But please feed nice size rats to him from now on. Every 7-10 days. And expect bigger poops now.

i actually had to take mine to the vet after a month of not going and she had to get an enema, thats the only time she has ever bitten me, lol

When I saw 1 year old and only 2 feet long I knew something was wrong I have a one year and he is 3'4".

Give him a warm bath for about 10 or so minutes. When they start swimming, they'll probably poop. Happens almost every time I bath mine. (every month or so)

I have been to hamburg and they have frozen rats of all sizes, get there early they go quick.