Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My ball collection consist of about 20 snakes. 1/3 rd are adults >1200 grams and the rest of them range between 250-900 grams. Lately I've had some males in the 250-400 gram range just refuse to eat or better yet tackle f/t or live prey and not eat it. They were total chow hounds prior to March. I've got other adults that were crushing f/t and now only want live or occassionally take f/t.

What the heck is going on? Husbandry is the same, snake room temps are 80-86 and inside cage temps are 90 on the hot side and 80-84 on the cool. I thought breeding cycles had already come and gone.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Russ

How's it going Russ...still stateside? Don't get too concerned about Balls not eating. Sometimes you can get them going with mice vs. rats. I had some breeder males this year that took mice to get started feeding again and back on rats later. Had a female go 9 months without eating and now she'll nail my arm if I'm not careful...don't try to figure them out...just be versatile.
-----
Dale....dgoins222@yahoo.com
www.LibertyReptiles.com

Offer food on a regular schedule and they will eat when the time is right.
-----

actually I'm moving to Atlanta so I might be able to meet up w/ you at a snake show in the future. Yeah these guys beat all I've ever seen. Definately not king snakes How are the stillwater bulls doing?

Bulls are doing great...female needs another year...no biggie, they're still one of the best looking things in the snake room.
-----
Dale....dgoins222@yahoo.com
www.LibertyReptiles.com

That's a ball python for you. The males will probably breed for you right now. I have noticed balls will go year round, it's just when the females are ready. Nothing like a thayeri huh?

-----
don't marry the cow when the milk is free when the milk drys up it's time for a new cow

yeah it sure isn't thayeri that's for sure but I guess this is what I get for venturing out and trying something different.