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Well, about a month ago I hatched 4 baby ball pythons. I allowed the snakes to have their first shed and then I offered a small frozen/thawed fuzzy to each one. No one ate it so a few days later I tried live fuzzies and only one ate. Now this is now the third time I've tried to feed them and the snakes are still not eating? A couple of them are starting to look a little thin. Should I be concerned? Should I consider assisted feedings?
Thanks,
W. Smith
maybe try using a different kind of meat, babies really like small bird, also if you dip a prekilled rat/mouse in chicken broth or raw egg, I have heard this works well also. There is also the paper bag method where you can lock snake up in a small container or paper bag (I prefer tuber ware dish so you can still see) and leave them a lone for a little bit.
Keep us posted on what happens,
matt
I would not try bird lol I hope the above poster was joking. I would try the paper bag method it does work. Make sure it is nothing that can hurt the baby. Make sure they cannot get out and hopefully it will eat. Always start live then switch to frozen thaw when it is established.
Hi W.Smith,
Some of it could be temps, time, shelter, privacy, handling prior, and many other variations.
PERSONALLY, I rarely attempt a meal before 1 mon of age. Rarely do they ignore it. It assures that the yolk is fully utilized, and yes they have thinned a bit either from yolk gone or just lack of a meal.
My personal preference
86F hot spot 80-82 cool
housed individually
feed low light in evening
HOPPER MOUSE!!!!
NO handling prior to attempt
snake den (cut out french onion dip tubs are excellent)
Small water bowl (usually placed over the hot spot to increase humidity)
Use forceps to place live in the cage I usually gently snag the tail of the mouse. (hands look a rather sizeable predator to an itty bitty BP)
Not sure your conditions but these work well for me.
NOTE: I find that a BP with its nose sticking out of the den is USUALLY hungry!!
God Bless, Lee Van Hyfte
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