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Just picked up a two month old pastel ball python from a breeder at the NC reptile expo. The snake has no interest in the pinkies I try to feed it. Any suggestions?

Well, what are you housing it in? What temps are you keeping it at? Does the snake have any hides? Was it eating before you got it and if so, what was it eating? Also, are you are trying rat pinks or mouse pinks? I don't mean to make you feel like an idiot with that last question, but I have seen some people try to feed their snakes some pretty crazy things.

hope you're talkin' pink rats...
pink mice are like m & m's for a ball neonate.
anyway, don't panic, let it settle in, make sure it has a snug hide box, minimize your presence when you offer food.
try not to handle it 'till it eats at least four times.
good luck, ck

Find out how the previous owner/breeder was keeping and feeding the Pastel. If he gave it a hide, you give it a hide. If he was feeding fuzzy mice, you try fuzzy mice.

Some of my hatchlings will only feed overnight. Some feed anytime, anything, anyplace.

I would try fuzzy mice, and put it in overnight.

Dave

You might want to try feeding a slightly larger rat. Some balls like the size and movement from slightly older rats.

>>Just picked up a two month old pastel ball python from a breeder at the NC reptile expo. The snake has no interest in the pinkies I try to feed it. Any suggestions?

Wait three or four days and then give it small mouse...If your temps are right and he feels secure enough,he will eat.
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Charles Glaspie
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Baby balls go for the movement, furriness and warmth of fuzzy mice. Not too big....definitely not hopper size as it will scare them. Give it a try and just drop it in live after dark. Check it in the morning and the fuzzy will likely be gone.

Susan
SSNAKES

I would only leave a live rodant in with the snake 15 mins-30 mins. at the most, leaving it over night gives a good chance that if it doesn't eat it, it will be chewed on in the morning. We refer to this as pray attack and it is never good. Do not leave live food alone for extended periods of time.

Also if you haven't already try the paper bage method. You simply put the snake is a tight container I perfer a tuberware and dorp in a nice warm prekilled, put the cover on, don't seal it so the snake has plenty of air, and let it sit a while. I have had great success with this method.

Matt

>>I would only leave a live rodant in with the snake 15 mins-30 mins. at the most, leaving it over night gives a good chance that if it doesn't eat it, it will be chewed on in the morning. We refer to this as pray attack and it is never good. Do not leave live food alone for extended periods of time.
>>
>>Also if you haven't already try the paper bage method. You simply put the snake is a tight container I perfer a tuberware and dorp in a nice warm prekilled, put the cover on, don't seal it so the snake has plenty of air, and let it sit a while. I have had great success with this method.
>>
>>Matt

Your'e absolutely right,no live overnight that can harm the snake...but fuzzy mice that can barely see where they are going(,and are still used to feeding off mom)pose no threat to a hatchling ball...It works quite well actually.

That being said,it still really all depends on just how much the original posters animals weight is?..If it's two months old,it should be taking crawler rats by now..yes/no?
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Charles Glaspie
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Yes I would agree that it should most likely be taking crawler rats by now. I just wanted to make sure that the owner does not get into a habit of living live with the snake?

You must always be careful with live, and keep in mind balls can be very shy eaters.

matt

A pinky anything is too small, even for a newly hatched ball! Try a hopper to small adult mouse, but keep an eye on it! My guess is a hopper mouse will do the trick!