Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We kindof inherited a 3 year old ball python and were told he ate a grey mouse once a week. That was in October.

He hasnt eaten for us, EVER. We have tried live, dead, rat, mouse, grey, white and everything in between. He doesnt even seem interested. He is NOT in a high traffic area and is rarely disturbed or removed from his cage.

We think it may be his enclosure...its a 75 gallon tank setup. He has 2 hideboxes (one wet and one dry) on either side. The temps range from 85 at night to 90 when the lamps are on (sometimes I turn one off for the gradient) Humidity is a huge problem. We cant keep it moist in there for anything...we have the water hidebox, which he just sits in for a lot of the day, and we keep it full and clean (although he has only pooped one dry crusty turd in all the time we've had him) We had a humidifier set near the tank but a local pet shop worker told us that would give him a respitory infection. We have read advice to spray AND not to spray so.....which one is it? Could the lack of humidity be causing him not to eat?

For a long time he liked to climb and explore but now he isnt even doing that and Im worried he is starving. Any advice? I thought the big roomy enclosure would be good for him, but perhaps I inadvertantly am doing more harm than good?

A great way to up the RH factor is to use aspen bedding. This is assuming you have not done so already. If not, after placing the aspen beeding in the tank try pouring small amounts of water directly into the aspen in the warmer spots of the tank. this should help with the humidity. As for the humidifier...I've never heard of that before. In fact it sounds like an answer you'd get from Pet Smart (thats smart a** for dumb answer) . I could be wrong, but seeing how lower humidity can cause an infection, I dont think I am. Also for the time being... a little over 3 months is not TOO bad for refusing food. In fact...if its a boy, tis' the season. try raising his temp up to 95.If you get no results over the next few weeks and his health seems to worsen got to an EXOTIC PETS vet (not Pet Smart) whom can run test to see if there is and what is the problem. He should also be able to force feed if it comes to it.This is a last resort mind you. Ball Pythons are the worst finicky eaters there are out there and can go what seems forever without food. However hydration is vital while he is in what we are hoping is just a fasting. Keep up with the "wet hole" as snakes get hydration from 3 ways. Food, drinking directly, and through absorption from air (not too much) and skin contact.