Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im not sure if our tank is causing a hunger strike in our python. He is 3 years old and was given to us in October. He has never eaten for us...we have another post in the diet/health section...

Anyways, I have attempted to include a pic of our enclosure but if it doesnt work here's the skinny:

75 gallon tank w/ screen top. 2 hideboxes in either corner (one wet and one dry) The temp ranges from 84-86 on the ground but can exceed 90 with the lamps on during the day. We put a heat mat under the water box in an attempt to boost humidity but no dice.

We cant keep humidity up to save our lives. The snake really likes sitting in his wetbox. We have read NOT to spray, YES to spray...which is it? Is the enclosure just too big for our guy? We want him to grow but he WONT EAT. Could lack of humidity be causing the problem?

He used to love climbing about on the grapevine and trying to escape through the top but has since stopped doing that, even. The tank is not in a high traffic area and he is rarely bothered or messed with by anyone. Any ideas? I gotta get him eating. Thanks
[img=http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/3971/048fz9.th.jpg]" alt="Image">

A few questions before I make any assumptiosn:

Was this tank given to you along with the python? As in, has he been residing in that tank for some time?

If not, did you buy the tank new or have you had it for a while? Have you kept any other types of critters in it prior to placing your ball python in there?

What I'm driving at is that it could be possible your little guy might have mites or something else. Given that he hasn't eaten since October, you might want to get that checked out by a vet/professional/someone qualified, in other words.

I don't think the humidity would be the sole reason for a snake not to eat - but how low is the humidity in the cage? It's always a good idea to lurk around these forums and pick up some handy tricks to keep your python's enviornment comfortable, in any case. I would also recommend spraying his tank - my ball doesn't like getting caught in the crossfire but what else is new? it keeps the humidity at a proper level.

Also - are you trying to feed your snake in the tank? What kind of substrate do you have him on? More importantly, is it the same substrate that he was on before he made the move into your residence?? What I'm getting at is maybe he ingested a piece of substrate, which can lead to an impacted bowel and possibly be the cause of his hunger strike.

Anyway, there is a lot of information that I've already requested, so I'll cut it out for now. However, it's important to know these things so myself or anyone else on this forum has a better idea at what you're lookin' at.