Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My ball is being very strange... I have been trying to feed him this afternoon (only eats live- small rats). He has been sitting in a strike position, but will not take the rat. THey have been nose to nose a 1/2 dozen times, and once he grabbed the nose of the rat, but let go... suggestions? Do I just take the rat out and be done? His posture seems like he is hungry but I am not sure.

Thanks
Misi

Pull the rat and wait a few days to try again. If he doesn't want to eat, having the rat in there will just stress him out.

THanks, I will do that. I was just a little confused by the fact he seemed like he might be hungry but is not eating. I must be miss interpreting his behavior.

I've had ones that on occasion will do that look hungry by strike defensively thing. It's quite annoying, but they usually eat a few days later.

is the rat heated? my guys if it's not hot enough will sometimes dance around it but not strike. then i stick the thawed rat snout under a heat lamp for 20 secs or so and the snake will def hit - IF it's actually hungry. sometimes they go into that s coil, but are still not "there" yet, but will definately be in a couple of days if thats the exhibited behavior.

it was a live rat...so body temp was not an issue....I wish he would take frozen thawed. I try that every once in awhile to see if I can convert him, but have not had any luck.