Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got a 36-40 inch male ball python from a guy on craigslist back in January. The guy obviously wasn't taking great care of him because the stuff he gave me wasn't adequately heating his tank and the thing was shedding in pieces. Anyways... I have him now in a 30gallon with a 90 degree warm area on one side and the other side is about 80. The previous owner had him eating live mice and I successfully got him to eat a frozen mouse back in March I think it was. I tried feeding him 2 weeks after that, but he took a big [bleep] and was shedding when I tried that. His shed did come off in a complete piece though. So it has been 2 weeks and he has been very active as if he is looking for food. Last night I offered him a thawed mouse and he didn't eat it. I don't get why he ate the thawed one previously, but now that he has pooped and shed he won't eat this one. Any ideas? When he doesn't eat I let the mouse sit in there for 2 nights before taking it out... then I wait another 2 weeks... does that sound like a good plan? I'm not worried about him dying, he looks great and is drinking water, so no concerns about his health. Thanks!

maybe he was hungry thats why he ate the mouse. the previous owner could have lied about the date of last feeding. instead of a mouse try an appropriate sized rat instead.
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This is courage.. to bear unflinching what heaven sends. -unknown

1.0 Basset Hound (Capone)
1.1 cats (San Quinton and Gracie)

I didnt mean that to sound rude, i think it might have. i just meant maybe when they said he ate on monday, maybe it was monday 2 months ago. People dont always tell the truth on those sites. Also, if he didnt take it after leaving in overnight, i would toss it and try again next week. two days is overkill IMO.
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This is courage.. to bear unflinching what heaven sends. -unknown

1.0 Basset Hound (Capone)
1.1 cats (San Quinton and Gracie)

I say if you are worried, try a live mouse.
I wouldn't try switching over a rescue until he is good and established first.
Once he is eating consistently and looking better, then you can switch him. Why deviate from what works?
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"What is man without the beasts?
If all the beasts were gone,
men would die from great loneliness of spirit.
For what happens to the beasts,
soon happens to men.
All things are connected."

-Chief Seattle (Duwamish Tribe)

Well, the first time I offered him a live mouse he got his ass kicked. But, I do see what you mean. I guess he was just finally starving when he at the frozen one cause he darted out of his hide log as soon as dropped the mouse in... not so much this second time though.

I find that a bit weird...
I have a captive hatched baby that has eaten 2 small adult mice (in a span of two weeks) with no issue at all. He's killed and eaten them like he was born to do it (which he was. Haha)

Either way, good luck.
Let us know what happens.
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"What is man without the beasts?
If all the beasts were gone,
men would die from great loneliness of spirit.
For what happens to the beasts,
soon happens to men.
All things are connected."

-Chief Seattle (Duwamish Tribe)