Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a new ball python about 3 1/2 feet long, and about as big around as probably a baseball bat.

Last night we tried to feed him for the first time since we got him last week,

he was not only not interested in eating the rat, I think they have become friends, last time I looked at the rat he was asleep right beside my snake, the rat has been in there over twelve hours.

What do you think, is he not hungry, or other problems?

they do that. Rats and snakes are like peas and carrots. Best of friends.

j/k.

Is the ball wild caught? If so they are real picky eaters, try a dark colored rat, if that doesn't work, try a dark gerbil. Should work out for you.

Also, if it's only been a week and he doesnt take food, don't push him to hard, offer every 3 days. They are still kind of confused about the whole pet deal.

Hope that helps.

Joel

>>I have a new ball python about 3 1/2 feet long, and about as big around as probably a baseball bat.
>>
>>Last night we tried to feed him for the first time since we got him last week,
>>
>>he was not only not interested in eating the rat, I think they have become friends, last time I looked at the rat he was asleep right beside my snake, the rat has been in there over twelve hours.
>>
>>What do you think, is he not hungry, or other problems?
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- Joel Smith

"If you're not part of the solution, you're still part of the problem"

It is typical for bps to go off feed! Please do not leave a live prey item in your snake's enclosure with out supervision. If your snake doesn't eat the rat with in an hour you may want to try again! rodents, especially rats can cause your snake injury and even death. You may also try to wean him onto frozen/thawed rats...much easier to store, and much safer!
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*Amy*
0.0.2 Ball Pythons (normal)
0.1 Rosy boa
0.1 B.smithi (mexican redknee tarantula)
0.1 Pandinus imperator (emperor scorpion)
0.0.1 midland painted turtle
0.1 cat
1.3 dogs
1.0 normal grey cockatiel
1.0 sun conure
0.0.2 lovebirds
0.0.30 betta, guppies, rosy reds, fantail goldfish, clown pleco,...
1.0 Guinea pig

A very small mouse (fuzzy or weaned) in the cage for no 12 hours.This i can tell you from personal experience is a really bad idea.Ever try to doctor a 6.5 ft retic with a bad attitude after being almost ate alive by a jumbo rat,if not then dont under any circumstances leave anything alive in the cage with a snake for longer than 15 minutes.If after 15 minutes it dont eat then take the rat/mouse out and try again in a day or so.Another thing about b/ps is they sometimes can be shyed away from live prey,try either fresh prekilled or frozen thawed as someone mentioned in the other post.Being as big as it is missing one or even two meals will not harm him/her.Give it another week or so and try again.Regards Bill McLeod

Ball pythons and eating problems sometimes go hand in hand, but not always. When feeding, if live mouse of rat, leave in for a maximum of 1 hour. If you do this may sure you are supervising every 15 minutes. A live mouse or rat can harm a snake. They should not be left alone together. It may look cute but it doesn't do anything for the snake, but stress it out. If the snake does not eat at feeding time then try again in 5 days, not everyday.