My BP has eaten consistantly since I got him this summer. He currently only eats live dinners unfortunately. Now since winter hit, he has slowed down. I try to offer him a mouse every 5 days but he hasen't been taken them and since he only eats live mice, I dispose of the mouse so I don't have to care for it until it's eaten. However, this is beginning to become costly. I don't want to force feed because he previously ate fine for me and is just probably not hungry. So, my question is how do I know if he is hungry so I don't have to keep buying food? He is in his hides during the day and comes out at night when the lights are off and is very active (even if he had just eaten).
Reptile & Amphibian Forums
Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.
How do you know if BP is hungry
mustang67ford
Dec 20, 2003 04:56 PM
Replies (5)
IMO
Dec 21, 2003 07:40 PM
My ball python is also refusing to eat. This is the first time in 6 months. I also feed live. I would suggest killing and freezing to save up a supply. At some time in the future you could try feeding f/t to see if he will take one. Or return the mouse to the pet store, mine allows me to return it if it's still alive. I agree that you should not force feed. I would continue to offer weekly and monitor for weight lose.
flawedexistence
Dec 21, 2003 07:46 PM
First of all you need to find a better food supplier. Frozen rodents in bulk are much cheaper than pet store purchases. BPs are well known for going long periods without food so don't panic. In fact, they can go a year without eating. Winter is generally the time that feeding slows down. I'd cut back to offering a food item every two or three weeks. Please try to wean your BP off of live food if possible.
marvass
Dec 23, 2003 12:58 AM
yeah, i've read about Ball pythons refusing food during the winter. I got my ball python during the summer, and she ate fine up until recently. I know it's normal but it's just weird, cuz i'm so used my other animals who are always hungry. I just have to get used to it.
jamison
Dec 23, 2003 09:52 AM
have you ever thought your she is really a he and not a she at all?
maizeysdad
Dec 23, 2003 06:40 PM
I'm in the same boat, but the cost is no different than if the snakle ate the mice. It's just part of the cost of caring for the snake.
I hope both our snakes choose to eat soon. : )
