Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know this is probably a dumb question, but is anyone else having problems with their ballies not eating this winter? I have a 4year old male who isnt eating and although i know they can go a long time without food, i am a worrier. its been close to 3 months now. He did attempt to take a medium rat about a month ago, but it was a largeish meal and he backed up off of it and went back to sleep. Ive tried mice, rats, pinks, frozen, live, blah blah. Hit hot spot is near 90-95 and the ambient is close to 80, he is fairly dry in there too. Should i just leave him alone and let him be for a while, or should i keep trying? is that too stressful? dear god, im such a worrier. But, you know, thats a mom for you. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

riiotgrrl,
I had a male ball python go 10 months without eating and then started right back up some of them go for a long time without feeding as they are more worried about breeding then feeding. Animals have one thing to do in life pass on their genes so thats what the males are ser to do.

Aaron

I have a 2 1/2 year old albino male ball who began feeding again last month after a 4 1/2 month fast. He was clearly interested only in breeding during this period as he bred four females a total of 18 times (he's still going). Since 5 weeks ago he has consumed 6 rats totaling around 400 grams of rat (he was only 800 grams during the fast).

Your snake will likely come around eventually.

My male has been off since October 16...it sucks, I know. The worst part is that he shows interest every time, but never actually gets around to eating!! lol...he's just teasing me!

Jeremy

thanks for the info guys, it made me feel alot better. You are right, i am sure once spring rolls aroun he will start eating again. I'm just a worrier. thanks again!

>>I know this is probably a dumb question, but is anyone else having problems with their ballies not eating this winter? I have a 4year old male who isnt eating and although i know they can go a long time without food, i am a worrier. its been close to 3 months now. He did attempt to take a medium rat about a month ago, but it was a largeish meal and he backed up off of it and went back to sleep. Ive tried mice, rats, pinks, frozen, live, blah blah. Hit hot spot is near 90-95 and the ambient is close to 80, he is fairly dry in there too. Should i just leave him alone and let him be for a while, or should i keep trying? is that too stressful? dear god, im such a worrier. But, you know, thats a mom for you. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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Rob Talkington

>>>>I know this is probably a dumb question, but is anyone else having problems with their ballies not eating this winter? I have a 4year old male who isnt eating and although i know they can go a long time without food, i am a worrier. its been close to 3 months now. He did attempt to take a medium rat about a month ago, but it was a largeish meal and he backed up off of it and went back to sleep. Ive tried mice, rats, pinks, frozen, live, blah blah. Hit hot spot is near 90-95 and the ambient is close to 80, he is fairly dry in there too. Should i just leave him alone and let him be for a while, or should i keep trying? is that too stressful? dear god, im such a worrier. But, you know, thats a mom for you. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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>>Rob Talkington

Mine has been off feed since Sept. I know exactly how you feel and have seeked reassurance multiple times. I just keep telling myself to hang in there.

Also, I try to feed about every 2-3 weeks, which is what I've been advised to do instead of wasing a rodent every week.
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Rob Talkington

My ball python hasn't eaten since late December. He doesn't show any interest. I try feeding once a week. If you can get your snake weighed, this will give you an idea about how much weight lose he has. But I wouldn't worry too much as long as it isn't dropping too much weight. Going off feed is one of the pleasures of owning a snake and a natural thing. Just keep the temps and humidity in range and a fresh water bowl.