Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all,

Could someone please clarify what effect winter has on the pythons? My two year old was eating well until the first week of January, and he hasn't touched a thing since. I've heard that this is pretty normal, but in the month of January. Plus he stays really active, cruising around his tank at night. He's definitely not skinny, but he has lost some weight, and since he's my first snake I'm obviously a little over anxious about everything. So should I just keep offering him pre-killed every week or so or do I risk a live mouse to trigger the feeding response?

Thanks much.
Benjamin

I not sure about the effects of winter. I've heard that it's because the days are shorter,whatever influence that has I'm not sure about. I guess it could be like a hybernation phase like with bears, but I've never read that anywhere. Then maybe it could be that they're in a mating phase and stop eating while they're looking for love. Who knows? Anyway, my ball python has been off feed since late December. I've been offering food once a week. I keep two mice on hand. Mine will only eat live and hasn't been interested. You just have to wait them out. Mine's active at night too. I've tried feeding at night, day, whenever and it's still not interested. Just have patience. Ball pythons definitely are not on our timing.