Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hi i just had a few questions about my ball python...i have had him for 2 weeks now and tried 2 times (once a week) to feed him an adult mouse, both times he refused. Didnt even show an interest at all, and i dont understand why? his attitude has changed alot since i brought him home, he went from snapping at me all the time to letting me rub his chin and his head. when i take him out i handle him for a few minutes then i put him in the feeding bin, he looked at the mouse sniffed it and then went on his way to try and get back out.

Could this be because when i killed the mouse it got urinated all over it self (i hit it off the cement in a bag) or could it be he is just not hungry? i tried dangling it infront of him, i left it in a small bin in his cage for an hour lastnite but he still showed no interest, when i put him in the tank he went in the bin where the mouse was, tasted it a few times then went on exploring the cage...if any one has any info that may help i really appreciate it.

Thanks
Chuck

make sure all the temps and humdity are correct. What did you tangle it in fron of him with? how did you dangle in front (tail, back, middle, etc)? has he ate a prekilled before?
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0.1 Albino Leopard gecko (Lex)
0.0.1 ball python (felix)
1.1 feral cats (Fuzzy, and Bear)

Fistly, let him get acclimated to his new environment, by taking him out and playing with him when he arrived, you may have stressed him out. That may be one reason why he is not eating. Another may be that this is still winter and he might be off-feed. He may also be a rat-eater, and not be interested in mice. Try leaving the mouse in his environment all night. He may also be a live-eater. Try a smaller live rat as a last attempt.

i didnt handle him on arrival though when i do take him out i try and let him explore as much as i can without him getting somewhere unsafe, thats what he seems to wanna do and he always looks at me and just sits and stuff, kinda neat but i hope he is not stressed, he doesnt bite or attempt to, maybe ill try a smal rat or live mouse under close supervision but ill make sure hes interested first thanks
Chuck

I know....all you wanna do is smoke up and hold the lil guy. I did too at first. Trust me, holding your snake even once a week right now is just adding to the stress....even if he's not striking at you anymore.

I dont believe that the urination is a problem btu maby ur BP is not hungry