Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey there everyone...I have a ball python and he hasn't eaten in about 4 months. Although it is not uncommon for a ball python to fast for any amount of time...at what point do you decide that maybe it's time for a visit to the vet? My ball python is still (seemingly) healthy...has maintained muscle tone...is not dehydrated...and is not in bad spirits. He still appears to be quite healthy...although he has lost 6 ounces since he's last eaten. When he did eat he would easily consume four mice in one sitting...that is to say, four mice once a week. I haven't really been concerned about his fasting...but I'm beginning to watch him with a bit more concern only because of the 6 ounce lost. As I've said...he has fasted in years past...but I don't recall if he's actually lost weight in the past as I've only just started recording progress in the last year or so. Another perspective or similar experiences would be appreciated. Thanks.

I had several snakes off feed since the beginning of Oct., and they just started eating again last week, with the exception of one female who will lay in a few weeks. Mine started to look thin and I was concerned, but patient, and they started again.
I would say if he still has good mass be patient he will start again in his own good time.
Tom Chambers

Im quite new to the 'ball game' and as I said in a previous message, mine is still very young and not eating. When you say it will start again, do you just feed it as usual until it does or assist or try new foods?????? I dont really know.

I have never had to assist feed one of my snakes. I just keep offering food every two weeks, and all of a sudden one day they decide it is time to eat.

I usually offer smaller food items because they haven't ate in a while. Then after a few times feeding smaller items I go back to appropriate sized meals.

By smaller I mean if they usually eat med-large rats I give them small rats for two meals then go back to med.

However, for your situation you say your ball is under a year of age since it was a baby in October. I have rarely had balls go off feed in their first winter, the worst they usually do is skip a meal here and there. How many times did it eat FT in this two month period?? Was the previous ownerseller feeding FT??

Not knowing the history of your snake I will say this, I always feed live until they are established feeders under my care, then I switch them over. I am not saying you should feed live, but I have purchased snakes and been told they were feeding machines on FT, only to find out they would eat a few FT meals then protest. Although they would voraciously eat live.
How are you offering the prey? On tongs? There are many reasons why s/he may be off feed, but I would believe the winter is the not the major factor if s/he is as young as you say.
Tom Chambers

4 months is not so long to warrant concern provided the animal appears to be healthy. I have a male ball that went off feed for 4 1/2 months this winter while he was breeding. He began feeding again less than 2 months ago. He was 800 grams when he began feeding again and has since consumed about 500 grams of rats. Interestingly, he only ate live mice before he went off feed - now he loves rats... I'd bet your ball will turn around soon, but as long as he has good weight I wouldn't worry.