Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I bought a 4ft. ball python about 3 months ago. I was told he hadn't eaten for a few weeks because they were using him to breed.I have tried to feed him live mice as well as frozen, but he just isn't interested. He has defecated twice since I have him, and just finished shedding about a week or so ago. One problem with his shedding is that one of his eyes still has the dead skin on it, any suggestions for that?? I am beginning to worry, any input would be great! Also, I have a 24x24x12 tank, with a UTH in one corner, and a 75W night glo lamp in another corner. Water bowl, and hiding spot in other two corners.

Check your temps. Those 75w night lights get HOT and dry out the tank!!! Also, check your humidity levels. The eye tag on your ball will leave one to suspect your tank may be too dry, especially with the lamp. Try misting your tank with plain water twice a day with a spray bottle. You can purchase one at Walmart for a few bucks or less. There are other methods such as placing the bp in a bag with dampened paper towels and let him/her sit a while. Use a pillow case if you must. I only had the eye tag problem once before and it came off on its own. Get your humidity level up!

As far as the feeding goes, try a gerbil. I had to feed my balls gerbils to get them back in the swing of things. Other alternatives would be to try live food this one time. Some people disagree with using gerbils but I have had much success with them. If they eat the gerbil try a rat next time.

Good Luck!
ToddG
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1.1 Balls - Male het/albino, Female 66% het/albino
***Fingers crossed for next season!!!***

Get the 75 watt outta there. UTH's alone can get up to 110 degrees!

Get a digital thermometer (indoor/outdoor with probe) Put the probe RIGHT OVER the UTH on the inside of the cage.

You will probably need something to control the heat, a Lamp dimmer usually works great for this.

Try feeding RATS the snake may not recognize the mice as food. And leave him be. Don't force him to feed or feed him gerbils(BP's can become addicted to gerbils, and you will end up paying 6-7 bucks PER gerbil per feeding, and you will need like 8 gerbils to even make a dent)

Don't worry about him not eating unless he is loosing weight.

You may want to think about putting him in a 30-36 inch cage. 2 hides (one on cool side one on hot side)
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1.1 Ball Python, 0.1 motley amel corn, 1.0 western hognose, 1.0 red blood

I got the humidity level up, but the temp won't get over 80. Tried putting live mouse in his cage, thought for sure he would eat, still nothing, although he was a little more active when the mouse was in there. How can I get the temp up? Could that be the problem? Thanks!