Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a female normal hatched on July 17th...she'll be four weeks old in two days and I've had her for those four weeks. She had shed perfectly on the 28th, so its been two and a half weeks since then. I've tried tempting her with pinkies and fuzzies, three tries now. She's taken to sitting with her head almost out of her hide, like she's watching. And when I offer the food she seems to focus on it and then back off. I've tried first in her enclosure, then in a small shoebox, and then again in her enclosure. All three tries were at night. She doesn't seem any less fit, but its my first try with a ball this young. Any advice? When should I consider assist feeding if nothing else works? And as a novice, does anyone have any advice on who to turn to in the area? I live in New Brunwick, central NJ. Would the vet be my best option? Thanks ahead of time for any help!!!!!!!
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- Shelby

1.1 ball pythons, Captain America and Starlet
1.0 Han/TB gelding, Tristan
1.0 fluffy fat cat, Dizzy
1.0 fluffy cute kitten, Chuck
1.0 chocolate lab, Coop
1.0 adorable boyfriend
6.0 crazy roommates

Looking at my stats, I feel like I should be suffering from testosterone poisoning

This is what I would do as it always works for me. Get a small container. A deli Cup type small container (for hatchlings the one I use is approx 5-6inches wide and 4-5 inches high. Put a Hopper not fuzzy or pink in first then put the ball in. Close the top and put it in a dark spot. Maybe put a cloth over it so that it doesn't get bothered at all. Leave it alone overnight and by the morning pray that the mouse is gone. Has never failed me even for real picky eatters. If it were to come down to force feeding make sure you use the smallest meal possable. It's a baby so use a pinkie. Be very careful if you must do this as it's easy to hurt the animal. You will need something sterile to put the pinkie down to the point of no return or you can gentle use your fingers to push it down. I've used and seen both work so it's up to you. Good luck and keep us updated!

John Light
Pristine Pythons

I have a female normal hatched on July 17th...she'll be four weeks old in two days and I've had her for those four weeks. She had shed perfectly on the 28th, so its been two and a half weeks since then. I've tried tempting her with pinkies and fuzzies, three tries now. She's taken to sitting with her head almost out of her hide, like she's watching. And when I offer the food she seems to focus on it and then back off. I've tried first in her enclosure, then in a small shoebox, and then again in her enclosure. All three tries were at night. She doesn't seem any less fit, but its my first try with a ball this young. Any advice? When should I consider assist feeding if nothing else works? And as a novice, does anyone have any advice on who to turn to in the area? I live in New Brunwick, central NJ. Would the vet be my best option? Thanks ahead of time for any help!!!!!!!