Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 2 month old hatchling that won't eat. Does anyone know how long they can go before it gets dangerous for their health???? I have tried everthing, except gerbil pups which I can't find, including assist feeding. He does not look too bad yet. Still evry active with minor skin folds near his back end. I am wondering if I have just tried too hard and should leave him alone for a week at one last attempt before force feeding. If he does not eat within the next five days I am probably going to force feed. I am experienced with Balls and hatched out this baby myself with 3 others. Only one of them has been a good eater so far.

Would appreciate any advice,

-AS

Not too experienced myself, but I've been told it totally depends on the snake itsself. I have a two month old that wouldn't touch food until two days ago, wouldn't look at anything foodwise whatsoever. I took some time off and left her for five days with a towel over her cage to keep her from getting distracted or stressed from anything and then dropped a fuzzy mouse in at night. Shocked me when she hit it after a few minutes. From what I've been told many times on here, relax, give her time to destress and she'll eat when she's ready. Good luck!!!!!!
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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

Thanks for your reply. I have read the message you posted earlier. It makes me feel abit more at ease, but I am still wondering..How long is long??? People keep saying babies can go a "long" time before they eat. But again, exactly how long??
Is your baby one you hatched or were you told its age? If so do you know if it ate before you got it?

Thanks again,

-AS

I had bought her at a reptile show as a day old hatchling. She was tiny enough that apparently her egg tooth was still in place as she kept sticking out her tongue and getting it stuck out. Lets just say I have never seen a dopier looking bp than her slithering around like that. She shed right on schedule, two weeks after I got her. I was told unless she starts looking lethargic and she ends up with folds of skin, not to worry about the eating. I had one panicky moment where I watched her reach up the side up her tank, something she does all the time, and slowely fall over. She seemed to have trouble righting herself. I had contacted the breeder lsat week and he said 3 of her 5 litter mates were not eating either and to have patience, that I was probably stressing her out by offering her food too often. As to flat out how long is too long, I'm hoping someone with more experience will jump in to answer that one. Good luck again!!!!
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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

Thanks Shelby! I really appreciate you sharing your experience with me. I now think that I was trying too hard with feeding and stressed them out. So I have not attempted any feeding in 2 days and I won't for a few more days.

Good luck with your baby!

-AS