Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I rescued a ball python a year and a half ago. Rehabbed her nicely, she's been eating frozen rats twice a month pretty well--except for during those first 2-3 months in the early days while those rough sheds were going on.
It's been so long that she's eaten now I am worried. Rats warmed up as always are left alone. Yes I have tried to offer them "moving." Nothing. She appears active (at night,) curious, responsive. But this makes the 4th or 5th rat she's turned away from. I'm clueless here! What do I do? How long can she go without eating? (and it's getting costly, tossing those rats...)

>>I rescued a ball python a year and a half ago. Rehabbed her nicely, she's been eating frozen rats twice a month pretty well--except for during those first 2-3 months in the early days while those rough sheds were going on.
>>It's been so long that she's eaten now I am worried. Rats warmed up as always are left alone. Yes I have tried to offer them "moving." Nothing. She appears active (at night,) curious, responsive. But this makes the 4th or 5th rat she's turned away from. I'm clueless here! What do I do? How long can she go without eating? (and it's getting costly, tossing those rats...)

Lots of things could be going on here. BPs are so notorious for giving you fits about feeding. She may just have gotten enough weight on that she feels okay with going on a winter fast. Weigh her and that way you know if she is losing or not. Stop offering for a bit and then try. I don't know how often you are trying but you may be overwhelming her.
I have had BPs go 8 months without eating and not lose weight. I think the record is 22 months.
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Sonya

Haven't we warned you about tampering with the structure of a chaotic system?
Mrs. Neutron

Thanks Sonya--typical just when I'm worried enough to post, SHE ATE! Didn't eat the night I gave the rat--nor in the morning.
When I went to remove the rat she had down it and was just fine...Good to know they can go that long without eating. I had no clue. Books and folks are telling me at 4 1/2 feet long she should be eating 2x a month. That seem right to you?

2x a month seems fine to me. I've known people that would go just once a month but a BIG meal. I just wanted to say that you can refreeze the rats. I have at least. As long as they're not decomposing, bloating, etc. it shouldn't be a problem.