Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Never had a snake til I rescued a sweet ball python 1 1/2 years ago. She was dehydrated and underfed (had been lost in the rafters of a downtown loft for 6 months before I got her.)
She took to warmed up frozen rats pretty well. After first few months of shedding bad skin, we got to a 2 x month feeding. I placed the rat in, she ate it. She's shedding healthy now, is active at night, seems alert. But she's refused the last 4 rats I've given her. Seems like 2 and a half months since she's eaten. Yes, I've made them "move" nothing--I leave the rat in and next morning--still there.
Toss it and try another in a week or two. Still not eating. How long can she go without eating? What should I do???

Assuming that your set up is good and that you have the proper temps, I wouldn't worry too much....I look at this as a plus as it will save you money in not having to feed your bp every week. Ball Pythons typically go one seasonal fasts which can last from a few weeks to 3-6 months (usually between fall and late winter/early spring) w/out showing any ill effects to the snake. Obviously, stress management is very important and I wouldn't overhandle your bp during times of self imposed fasts. I have a male that is now over 35 years old who goes on 4-6 month fasts EVERY year and he is the picture of perfect health. During times of fasts, I will offer food to my ball pythons once a month until feeding resumes. Then I go back to the regular feeding scheduling of 1-2 prey items every 10-14 days. Hatchlings and juvies get fed every 7 days. Some of my bp's, well into their 20's and 30's, have never missed a meal so they all have their own individual tendencies. If your ball python starts to lose weight fast, then seeking veterinary assistance would probably be a good idea.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

I like how you put it as almost a plus the snake does not eat. I dont know that I would ever consider the headaches a problem feeder can bring as a plus but you have a lot of experience and have more than likely learned to accept it as a plus better than I have.