Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have baby ball python who hasnt eaten in two weeks. I offer him a fuzzy or pinky every other day but he just ignores it. He is not real fat either, I scheduled a vet visit for next week. I was wondering if there were any ways to make him eat. His cage is a 10 gallon tank with newspaper substrate there is branches and plants to climb on and he has two hiding spots. I also have two 50 watt heat lamps and a undertank heater on the tank. What am I doing wrong. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

By baby do you mean a new hatchling? Do you know if he fed prior to you getting him (if so, what was he fed and how often)? Sometimes hatchlings can be difficult to get started feeding. And sometimes they'll feed for the first time and then not feed again for several weeks. Do not stress him out by offering food every other day. Once a week is fine, when he is hungry he will eat. First you need to let him have some time to settle in, limit your handleing of him. If you are feeding him in his cage, feed him in the evening when you see he's out cuising around his cage. Or you can try putting him in a paperbag, pillow case or small box with a rat fuzzy or small mouse (make sure that neither the snake nor the mouse can get out tho)leave him be for an hour or two. This trick usually works pretty well for me. He should be fine and start eating when he's ready, in the meantime, make sure hes got plenty of water. If he doesn't start eating and is looking lethargic/ malnurished you can try assist feeding (placing a p/k rat fuzzy in his mouth) but use that as a last resort. Hope this helps.
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Tosha

"Of course, this is just my opinion...and I believe I am God." -- Christopher Bianco

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