Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I have 9 ball pythons kept in a rack system. All the heat mats are on the same thermostat which is set at 31c/92f permanently.
Most of them are '05`s with a few 04's.

My problem is one of my '05 female black backs, I purchased her in july @ 110g, shes been feeding on d/f large mice every 7 days(except sheds) since. When she hit 250g in October Itried her of d/f Weaner rats which she took no problems every 7 days(except sheds again!)
The last 4 weeks she has been refusing all food I offer, because she has been feeding on d/f I am not willing to feed live, yet.

I have not changed any of my husbandry techniques or methods in this time, every other snake is feeding as normal, Any ideas?
I have checked for mites and there isn't any to be seen, I dont buy C.F balls so internal parasites shouldn't be a problem?

I've worked with balls for years and i know that they are finicky feeders at best, thats why I buy C.B. I find it strange that she's gone off feed when i haven't changed anything.

Any suggestions? Anyone?

Thanks In Advance

Phil

Some snakes are more in tuned to the natural changes in their environment than others (even outside of the rack) - possibly they feel a barometric change or simple changes in the amount of light between seasons is enough to have the sensitive ones go off feed. As long as there isn't any big weight loss or other indicators of there being something "wrong" then I wouldn't worry - offer her food every couple of weeks and make sure she has plenty of fresh water.
-----
Tosha

"Nihil facimus sed id bene facimus"

10.35.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and gang)
1.0.0 Angolan Python (Anakin Skywalker)
0.0.1 Green Tree Python (Verdi - yeah I know but my kids love the book)
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Desert Tortoise (Pope John Paul aka JP )
2.2.1 Fish (1,2,3,4)
0.0.1 Lizard rescued from feline
0.0.0 frogs rescued from pool skimmer

thanks for your input. I know that balls can go off feed at winter, i just presumed that she was too young for that? ?

As far as weight loss goes, thats tricky as shes always been a very heavy set gal. To me she looks thin, compared to what she always looked like but comparing her to others i have, i`d say shes fine for now.

This patience thing is NOT for everyone, lol

Thanks again

Phil