Reptile & Amphibian Forums

2 month old ball python hatchling will not eat. I've tried hoppers, fuzzies, and pinky mice (all live) with no luck. Temperature, humidity, and habitat are all good. Other hatchlings from clutch are eating with no problem. Any ideas?

Try putting it in a small brown paper sack with a couple of pinky mice and leave it overnight in it's enclosure on the cool side.

OR Wash a pinky mouse with tap water and dry it well. Dip it in low sodium no MSG HOT chicken broth and try to feed that. Not boiling hot but hotter than body temp. Again in the paper sack.

You can also try braining, this is not for the squeamish. Use a sharp razor blade and split open a pinkys head and smear the blood around over the head. Once again the paper sack.

Some baby BPs can be a real PITA to get started feeding and mostly it's because of insecurity. The paper sack makes them feel safer while feeding. It's important once in the sack to leave it alone. NO peeking.
-----
BigT
There is a difference between ignorance and stupidity. The ignorant can be taught, stupidity is beyond our control.
1.2 P. m. melanoleucus B/W N. J. Northern Pines
1.2 P. d. deppei Mexican Pines
2.2 P. l. lineaticollis Linis or Lined Pines
1.2 P. m. lodingi Black Pines
1.1 Drymarchon melenurus Blacktail Cribo
1.2 M. s. cheynei Jungle Carpet
2.6 L. p. pyromelana Arizona Mt. Kings
1.1 L. g. californiae B/W Cali kings
0.0.3 M. f. flagellum Eastern Coachwhips
1.2 G. m. bottegoi Western Plated lizards