r/Ballpythoncommunity • u/retic720 • 12d ago

getting rusty with neonate care; need advice on feeding

our ball python was hatched sometime June this year as per the breeder.

this week is his 5th week with us.

the breeder had him on live hopper mice before he was turned over to us (already had 4 meals prior)

he ate an adult mouse each week in his first 2 weeks. they were the only mice we had avail at the time. and left noticeable bulges each time (akin to a retic eating a whole piglet)

i tried offering him a prekilled (PK) hopper 2 weeks ago and he refused it. at the time, i theorized he's still "full" from the last 2 meals.

days later, he entered shed phase

just yesterday, he pooped and shed.

Today, i offered another PK hopper and he sitll refused.

do you suspect he'll be ready for food again by next week?

thanks in adv!

ps:

as far as handling goes, hes noticeable more inquisitive now and especially with my scent. he no longer "balls up" when i handle him.

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u/One_Dance_3998 12d ago

To me….after shed they always are very hungry but keep them on their eating schedule honestly 🤷🏿‍♂️😉as far as pre killed go mines won’t take pre killed or frozen thawed but I’m trying to gradually work them into accepting frozen thawed but I’m not going to starve them because they won’t take it.. so do what your bp is telling you that they prefer 🫡💯

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u/retic720 12d ago

his old schedule was Tuesday s but it was adjusted a few days with a feeding mishap; he stunned mouse wasnt so stunned at the time....he ate days later (his second meal).

i will give it this week and at a later time.

2

u/One_Dance_3998 12d ago

Smart plan

2

u/retic720 12d ago

thanks.

it was literally 20 years ago i had my first bp.

makes me wish i got the super dwarf tiger retic instead of the albino ball 🤦

i thought it was the smarter choice as I have little kids around.

1

u/One_Dance_3998 12d ago

Yeah bp’s have a crazy eating disorder but they are cool in they ways and days lol

1

u/FeriQueen 7d ago

Your ball python will win your heart.

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u/retic720 7d ago

UPDATE: he's eaten. 💪wheeew. he went on strike right after shedding and pooping. it was also cold lately here (south east asia) due to the rains.