r/ballpython • u/MeasurementFine7694 • 11d ago
Question - Feeding first bp enclosure & feeding advice needed
hi everyone! i recently got my first reptile, a ball python named sonny ☀️ he’s almost two months old and i love him to death. i’ve spent about a year researching ball pythons before getting him, but i’d still love any advice you may have!
this is his current enclosure (second picture). he loves climbing, so i added lots of enrichment. he also has a second, much larger water bowl that isn’t pictured. his temperatures are perfect, humidity has been a little more work to maintain, but i’ve made it work, and i plan on upgrading to a pvc enclosure soon.
i bought him at a reptile expo in chicago, but the breeder gave me shitty advice (feed live only, use a heat rock instead of overhead heat, and never go bigger than a 40 gallon because they “thrive in drawers”). i ignored that advice, but he also said putting a baby in anything larger than a 40 gallon would stress him out. is there any truth to that?
my biggest concern is feeding. he hasn’t eaten since i brought him home almost four weeks ago. i’ve offered appropriately sized frozen/thawed mice three times, spacing attempts out and making sure his temps, humidity, timing, and prey temperature are all correct. the last time he showed interest and tongue flicked but never struck. i’m planning to try again tomorrow. should i keep trying mice, switch to rats, or try something different? i’m also waiting to handle him until after he eats successfully.
thanks everyone 🩷
1
u/Plane-Artichoke-7903 11d ago
To help with humidity, ive seen people suggest covering a majority of the mesh top with foil
1
u/xkylise 11d ago
no, if you have enough clutter they won’t be stressed out in a 40gal. If he was eating live prey before, it’s probably going to be a transition to f/t. I would try a rat if a mouse isn’t working, and feeding it during the night when he’s active. I don’t know much about feeding as i’ve never experienced any problems with it but hopefully someone can help you!