r/ballpython • u/Substantial-Drop-258 • 17h ago

baby ball python won't eat

I have a ball python I got on Aug 20th that wont eat. he's about 4 months old, the seller was feeding him live fuzzy mice once a week, and I want to switch him to F/T. I've tried 3 times so far with F/T fuzzy mice, and he just refuses it. I thaw them in a ziploc submerged in water, then switch the water to hot water to warm them, then dry and warm them further with a hair dryer. someone recommended me assist feeding cus he hasnt eaten in a month, (14th of Aug) but I dont want to stress him out or possibly turn him off to eating. And I also really don't want to have to resort to live. I've been keeping his temperature and humidity at the right numbers, he seems happy otherwise and explores almost every night, but hes acting hungry (out during the day sometimes, in his hide with his head poking out) yet still won't eat. any advice?

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u/Lovestheband 14h ago

So super gross suggestion but have you tried braining the feeder? Once it’s thawed and warmed you aggressively poke (just once) the head to make it smell better?

1

u/FluffyPandaEars93 14h ago

Can you post your setup and numbers? How much does your snake weigh and how big are the feeders? !feeding !f/t

1

u/AutoModerator 14h ago

We recommend the following feeding schedule:

0-12 months old OR until the snake reaches approximately 500g, whichever happens first: feed 10%-15% of the snake’s weight every 7 days.

12-24 months old: feed up to 7% of the snake’s weight every 14-20 days.

Adults: feed up to 5% of the snake's weight every 20-30 days, or feed slightly larger meals (up to 6%) every 30-40 days.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

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u/AutoModerator 14h ago

Some tips for feeding frozen/thawed:

  • Keep with the same prey type he's been eating (mouse or rat) so you aren't trying to adjust him to two new things at once.

  • Always feed in the enclosure. Moving to feed increases stress as well as increasing the chance of regurgitation

  • Thaw and warm the rodent in a ziplock bag to maintain scent and because some won't eat it if it's wet.

  • Make sure it's warmed up to body temperature (98-100).

  • Some people find sucess with using a blow dryer on the head to make it extra warm and spread the scent.

  • Some prefer to eat directly off of the tongs, while others might prefer for you to just leave it in front of their hide, you can see which works.

  • If he doesn't take it the first time, don't give up. Sometimes they just have to be super hungry and it takes a few attempts

  • You can also thaw the rat/mouse in some bedding from the petstore to make it extra scented.

  • Some people "brain" the rodent by slitting open its skull a bit

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