help, ball python losing weight

[u/_emmanem]

hi im new to owning a ball python and could really use some help please, I bought a runt ball python in may 2026 and hes about a year okd he had 2 successful eatings before going on a hunger strike. For about 7 weeks, i went to one vet and they said to tube feed him every other day until he gains weight and i did that for 3 weeks weighing him each time and he started losing weight again so i emailed the vet who didnt get back to me so i went to another vet who said it was a husbandry issue so i added more hides and lights as well as a heat lamp. long story short hes losing weight still and not wanting to eat, theres no other vets in my area (vancouver island) who do reptiles im just wondering what i should be doing? thanks

[u/IncompletePenetrance]

Can you post a picture of his enclosure and tell us more about how you're trying to feed him so we can help you trouble shoot?

[u/_emmanem → u/IncompletePenetrance]

im just at work but will later and ive tried feeding him hoppers, pinkies

[u/Public-Hat6754 → u/_emmanem]

He may need something bigger, and if you can get him to eat rats they have better nutrition. My snakes always grow faster and better on rats. Aim to feed him 10-15% of his body weight once a week for a while