Help!!!baby ball python not eating.....?

Question

ok,i tried feeding my baby ball python a pre-killed fuzzy mouse,and it didnt eat it.i got her 5 days ago,my breeder said feed her wendsday,i tried that didnt work,and then i tried to feed her today but still didnt work.CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!I DONT WANT HER TO DIE=FIRST SNAKE/should i just try feeding her live or keep trying pre killed?

Answer 1

First, you need to calm down. Ball pythons not eating is not new.  It happens a lot which is why I never recommend one for a first reptile. They are a pain in the butt!  Second: a well established baby can go a very long time without food so it's not going to die in the next few days or even weeks...or quite possibly months.  Relax.  The snake may need more than 5 days to get used to it's new surroundings.  Make sure you have plenty of cover for the snake to hide in.  I'd recommend paper towel as a substrate if you aren't using it now so that you can feed in the viv to reduce stress.  Feed in the evening just after dark as pythons in general are nocturnal feeders.  I feed all my snakes frozen/thawed and find that I get the best responses if I heat the thawed mouse in very hot (near boiling) water first for a second or two before drying it and offering it on tongs.  Many snakes need some sort of motion to illicit a feeding response.Since you showed good sense and purchased from a breeder, you should be able to get more advice from them.  What were they feeding their babies?  Feed the same thing.  Every type of snake I have takes frozen/thawed and I'd bet with a bit of work yours will too. The key is to make it hot. Pythons have heat sensors along their mouth that senses the heat given off by prey. If the mouse is too cool, it will not stimulate their prey drive and they won't take it. Often if you just drop it in there they won't go after it either.  I always offer food using tongs so that my hand isn't intimidating them and the two heat signatures aren't confusing the snake. I'd give the baby another 5 days and then try again.  Above all....relax!!  It will be fine!

Answer 2

Why are people using fuzzies!!! Feed them live hoppers even hatchlings can eat em.!!!! dont use pre killed it wont work ball python are very picky eaters

Answer 3

ball pythons are nocturnal, so try feeding your snake at night.

Answer 4

Pythons can go long periods of time without eating. They are generally only supposed to eat once or twice a week.

I'd suggest waiting another week and trying again. It's not going to starve in a week or two. Sometimes they require a little more time to get used to their new environment and settle in.