How often should I feed my 5 ft Ball Python?

Question

I offered him food after 2 weeks, and he doesn't seem interested. Anyone experienced with these guys? Also I know they eat less during winter, but how much should I feed him when he decides to fast? He is very active and healthy. I hate keeping the rats in cages, and having to take care of them in the meantime.

Answer 1

Guide For Snake Lovers: Feeding Your Ball Python

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article...

Answer 2

I'm a big fan of feeding smaller prey about once a week (mine is 52" and I feed it a mouse/small rat 1x/week). They can go quite long without food though. If he is healthy, then he will let you know when he is hungry. I would suggest switching over to frozen thawed prey. In general, it is not a good idea to feed live and it's so much easier to just keep prey in the freezer and thaw them out when you need them. In my snakes previous home, he ate live and had never had dead. He switched over with no problem at all :)

Answer 3

Did you try prescenting the room?  This will often get the snakes going, you can put the rat cage near the BP cage and use some used rat bedding.

Wait a week again before you offer prey - and try to feed him something small, like a small rat.  Was he eating rats before you got him or was he eating mice?  That might be causing a problem.

A good schedule for him is that they eat every week, but right now you just want to get him eating  If he doesn't eat in a couple weeks then you may have to consult a vet about learning how to assist eat.

Sorry I can't be more help, hope he eats for you.