I have just bought a childrens python snake?

Question

the guy i bought it off said he was due for a feed and to feed him live mice,anyway i put the mice in now 3 days later the mice is still in there,it even sleeps on the snakes head,the snake is not interested this has shocked me,would it be the new enviroment?or any other ideas,he is about 12months old,thankyou

Answer 1

The change of environment could very well be causing the lack of feeding.  I would put off handling him until he feeds for you as well .Also check your temperatures.  Many snakes will not feed if the temperature is sub-optimal for digestion. The warm end should be close to 90 F. Pythons are fairly easy to convert to frozen/ thawed food which I would strongly suggest you try to do. Feeding pre-killed is easier on everyone involved and cheaper and more convenient for you. It is especially important when he moves up to larger mice that can cause injury.  When feeding live, if the snake does not take the rodent in the first 15 or 20 minutes, remove it and try again later.  You might have more luck feeding in the evening.

Answer 2

i belive u have 2 feed your pet snake pre killed mice if that doest work your snake just not be hungry or he just have stop eating if thats the case you would have to make him eat i dont think you should do it your self take him to the vet and please get that live mouse out that cage it could really hurt your snake

Answer 3

I would remove the mouse and feed/water it in a different cage for a week. During that time I would give the snake water but otherwise leave it completely alone for one week. I know this will difficult for you because you are eager to handle your snake. Then attempt to feed every three days until he eats.

Understand that it has been stressed by the move, it's new housing and your handling. It will not eat until it is convinced that it is safe.

You need to read up on the options for feeding him. Find the solution that works best for both of you.

Your best bet in my opinion would be to take him out of his home with freshly washed hands and place him in a large feeding container and then offering him a pre-killed, warmed mouse. He will then not associate the opening of his cage or your hands with feeding. He will also be able to feed without either of you worrying about getting bit by a mouse.

Answer 4

i think it is about to shed and you should feed a snake in a different tank than the one it is usually in.because they see heat and motion and when you pick it up, it might mistake you for a mouse.

Answer 5

This is a dangerous act but you can kill the mice and give it to him first if he doesn't eat in days you should take him to a vet don't worry just if he doesn't eat the dead mice secure his cage and the next day take him to a vet

PS:secure it very well python snakes are the strongest kind