Snake Refusing food

[cueball3335]

Why does my ball python not accepts food during the winter months is this a form of hibernation or a way of preserving food or something she is mostly in the cold spot of the cage one side is about 85-90 during the day and 80 at night the other side of the cage that she is mostly at is cold i have no heat pad or light on te other side it is probably close to 70 degrees

Why does she do this


Thanx,

cueball

[jtrott]

Somehow, snakes can tell what season it is by the barometric pressure. It causes them to go off of food in the winter months, since it is breeding season. There is really nothing you can do about it. Once they refuse, they will refuse for weeks, sometimes months. Once mine refuse food, it is time to breed, or they are done for the season, if they are too small. I will continue to offer meals, if they are not breeding once a month or so. Eventually, they will start eating again. If they eat one meal, I will offer once a week. If they refuse, they will not get offered another meal for a month. Usually, you can get them to eat through the winter if you offer meals like I have written above.
Welcome to the wonderful world of ball pythons. Don't sweat them not eating, that is what they do sometimes.
Jason

[jtrott]

Every other week, or once a month, it does not matter. Personally, I go once a month because it seems like they are not as stressed. Once a months seems to sustain their weight rather well, and they are less stress from being offered food so often. I guess it is all a matter of personal preferance. Just don't offer food very often because you could have a ball that will NEVER go back on food because they are so stressed.

Jason

[toker]

I have three, and two of them are buggers this time of year, in fact last night the male went off feed. The female is slowing down and my bet is she wont eat when I feed her in the next few days.

I can think of a few other words for that syndrome in which you speak but alas, its all part of the fun

[gamebred26]

mine is doing the same thing here in NJ....she hasn't eaten in like a month now....she is a little over two years now about 40" and pretty good sized but this is the first winter she is at breedig age and just stopped eating....oh well trick is not to panic...

but now I only attempt to feed her when I am going to feed my Hog ....I defrost a rat ...try her....she says nope.....go right to the boa he takes it down like a champ everytime...he has yet to refuse a meal....I love boas now....


what sucks is if you only have one BP and are eating f/t...it starts to get pricey if you are tossing rats in the garbage all the time....

	Hog Island Boa hogg

[ball python chick]

out of my 20 balls i only have 6 that are still eating.they are not picky eaters.this a normal thing for them.the only picky ball i have will not eat mice he only eats rats.

[Intention]

You're just asking for a respiratory infection letting the temps get below 80. Temps should be in the 92-94 degree range on the warm side and the 82-84 degree range on the cool side. Humidity can be between 45-65%, but 50% is a good area to aim for.

Try getting the temps and humidity up to par 24/7, do not let them fluctuate(thermostat will work wonders for you), and the snake will more than likely start eating again for you. Give her 2 weeks or so alone, just change the water and spot clean as needed, then offer her food. It takes them awhile to adjust to the new temps. If the snake doesn't eat, no worries, as it is breeding season and some just have "other things" on their minds

[Grimslade]

I posted the same question on here (on the second page). I was asking the same questions that you are. What worked for me was offering and then if he did not take wait 3 weeks before feeding again. It was prolly 6 weeks or so that my ball (Rascal) did not eat. The great advise and support I got on this board helped me.

I would also raise the temps the cages to at least 80 min.

Best of luck!!!

[Joe Doran]

My python maybe sick, will not eat eyes are cloudy please help

[ball python chick]

hes in a shed.dont worry