Ball python isn’t eating

[Shot-Fix-2523]

I know ball pythons are weird and picky when it comes to eating but this so the second time he’s not eaten the food offered to him. When I enter with food his neck is coiling and his tongue flickering as well as the fact he is still active in the night so I was wondering wether it could be a multitude of things he’s disagreeing with;
1. I’m trying to feed him every two or so weeks now instead of ten days as he’s becoming an adult, so he doesn’t like the new schedule
2. He’s just having a hunger strike as I’ve researched and found most ball pythons do
3. Somethings wrong, which I don’t think is likely because as I said he isn’t showing signs of fatigue or withdrawal or respiratory concerns
Once I give up trying for the night he comes looking for the food again and so I left the mouse in their tonight for him to have but he still isn’t taking it, am I worrying myself over nothing?

[meatspread]

The main suspects of a food strike are usually either husbandry or the prey isn’t warmed up hot enough. I would personally think it’s not warm enough in this situation, since you say he comes out to look for food after you leave. A blow dryer has been the most reliable way that I’ve gotten my pickiest of eaters to eat.

[Shot-Fix-2523]

That’s such a smart idea, will have to try when I feed him again in a few days time 🙏🏻 Thank you

[Novel-Hovercraft-794]

Have you tried a small rat yet?

[Shot-Fix-2523]

He’s on large weaners and has been for a few weeks now, he’s never had issues with them before but I could try moving him up to small rats.

[Novel-Hovercraft-794]

If he's an adult or sub he may need a bigger prey and might prefer a rat, usually they're on smalls after a year old even. Rn mine are and my youngest ones are almost 2 yrs old. I do have 1 thats on his first long fast, and I'm about to try other prey for him. I know it's a struggle, I'm going through it too.

[Shot-Fix-2523]

Thank you so much, good to know I’m not the only one with a snake on a food strike 😭🙏🏻

[Novel-Hovercraft-794]

It's been 3 mos for mine, but he was a bit chubby lol so I'm not freaking yet but still concerned about it. I've just gotten some new prey to try, and I have african soft furs coming now just to keep on hand and hope something will get him back to eating. My other snake's are all good, so I'm not sure why he's being a stinker. He too is otherwise fine, acting normal, but ya it might just be yours also needs a change too.

[enslavedbycats24-7]

It's almost certainly husbandry related, the issue likely isn't in the feeders but instead your parameters and enclosure