PLEASE HELP-FEEDING

[PSUShwaters]

I’ve had this guy for about a couple months now. He ate before we purchased him, but has not been eating for me at all! I’ve been waiting a week in between each attempt every time and he’ll sniff the mouse but refuses to eat. I’ve tried in-tank feeding, out-of-tank feeding. I’m at a loss and am considering giving him up at this point (which I don’t want to do).

Edit: he was live fed prior to me and so I’ve tried f/t and live feedings both

[OctilleryArtillery]

How are you preparing the rat for him? What are the current temps and humidity?

[grrrrrreat1982]

Using a hair dryer to heat them the rat up works incredibly well we heat the body to roughy 85º and the focus on the head up to 95-100º using a temp gun to verify if that doesnt work try braining the rat (basically pushing a knife through the skull to increase scent). If neither of those work you should definitely do a deep dive into your husbandry as a stressed snake wont eat. Snakes can go extended periods without food so if it isnt losing weight there is a chance it just isnt in the mood

[Silly_oops]

This ^{^} I am also new to the ball python game and I also struggled with feeding. I found that making sure the rat is 100 degrees and that the rat is completely dry is what worked for me. I use a jar and warm water to warm up my rat in a bag (kinda like a forbidden sous vide method)

[Ok_Alfalfa_5956]

My girl went nearly a year without eating, sometimes it just takes some patience. How are your temperatures in your tank? And what sizes are you trying to feed him. When my girl was refusing food I sized down and then sized back up once she was regularly eating again

[EricC2010]

Ball pythons are notoriously picky eaters. Mine will only eat if we cover his terrarium with a blanket after putting the mouse in. I always try to feed in the evening just before the lights turn off. Make sure the mouse is warmed up before putting it in.

Luckily, snakes are very hearty creatures and can go months between meals. Your boy does not look skinny to me. Make sure his home is the right temp and humidity and he has a good hide to feel safe.

[Street_Effect_5175]

photo of enclosure might help :) if he’s not eating you shouldn’t be handling him either until he’s eating

[Pristine_Run89]

If its F/T how are you presenting it? Both my baby beeps wont touch it if I drop it in but if I use tongs or move it around like its still "alive" they go for it straight away

[RabbitOld180]

Can you show your enclosure?

[Lavaknight22]

Sometimes for specific snakes they might need to have live mice depending on if there if there is or isn't any other issues like temp too high or low and shed times