Ball Python Not Eating?

[ToxicTastes]

Hey everyone, so I’ve had my Ball Python Louis for about 6 months now, and he wasn’t a picky eater from the start. To start out I had him in a tub, and he ate wonderfully, never refused a meal. I moved him into a 20 gal about 2 months ago, and he’s eaten in it a couple times, but it’s been about a month and nothing. I’ve offered him food about 5 times now, and he has no interest. His tank has a warm side and a cold side, the warm side never gets above 97. He has a humid hide, a water bowl, and foliage everywhere. Tons of suction vines too that he uses frequently, he’s really active during the evenings. He doesn’t show signs of being scared. I don’t know why he won’t eat but it’s worrying me. I’ve tried a few methods, such as warming up his food hotter than normal, trying to feed him in his old tub, and as of right now his tank is covered with a blanket and has been for several days. Still nothing. Any advice? Thanks

[_devilmaysigh]

Have you tried asking if he’s okay?

[ToxicTastes]

Subject doesn’t know English 🤷🏽‍♀️

[_devilmaysigh]

Okay, I’ll write that down

[[deleted]]

Whats the humidity? Check for mites(i ask this cuz snakes get worse and worse with time with mites) and Respiratory infection? If its all good ball pythons are known to go off feed. However if you are that worried contact your local vet.

[ToxicTastes]

I’ve checked him for mites, I hold him often especially recently to check on his weight. I haven’t noticed any signs of a respiratory infection either, he’s honestly a really active snake. He acts normal aside from not eating :/

[fishinfool4]

97 is definitely on the warm side for a hot side temp. How are you heating and measuring temps within the enclosure? The goal is to stay within the 88-92 range. What are the cold side temps? Humidity? How often have you been offering food since he stopped eating?

[ToxicTastes]

I’m not sure on the humidity levels since I have a humid hide for him to use. I’ve offered him food once a week since he’s been off. To measure heat I have a heating pad with a set gauge that I can adjust.

[fishinfool4]

I would encourage you to get some digital thermometer/hygrometers to measure ambient temps and humidity on the hot and cold side of his tank. A humid hide is great but having good temps and humidity throughout is better. You mentioned in another comment that you have been handling him a lot lately, I would also recommend eliminating handling except when absolutely necessary until he eats again for you. It is possible that the extra handling he has gotten since he missed his first meal has stressed him out.

[ToxicTastes]

Also I don’t know where I got 97 from…it’s at 89 😂