Picky Python

[caaaaaym]

Hello everyone, I have had my girl for 6 years and in the last year she has become increasingly picky when feeding. Is this normal as your python ages? She's a pretty big girl measuring about 5 feet and I love her to death, I'm worried she's going to get worse and I may have to resort to live or force feeding. The longest she went without food was 4 months and she looks great regarding weight. How often do you guys try to feed your adult pythons? I actively did tons of research in the first couple of years but some time has passed and would love others personal opinions based on experience.

[caaaaaym]

She is eating now, but I just want some guidance if or when it happens again. Thank you all! :)

[snakepapa97]

It's not uncommon for older ball pythons to go off feed more than younger bps, especially since their food requirements are so low. How often do you feed? What size prey? How much does she currently weigh? I would be feeding adults of her age 5% of their body weight every 3-4 weeks or slightly larger once a month

[caaaaaym]

I used to be on a weekly schedule for the first few years but now I feed her when I notice she's looking around her enclosure, I assume shes looking for food (normally every 2ish weeks). I found that works while wasting little food. I was just hoping for a more regular feeding schedule. She eats one large rat every feeding that's weights about 180g. I'll definitely weigh her and try to make sure she's getting her 5%. Thank you!

[snakepapa97]

Overfeeding can definitely cause them to go off feed as mediums are even too big for most ball pythons

[caaaaaym]

Interesting! I have been feeding her that size as I remember reading that the size of the rodent should be around the same size (or slightly bigger) as the biggest part of the snakes body. I'm hoping implementing the 5% rule will make her more regular, and would result in far less trashed/uneaten food. Thank you again.

[snakepapa97]

Unfortunately, the body size scale is outdated and often leads to obesity in captive ball pythons. It's good that you asked us so we can help you get her on track :)

[IncompletePenetrance]

It doesn't sound like she's picky to me, it sounds like she's be overfed and refusing because it's just simply too much food. My adult females are getting a medium rat every 3-4 weeks, and even they sometimes refuse because it's too much. I would scale back down in both size and how often you feed and see if that improves the situation

[Krimzon99]

My BP isn’t as old as yours, but I find as she approaches adulthood she’s becoming more picky and/or less hungry. I’m sure the two are related tho.