Ball Python Very Long Fast.

[common spider]

Ok I have a male Ball Python that is around 4 years old and it is in very good health and takes dips in his water at times he is very thick around but he has refused food for a long time.The last time he ate was on 2-22-06.


Is it normal for a Ball Python to fast that long????

 

[ErikH]

Yes, they can sometimes fast for months at a time. As long as he doesn't appear to be losing weight, or appear dehydrated, I wouldn't worry too much. Just make sure your temps and humidity are on (81-85F cool side 90-95F warm side) and that he has hides he can access, and I am sure he will eat when he is ready.

 

[common spider]

Ya he does not look thin or like he has a lack of water and his hot side is in the low 90's and the cool side is in the high 70's.

 

[JTrott]

I currently have about 30 ball pythons, and probably more than half of them have not eaten since November. Don't sweat it....a coupe of weeks/months is nothing.....I had a male that did not eat for 9 months. Just keep offering food weekly. The more you offer food, and they don't eat, the more stressed they become and it causes them to go longer without eating. When you offer meals, offer them something that is a little smaller then they would normally eat. If they normally eat small rats, offer rat pups. Personally, when mine refuse I do not look at them, or handle them at all for 2 weeks, then offer food. If they refuse again, I do the same thing. The only time I open their cage is when I am checking to make sure they have water. I NEVER handle my ball pythons, but then again they are breeders, not pets. I seldom have animals refuse unless it is winter. Your animal will eventually come around...give it a couple more weeks and it should be eating steady again.

Jason

 

[common spider]

I currently have about 30 ball pythons, and probably more than half of them have not eaten since November. Don't sweat it....a coupe of weeks/months is nothing.....I had a male that did not eat for 9 months. Just keep offering food weekly. The more you offer food, and they don't eat, the more stressed they become and it causes them to go longer without eating. When you offer meals, offer them something that is a little smaller then they would normally eat. If they normally eat small rats, offer rat pups. Personally, when mine refuse I do not look at them, or handle them at all for 2 weeks, then offer food. If they refuse again, I do the same thing. The only time I open their cage is when I am checking to make sure they have water. I NEVER handle my ball pythons, but then again they are breeders, not pets. I seldom have animals refuse unless it is winter. Your animal will eventually come around...give it a couple more weeks and it should be eating steady again.

Jason

Thank you for your input it makes me feel better.

 

[Beardo]

I once had a CBB adult male Ball Python go off feed for 10 straight months...then one day he just decided to eat again.