My first snake! A ball python.

[ScatMan]

The girl I got it from said that she was never able to get the snake to take f/t mice or rats, only live. She let it go over a month without feeding and it still wouldn't take them, so she just went ahead and fed live.

I'd like to convert it to f/t meals. What's the best way to go about that? I'd like to avoid feeding live if possible.

99% sure you got a girl

and heating the f/t mouse up in hot water will entice it to strike (they have heat pits), then hold it in front of her with a pair of forceps and gently jiggle it if necessary but avoid moving it too quickly toward her (that's threatening) and don't touch her with it.

 

[Cookie*]

Ball pythons are one of the most docile snakes around. They make excellent pets for people unfamiliar with handling snakes.

 

[snakefin]

Beautiful!! You know, snakes don't need UV. But can't hurt. Very cool.

By definition, all reptiles should have access to some form of UV, snakes may need it less, but exposure is crucial for long term success, even for nocturnal species. Diurnal species definitely would require a decent amount though.

 

[ScatMan]

By definition, all reptiles should have access to some form of UV, snakes may need it less, but exposure is crucial for long term success, even for nocturnal species. Diurnal species definitely would require a decent amount though.

that's not true. although most reptiles need uv to metabolize calcium, snakes and some nocturnal lizards don't, because they have the enzymes to metabolize calcium without uv.
there has never been a study showing that ball pythons need or even benefit from uv (that i'm aware of, please inform me if there is).
on the other hand; there are tons of people breeding these snakes with huge success, for many generations, that have never used uv or any lighting for that matter. this suggests that uv is not necessary for success.

even the statement that "it can't hurt" isn't entirely true. many ball pythons have been known to be stressed by any overhead light or heat source which is why an under-tank heat pad is almost always recommended for these snakes. in nature ball pythons warm themselves on hot rocks and such that warms them from the belly up. also, bp's have been know to strike at lights during feeding time, mistaking them as warm prey. this can hurt them causing infections in the mouth from injuries caused by biting their cage lid while trying to bite the lights.

who told you that they need uv, because it's clearly not the case?