Why won't my snake eat????

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Ok...its good to see that you made some positive changes. First off...you state that you don't see him use the water bowl. Well...BP's are nocturnal and you really shouldn't see them during the day. A happy BP is one that is in its hides during the daylight hours.

I do have a couple of suggestions. First, it is recommended that you put 2 identical hides in the tank...1 on the warm side and 1 on the cool side. The theory behind that is that you don't want to have to force a BP to choose between security and proper temperature. The hides should be snug, so the BP can touch all sides of it while inside.

Second, the best way to measure temperature and humidity is with a digital gauge. Those dial ones are pretty much crap. You can get a really good Acu-Rite digital thermometer/hygrometer for $10-$11 at most Home Depot or Lowes. You should really put one on each side of the tank to make sure you have proper temps on the warm and cool side of the tank.

Once you meet all of the BP's basic of needs, I'm willing to bet he will start eating on a regular basis. If he refuses food, wait a week until you try again. Its amazing how long these creatures can go without food....trust me, you are not hurting him.
 
Me might not be hungry. Mine eat every other week regulary they just skip a meal from time to time. As long as he is active and his face is clear you should be fine. If he has any discharge from his mouth or nose I would be concerned. He also might be getting ready to shed. As far as the eyecaps go tape is not the best idea. Q tips and a little mineral oil will soften them and they should come right off. Good luck
 
Well, I had to take the hide on the cool side out for some changes. I put it back in. So he's got two hides. thanks guys and gals.
 
oh and also another tip would be to change out the bedding, usually pine shavings arent a good idea for reptiles as they can accidentally ingest the smaller pieces when they catch their prey causing impaction (also im not sure about pine but i think cedar shavings at least are bad for their respiratory system so pine may be as well) i would suggest something like the reptile carpet stuff or the bark substrate that stores sell that has nice big pieces for a more natural look if thats what your going for
 
Ok well, I'm going to buy some reptile carpet as soon as i get the money. And he seemed to like the humidity form the shower last night. It was a good idea. Thanks for the tip.
 
I wouldn't recommend reptile carpets, they get very dirty and are more of a liability.

If I were you, I would move him to a sterilite tub. Plastic contains humidity FAR better than glass. I haven't read the whole thread, but make sure you have an undertank heater that is regulated with a thermostat. Once he is comfortable, he should be in his hides most of the time (which should be relatively tight fitting). After that, he should take live mice. I had the same problem with my bp. Once he got accustomed to his new adequate home, he started eating. He eats like crazy now.

See this link about bad sheds: http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=74290&highlight=shed+stuck
 
if your recent pic is the one in wich his eyes are blue, its in blue eye and it going to shed again. It will just be pissed right now because it cant see well.

Your snake, imo, looks very thick. I think it can be fine for quite some time without food.

In the last shed pic, you could still clearly see its pupils and I dont think its got eye cap issues.

My old Balls used to let me soak them in luke warm water in the tub, then I would just gently rub their face an eyes until all came off, dont force it.

BP will have shed issues if the humidity is not up. Like Brazilian rainbow boas, they will have bad sheds like your first pics.

Get rid of the hot rock, everyone is not just bull crappin about that, I had a BP burn itself bad, took forever for the wonds to heal an it had some nice scars, this was 10 years ago or so. Youve got plenty of heat lamp thier. Get a humidity gauge and check it, larger water bowl.

Mine Balls would go off feed for 3 months or so every winter, yours looks plenty full. I wouldnt worry at all right now about it starving. Enjoy your pet and let it go through its natural cycle. Just try your best to replicate its natural habitat. Google the area they come from or just do everything the BP forums ppl and books tell you. Dont skip anything. Good luck bud, dont stress too much, BP dont have high metabolisms like corn snakes and really dont need large feedings all too often. Good luck.
 
he might be too cold and not have enough energy
 
Well thanks Jason. Would reptile bark better? I remembered that the Pet stores here sell that store. At the one Pet store, They have birds to frogs. They have BPs And andacondas, etc. And in their BPs Enclouser, they have reptile bark..... And i took the danr heat rock out.......
 
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