Feeding Question

Ok so I know new baby balls don't necessarily eat right away, nor do they usually eat pre-killed mice. I'm just wondering how long they can go without feeding before their fast becomes detrimental to their health? When should I be worried? My new ball hasn't eaten for about 1.5 weeks, according to the guy I bought her from, and I know that's completely normal and nothing to worry about, but I guess I'm just paranoid that she won't eat, ever.

Thanks!

Jodi

Jodi,

I can give you more help if you can answer some questions. How old is the snake? Has it fed before? Is it captive bred?

A general answer would probably be "a lot longer than that". If you don't have a scale get one and weigh the snake. Watch the weight. If it's not losing much then no worries. Don't try feeding too often. Once every 5-7 days. And unless necessary for cleaning or caring for the snake do not handle the snake until it is feeding consistently. Resist that urge. Put it in a quiet part of the house where there isn't a lot of stimulation.

Also, get it on thawed prey as soon as possible. If had previously been fed frozen/thawed and taken it, do not use live except as a last resort.

I'm not sure EXACTLY how old she is... I'd imagine a month or so? She's about... 10 inches long, and about an inch in diameter? The guy at the herp store told me she had fed previously, and she was sold to me as captive born. I have been dangling thawed mice for her, and just leaving it in the cage overnight. So should I switch to live prey, for now, when I offer her food? Or should I just continue offering her thawed?

And thanks, I did offer her food today and yesterday, I'll lay off for another week :-)

I would stick with thawed as long as you can. And resist the temptation to handle her. Let her settle in. Ball Pythons frequently go off feed for 4-6 weeks after being moved. Just be patient.