If your ball python isn’t eating, there could be several reasons for this. The most likely issue is that they simply aren’t getting enough food.
If your snake seems to be not eating, it may be time for some changes. For instance, you could adjust its feeding schedule, alter the size of its prey items, or offer it a different substrate.
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Feeding Schedule
Ball Pythons typically subsist on rodents in the wild, but will also consume pre-killed or live prey. When feeding your snake, make sure it has the appropriate size and is free from injuries or parasites.
To guarantee your ball python gets the right amount of food and isn’t over or underfeeding, create a feeding schedule. This will help you keep track of when they last ate and allow you to adjust their diet accordingly.
Smaller or younger ball pythons need to be fed every five days, while larger ones can eat more frequently. As your ball pythons age, you can reduce their feeding frequency in order to reduce their risk for obesity and other health issues.
When first starting to feed your ball python, offer a small mouse (just smaller than its widest part of its body). Gradually increase the size of the rat as they become more established in your care.
Prey Size
Ball pythons feed on a variety of rodents in the wild, such as mice and rats. They also consume small birds. When kept in captivity, keepers should provide their snakes with appropriately sized commercially-bred mice and rats for exercise.
Hatchlings and juveniles need consistent nutrition to support rapid growth. Feed a small mouse or fuzzy rat once every week.
Young pythons require more frequent feedings than mature individuals due to their rapid growth rate, which requires a lot of energy from food.
When offering your snake a live prey, open the enclosure and place it in front of its face. Pythons have heat-sensing pits near their mouths which help them identify and capture warm-blooded prey.
If your snake won’t bite, try shifting the rodent around until he grasps it with his jaws. Doing this will make the rodent appear alive to your snake and prompt it to strike it.
Substrate
One of the most essential aspects of caring for your ball python is selecting the correct substrate for their cage. This decision plays a significant role in their health, comfort, and longevity.
Different snake species require specific substrate requirements. For instance, rainbow boas require high humidity and a moist hide, while ball pythons prefer moderate humidity levels and an accommodating substrate.
Fortunately, there are a variety of safe and affordable substrates available for both species of snakes. Popular options include bark bedding, cypress mulch, and aspen shavings.
Bark bedding is an ideal choice for ball pythons as it absorbs excess moisture and increases humidity levels in their enclosures. Furthermore, this non-rot material makes changing out substrate quick and effortless.
Coconut husk substrate is another great choice for ball pythons. Not only is it antibacterial, but also good at absorbing foul odors and extremely affordable – giving your pet’s tank a fresh start!
Supplements
If your snake is a picky eater, you may need to supplement their diet with vitamin D3 and calcium supplements. These can be sprinkled on food items every second or third feeding; more frequently for younger reptiles.
Ball Pythons in the wild feed on a variety of small rodents and ground dwelling birds, such as mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, chicks and quail.
Some owners suggest offering crickets as a staple prey item for their ball python, but these animals may not be as nutritionally reliable as other options.
If you want to give your ball python some variety in their diet, adding pieces of chunks of meat may be beneficial. Meat chunks are often high in protein and will add an enjoyable new flavor.
