Help snake wont eat....

[Solorio17]

I just got a ball python and the guy at the store said that it hasnt eaten in 4 weeks and its just a baby, I know that balls are known to go on with out no food for up to 6 months, but is this normal for my snake, is it because its getting use to the new inviornment? please help.

[WingedWolf]

You should never have purchased a snake that was not feeding. It was a bad purchase, point blank. Your snake has something wrong with it...it may be in ill health, or it could be an innate genetic problem. Some hatchlings simply won't make it in the long run. It may be that your snake wants a type of food that isn't available.

You're going to have to take your new snake straight to a reptile vet for a complete checkup and fecal exam.

A snake should begin eating within a week of arriving in a new home. A baby snake should eat once a week. Some ball pythons are picky about their food...it if it won't eat mice, you have to try juvenile rats, or even gerbils (many folks have had success getting a stubborn eater to take a gerbil--they seem to be more similar to the types of rodent available in the ball python's native habitat). Try frozen/thawed, pre-killed, and as a last resort (after complete health has been confirmed) live. (Always supervise very well when offering live food...a live rodent can seriously injure your snake).

[Solorio17]

I just got my snake less than a week ago, So, do I have to wait for it to settle in its new home?

[ferretfan]

I have to agree that it was a bad move to buy a snake that was not eating. There is something out there as well that you can buy called mouse maker and it makes the prey smell stronger so the snake may take a bigger interest in it. Some snakes will not eat prekilled/frozen food so if you have to try the live route then stun the mouse first. I know it sounds awful but that way it will not be able to harm your snake. Just cuz your snake is not feeding does not mean that there is definately something wrong with it...but be prepared that there might be. A vet check would not hurt that is for sure just to make sure...but yes balls can go months without eating and they can be a very stubborn snake.

[Solorio17]

How much will a trip to the vet cost me, were can I find that thing in stores

[ferretfan]

In Canada mouse maker is sold in all pet stores that sell reptiles so take a look around and ask and hopefully you will find some. Here a very visit will run you pretty close to 100 bucks after a full exam and fecal is done. That is the only downside to exotic animal, they tend to be a little more pricey when it comes to vet visits. It is always a good idea to have a savings account just for them...and then you always have money if something goes wrong.

[Solorio17]

Guess what?
my snake Thrawl just ate!!!!So releaved. It wasent eating because the mice that I was feeding it was to big, I had to get it a more of a little one.....

[ferretfan]

That is great to hear and thank you for updating us!!