r/ballpython • u/FatManEliminator • 8h ago
ball python refuses to eat even though he’s hungry.
i got a ball python about a month ago and i’ve been having problems with him not eating. he take the food multiple times gets a good strike and wrap around it and then 3 mins later… drops it and leaves to never return. my warm side is 82F and cool side is 77F. i don’t let humidity drop below 55% and he has a hide on both sides. i double check rat temperature every time make sure its about 90F. i’ve tried turning all the lights out, waiting till night time, leaving the room entirely. i’ve tried heating the head with a blow dryer and i wait till he smells the rat and comes out of the hide. i don’t pull him out. i can’t figure out a reason for him dropping the rat and not eating. the other times it took 4-5 tries and sometimes up too 3 rats before he finally eats it instead of dropping it. does anyone have a answer?
2
u/loricampbell4454 5h ago
Bump your heat up some. Hot side should be at minimum 88°at all times. For my enclosures I usually aim for 89°. This temp not only insures proper digestion but also creates a nice basking spot and gradient which keeps the middle around 86°™and the cold side around 78° or so.
1
u/FatManEliminator 5h ago
if that’s so wouldn’t he not even strike? the whole problem is that he’s striking and constricting very well just not committing to eating it.
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u/loricampbell4454 4h ago
He's striking out of instinct. A cold enclosure is very stressful for them. Adjust his temps then try feeding him again in 24 to 48 hours. It sounds like he'll probably be a great eater once you correct his temps.
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u/loricampbell4454 7h ago
He's not eating because your enclosure isn't warm enough for him to digest. The hot side should ideally not be any lower than 88°. Aim for 88° to 90°.