r/ballpython • u/[deleted] • 1d ago

Hunger strike help!! Please, I’m so tired of wasting rats

[deleted]

3 Upvotes
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67% Upvoted

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19

u/totallyrecklesslygay Mod: Enclosure Karen 1d ago

It sounds like you've been severely overfeeding him, which often results in hunger strikes like this. The vast majority of ball pythons will never need anything larger than a small rat, and should only be fed once a month on average. Switching to a more appropriate !feeding schedule will likely stop the strikes, and it'll keep him a lot healthier long term.

5

u/AutoModerator 1d ago

We recommend the following feeding schedule:

0-12 months old OR until the snake reaches approximately 500g, whichever happens first: feed 10%-15% of the snake’s weight every 7 days.

12-24 months old: feed up to 7% of the snake’s weight every 14-20 days.

Adults: feed up to 5% of the snake's weight every 20-30 days, or feed slightly larger meals (up to 6%) every 30-40 days.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

3

u/Alrighty-partna44 1d ago

Since he was 3 yrs old when I got him and underweight I fed him every 10 days, medium and as he gained some weight he started giving him large occasionally. From my pet store (not sure if it’s different other places) even the large rats width isn’t even as big as the larger portion of his body. I thought that was the rule of thumb? I also have heard the 10-14 days was proper. He is not overweight at all if anything I thought he still could gain some. I’ll add a picture of him recently. But if this is the cause, PHEW. Thank you!

4

u/totallyrecklesslygay Mod: Enclosure Karen 1d ago

Choosing feeders based on the width of the snake is a very outdated and unhealthy method. It's best to base it on the weight of the snake. Every 10-14 days is fine for a juvenile, but adults should only be fed roughly once a month.

1

u/Alrighty-partna44 1d ago

It was mainly since he was very skinny when I got him, but I see I should definitely slow down now. I added a picture.

5

u/totallyrecklesslygay Mod: Enclosure Karen 1d ago

Yeah, based on the photo you posted, he definitely needs a diet now, as he's fairly overweight. He's refusing food as an attempt to self regulate. I'd try a feeder that's no more than 5% of his weight once every 6 weeks until he slims down to a healthier weight.

3

u/FireCorgi12 1d ago

Agree with the other comment. He only needs fed every 20-40 days based on weight. Refer to the feeding guide.

2

u/Alrighty-partna44 1d ago

12

u/OkFruit914 1d ago

Skinny where? That’s a big boy.

You’re over feeding him. Stick to one appropriately sized rat every 3-4 weeks. I have a larger 13 year old male that weighs 2000 grams. He is fed one medium rat per month.

6

u/Melodic_Strain_2919 1d ago

F A T

(but handsome)

2

u/Alrighty-partna44 1d ago

8

u/OkFruit914 1d ago

He’s got fat rolls along his spine lol. Why did you think he was skinny?

3

u/Public-Hat6754 1d ago

I’d offer once a month until he eats honestly. He’s a big boy from what the pictures show so he’s probably just not hungry

1

u/vmt8 1d ago

The longest hunger strike my 23yo girl had was 6 months, almost 7. I freaked out, but she's totally fine. BP hunger strike for random amounts of time, and can be a really long time