B.P. Feeding Issues - Advice please

B.P. Feeding Issues - Edit: Resolved

I got a C.B. ball python early last week. (http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47453) I let Patches get used her viv for a couple days with only minimal interruptions. Last night I tried to feed a smallish meal, but no dice. I attempted to feed in the viv (on a piece of paper to avoid impaction). I did the pinkie dance for awhile, but she didn't seem to want to bite the mouse. So I decided to turn out the lights, shut the door, and just leave her with the mouse overnight. I checked in a few times during the night, and she was sitting on the edge of the paper, about 2 inches from the mouse (f/t btw), staring at it like she couldn't quite understand what this ugly thing was doing there.

When I got Patches, I picked up the BP Manual as well, so I have a couple of ideas from there, but I'd like to know what the more experienced people would recommend doing first, especially if you have balls. I plan on trying the smallest rat pups I can find (if possible) if mice don't work a couple more times. I'm also going to wait around 5 days between offerings, still with minimal handling. Both temps and humidity are in the appropriate ranges. I know that BPs are often picky feeders, and that they can survive through long periods of fasting, so I shouldn't really be worried at this point, but... I'm the mommy, and any hints, tricks, tips, or encouragement you could provide would be much appreciated.

One thing I forgot- Did I try to feed to soon?

The two things I find that have most impact on my python are lighting, and temperature of the mouse. You say you darkened the room already, but try playing with the lighting further. Mine likes it dark but not pitch black - sort of like a "late evening" kind of feel.

The other thing that puts him off is cold prey! By the time you'd finished dancing mousie around, it may have gone cold. I find it helps to keep it nice and warm.

It also can't hurt to doublecheck your temperatures in the tank.

One thing to consider is, what was the snake fed on before you acquired her? BPs are fabulously finicky; some seem to be "offended" by certain mice, and will only eat a certain gender or colour prey.

It is way too soon to be worried yet, but I understand your worry, so I hope these suggestions will be helpful good luck!

Those are actually some very good points. I know the mouse I tried was black, and I'm almost positive the mice she was fed before were white. Thanks!

I have not had great luck feeding f/t to my BPs. Many people seem to be able to get them to go for it by heating it up and using forceps / tongs to move it in a lifelike manner. I generally just feed live, and haven't had any problems so far. It is just too time consuming when you have more than a couple, and too many wasted f/t rodents. I know other BP breeders who feed mostly live for the same reason, although I wouldn't leave the live prey unsupervised for long. But with just one pet, you will probably be able to train it to f/t eventually. It just isn't quite as easy as with corns.

The suggestions about the heat and lighting, and feeding it what it is used to are good. I have also had breeders tell me they have success by totally darkening the cage for a few days as if it was an underground burrow. So far, I haven't had to resort to anything more drastic than live food.

Yay!

Well, I checked my temps and such, found they were good, and decided to try again tonight. I found out that Patches was fed entirely on white mice before (no dark mice in the colony), so I tried a white mouse.

I put the mouse down in the viv (on a sheet of paper), and put Patches near the mouse. I was about to close the lid and fiddle with the lights, but no need.





Look mom! I ate all my dinner!


Whoo hoo!!! :dancer: :dancer: :dancer:

Thanks for the help guys!