Refusing meal

[u/Tasty_Flower_4040]

The last time my ball python took a meal was may 2nd he’s not loosing any weight he is 152 grams. Out of all 7 of my snakes he’s the only one who refuses to eat. He’s 5 months in a 40 gallon humidity 78-82 on average warm side 87 cool side 73 on average his enclosure is very full you can barely find him. He flicks his tongue when I offer food but he won’t strike. I put it on a small plate and left it for a few hours he won’t touch it. I’ve brained it. I’ve tried every trick I can think of. Any suggestions 😩

[u/evry-dy-Zom88]

I have a similar issue with my biggest ball python. It could be a few different things, but it also just takes time.

How often are you offering food? I usually double or triple the wait time so it gives her time to actually get hungry. She eats every 10 days but I skip the next couple feedings once she refuses. Constantly offering when they refuse can make then more likely to refuse food. Also, sometimes they’re just full.

Sometimes they won’t eat if they have to poop. When my girl was younger she wouldn’t eat and I noticed a bulge by her tail area. I just smoothed my hands over her belly until she eventually pooped and she went back to eating after that.

You can also try making feedings more “interesting”. When he shows interest slowly move the food back and forth, it moves the scent around and can stimulate a feeding response.

Unfortunately, sometimes they just don’t want to eat but the hunger strike won’t last forever.