Feeding ball python for the first time, refused?

[Shadowy]

Need to stick with rats if that is what she was feeding on before. Just wondering why you'd change to mice?

I honestly didn’t even think about it when I ordered from the supplier. I’ll probably order rats and resell the frozen mice I already have. I was not able to successfully get her to take the mouse last night.

[Shadowy]

Update! I offered her a fuzzy rat today, refused to start with but I left it in there about an hour ago, I just checked on her and it’s gone! I feel so much better. My next idea was going to offer her live prey.

Also funny story, I got in touch with the breeder and it turns out she was eating mice before. So I’m not sure why she didn’t like the mice I had offered before. I guess I’m fortunate it was so easy to switch her to rats. Lol

[Luvyna]

Congrats on her eating! You're very lucky that she made such an easy switch to rats, hope I can get mine off of mice that easily. Maybe she was still getting used to her new surroundings last week.

[Bogertophis]

Update! I offered her a fuzzy rat today, refused to start with but I left it in there about an hour ago, I just checked on her and it’s gone! I feel so much better. My next idea was going to offer her live prey.

Also funny story, I got in touch with the breeder and it turns out she was eating mice before. So I’m not sure why she didn’t like the mice I had offered before. I guess I’m fortunate it was so easy to switch her to rats. Lol

Some snakes don't like being watched when they eat...many also prefer dim or no lighting. If you're watching them eat, stand very still...any motion nearby can be a
distraction, & signals a possible predator coming their way...remember they don't know us visually, & instinctively assume the worst- it's how they stay alive in nature.

Glad it worked out so quickly, anyway.

[Zincubus]

Update! I offered her a fuzzy rat today, refused to start with but I left it in there about an hour ago, I just checked on her and it’s gone! I feel so much better. My next idea was going to offer her live prey.

Also funny story, I got in touch with the breeder and it turns out she was eating mice before. So I’m not sure why she didn’t like the mice I had offered before. I guess I’m fortunate it was so easy to switch her to rats. Lol

That's great news !

A drop feeding Royal python is a definite PLUS

My Royals all do best strike feeding from within their hides , evenings only and in dim / low lighting ... the master~stroke is to give them a blast with hairdryer a moment before offering !!


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[Jamiekerk]

My normal ball will only eat white rats, if any have black he just refuses them.

They can be picky with food


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[Jellybeans]

Congrats stick with those fuzzies for a while. That's what I have mine on is Frozen thawed Fuzzy's

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[Jellybeans]

Isn't it funny how some snakes can be so strange about the silliest things?!?!
So far I would say my boy doesn't have any hang ups...... so far. Lol
I love this little boy so much
I can be sitting here reading and he's in my lap and sometimes he's so still I forget he's even there. And that's exactly what I wanted was a lap python

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[Luvyna]

Isn't it funny how some snakes can be so strange about the silliest things?!?!
So far I would say my boy doesn't have any hang ups...... so far. Lol
I love this little boy so much
I can be sitting here reading and he's in my lap and sometimes he's so still I forget he's even there. And that's exactly what I wanted was a lap python

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Aww that's so cute! I'd love a lap snake. I think mine is still a bit nervous about being taken out, if I let him roam around he tries to get under furniture or into tight spots. I always have to keep a close eye on him.

[Bogertophis]

Aww that's so cute! I'd love a lap snake. I think mine is still a bit nervous about being taken out, if I let him roam around he tries to get under furniture or into tight spots. I always have to keep a close eye on him.

Just be gently & patient...holding them close to us so they feel sheltered works best...they stress when out in the open (instincts to beware of predators).