Newby-with no skills

Joined : 16 Mar 2008 Posts : 1

Hey, it's early here (Philadelphia, PA)-5:30 am and I can't sleep. I am a brand new normal ball python owner so forgive me if my lingo is not correct. Purchased on 3/8/08-from pet store-told he was captive born, When I purchased my snake, I was told that it was 3 months old-unable to determine sex, no probe available. I asked when he last had a mean, because I wanted them to show me that he would eat, but unfortunately, they feed on Friday's so they were unable. They told he was currently feeding on pinkies, but everything I am reading says I should be giving him fuzzies. Also told not to feed in his housing area to place in another container when feeding. Not sure how long to keep in other container because he needs to be kept at a certain humidity and temp. Have tried to feed pinkies but he is not biting. Can you give me some ideas?

Thanks! Exclamation

Subject: Hello and Welcome to the forum. Sun Mar 16, 2008 10:39 am

Hello,

It's nice to see some new members. I hope you will learn alot from the forum as well as from my blogs linked to from the home page of ballpythonplanet.com.

If the pet store was competent the could have done what is called popping. This method is most acuate when determining the sex of a juvinile snake. It's best done by someone how knows how to do it, but it is not hard to learn how to. There is an excellent video on ball pythons by Collete and Dan Southerland. It's very informative and you can learn alot from it. They show in great detail the proper way to pop a snake. If you cannot afford the video you can find a few sites that explain the procedure.

As for what to do about trying to feed your new baby fuzzies. There are a few things you can try.
1. If possible rub a fuzzy mouse with a pinkie.
2. Leave the fuzzy in a tub with a lid in with your snake for a while.
3. Wait it out, your baby will get hungry and eat when it is ready.

Snake can go for a long time without eating. It is not uncommon to have one go for a few months at a time. If you can help it they should eat once every seven days to two weeks.

If you have any other questions feel free to ask here on the forum in the questions topic.

Eric Rovegno
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www.ballpythonplanet.com
Pueblo, CO

Joined : 16 Mar 2008 Posts : 13 Location : Nottingham, UK

Hiya Chick

Another thing you could try is the warm the mouse up in a cup of warm water. The pat dry the mouse quickly so it doesn't lose the heat and then offer it to your snake.

The snake is also just getting used to it new home so just wait a few days then try again.

Hope this helps.

Suz