Dont worry about the ball starving... I had one baby fresh from the egg not eat a single thing for almost 3 months, then one day she started eating and is just fine. I have an adult who last year did not eat for 9 months... it happens. THis is exactly why I never recommend balls as first snakes. Dont get me wrong they are wonderful snakes, and make great pets, but it ALWAYS freaks new owners out when any snake doest eat for them, and ball pythons are notorious for doing it, especially if they are not well started captive bred babies, which petstore balls are not...usually.
Another thing, pinkies are too small for even hatchling ball pythons, sure they might eat them but it's just a tid bit compared to what they can handle... so an almost adult mouse is ok IMHO to feed if the snake will eat it. I think most ball breeders use at least mouse fuzzies or hoppers or the equivilent sized rats to start balls, and at least one big breeder I know of starts them on weaning mice almost immediately. In my *limited* experience with the balls I raised this summer, most of them have tackled adult mice no problem at just 60 to 70 grams....(but I usually feed rat pups)
Hope that helps, have fun with your new baby!!
Sarah
Originally Posted by Snowberry
Doesn't look painful, but still looks scarey!
Last night I put one of our four breeding mice in there. This one was a male that wouldn't breed, so I don't have a use for him. I know a sub-adult mouse is big prey for a young ball, but he's no larger than the widest point of the snake, so I thought it might work. After two hours of being in the tank (with the snake following him) the mouse was still not eaten. I took him out and put him back in his little cage.
But now I am concerned that my snake can't eat the mouse. He won't eat anything if it isn't moving, so I am afraid that if I kill the mouse, I am screwed until May 10 when my first pinkie litter is anticipated.
Having not eaten since a few days before I got him, will my snake live until then?? Or should I continue urging him to eat this big mouse?
Frozen pinkies are an hour's drive away and I don't have a license, so don't suggest that because it can't happen..
I have an issue with watching snakes eat, and it isn't because of a grossout factor, its pity for the mouse.
Would it be acceptable to leave the mouse in with the snake unattended, or am I running a huge risk if I try it?
Prompt responses greatly appreciated, any advice appreciated as well... |
