My ball python has not ate since 12-28-06 two weeks after I got her. Should I start worrying ? (more than I already am). i know some balls go off feed during winter, but her temps stay in the mid 80's in the day and mid 70's at night. any help would be appreciated.

Try bumping up the temps to 90 in her basking area. I know its hard no to worry,,bp's are notorious for be picky eaters.

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MARSHA

:D I'm smiling because I have no idea whats going on!

Hello,

This may sound strange, and I have stated this in the past, but try subjecting her to some UV rays. If you have a UV light in the house, turn it on, on her enclosure, for 2-3 hours per day. This can actually induce a feeding response again. You don't need anything powerful. A reptisun 5.0 would be adequate.

If the BP wants or has a desire to access the UV, it will be present. Don't force her though. make sure she can escape it if she chooses. The UV HAS induced feeding responses in BP's that have gone off feed, so give it a whirl.

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I'll give it a try. As of now I would try ''just about'' anything.

My BP also hasn't eaten since the 26th of December 2006. I don't know how they know it's winter time, since his lighting schedule and heat are regular throughout the year, but he's reduced all his activity and barely shows himself day or night.
Mine has good weight reserves on him, though, and he's healthy... so I'm trying to ignore it until he starts getting more active at night. Then I'll try again. He's done this the last two winters and it used to worry me to death.

Try the UV, like Rich suggested, but you may just have to take a deep breath and wait till springtime... it's just around the corner!!!

Ok, Im gonna give it a shot. Good to know mine is not the only one. Thanks All !!

How old/big is the snake? Babies don't usually go thru the fast. However it is not unusual for adults to go 5-6 months without feeding. They seem to be genetically imprinted to know when its breeding season in Africa regardless of how you keep the temperatures. I have 2 (M/F) in the same enclosure and the male would fast while the female did not.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Thanks for the help yall, but she finally ate last night!!!

YAY!!! Congratulations!!! I'm still waiting for my BP, Monty, to get more active and start eating again... someday....