Beginner’s Guide to Why Your Ball Python Isn’t Eating & How to Fix It

Ball pythons are notorious for going on food strikes, especially in new environments. If your snake refuses to eat, don’t panic—most cases can be resolved with patience and a few adjustments. This guide will help you identify why your ball python isn’t eating and how to get them back on track.

 

Step 1: Check for Common Causes

1. New Environment Stress

• If you just brought your ball python home, they may need time to adjust.

• Solution: Wait at least one week before attempting to feed. Avoid handling until they successfully eat.

2. Incorrect Temperature & Humidity

• Warm side: 88-92°F

• Cool side: 75-80°F

• Humidity: 50-60% (70% during shedding)

• Solution: Use digital thermometers and a heat source regulated by a thermostat. Low temps = slow digestion = no appetite.

3. Shedding

• Snakes often refuse food before shedding. Look for dull skin, blue eyes, or hiding more than usual.

• Solution: Wait until after they shed and try again. Keep humidity at 70% to help them shed smoothly. (Deep clean enclosure for guarantee results)

4. Feeding Preferences

• Some ball pythons prefer live over frozen/thawed or specific prey sizes.

• Solution: Experiment with:

• Warming the prey in hot water until it’s 100-105°F.

• Braining (cutting open the head of a frozen/thawed rodent to expose the scent).

• Offering at night when they are most active.

• Dangling the rodent with tongs to mimic movement.

5. Seasonal Fasting (Winter Breeding Season)

• Ball pythons, especially males, may stop eating in the cooler months.

• Solution: As long as they maintain weight and are active, fasting is normal. Offer food every 2 weeks until they resume eating.

6. Stress from Handling or Too Much Activity

• Frequent handling, loud noises, or excessive cage disturbances can cause stress.

• Solution: Limit handling to once a week until they start eating again. Keep their enclosure in a quiet area.

Step 2: Try These Feeding Techniques

1. Feeding at Night

• Ball pythons are nocturnal hunters. Try feeding after 8-9 PM when they are most active.

2. Different Prey Sizes or Types

• If your snake refuses a small mouse, try a hopper or rat pup.

• Some snakes prefer live prey—but if using live, supervise to prevent injuries.

3. Scenting the Prey

• Rub the rodent with used bedding from another snake.

• Try chicken broth or tuna juice on the prey to enhance scent.

4. Assist Feeding (Last Resort)

• If your snake hasn’t eaten in several months and is losing weight, a vet or experienced keeper can demonstrate assist feeding (gently placing a rodent in their mouth).

Step 3: When to See a Vet

Signs of Illness That Need Medical Attention

• Sudden weight loss (over 10% body weight).

• Wheezing or mouth bubbles (possible respiratory infection).

• Lethargy and refusal to move.

• Stuck shed around the mouth or eyes (can cause stress and feeding issues).

If your ball python hasn’t eaten for 3+ months and is losing weight, seek veterinary care.

Final Thoughts

Ball pythons are naturally picky eaters, but in most cases, simple adjustments will get them back on track. Patience is key! Keep their environment consistent, try different feeding strategies, and avoid unnecessary handling until they resume eating.

Would you like a feeding log template to track their eating habits?