Ball Python Hibernation season

[Guest]

It is getting that time of year again when some, not all  but some Ball Pythons will go off feed for the fall & winter months.  

I just thought I would mention the hibernation thing.

[Larry]

Re: Ball Python Hibernation season

Mine hasn't eaten since the end of October. She is till pretty active, particularly at night, and she shed last week. I offer her a meal every other week but she shows no interest whatsoever, even with a live rat.

Is this normal when they go into hibernation? She seems healthy but this is my first ball. My boa and corn eat like pigs. My ball is almost 2 years old. Last year, she didn't eat from January til April.

Any stress reducing info (I'm stressed, not the snake) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Larry

[Red]

Re: Ball Python Hibernation season

Ok I know alot of people with ball's... LOL They thend to go off feed for the winter... I don't know exactly why but is it because of hibernation or just a general getting ready to breed and cooler season thing... Your ball sounds like a normal one... as long as you are keeping a eye on the lil' dude then you should be fine... activity is good...
also you said the snake was active at night then have you tryed to feed after the snake get's active at night... if not try it next time and maybe it will eat...
Eric aka...Red

[eViL_KaRoT]

Re: Ball Python Hibernation season

Well, my ball officially stopped eating last month. I was getting kind of worried, Because he was doing so well with eating the F/T rats and now as soon as I reach in there with a rat, he just ignores it and shys away. He is still very active at night and yes, I do try to feed him at night when he is active But he wants nothing to do with it. I've tried a couple of times leaving the rats in there at night with him, but to no avail. I wake up in the morning and have another rat to throw away. I guess my point is, how long does this last? Is this something that I should expect every year from now on? Like Larry, my boas are continueing to eat like pigs!!!!!! But this guy just refuses to eat. He's about 5 years old. I'd ask the previous owner if he did this for him, but he had it on such a random feeding schedule that I don't think he even knew when he ate and didn't eat. > But I was just wondering how long this might last. Hey at least he's still active and lively and healthy. :-*

[Guest]

Re: Ball Python Hibernation season

No one can give an exact answer on how long it will last. It varries from BP to BP. One BP went 22 months before eating again, and that is the longest any has ever gone on record. Mine went through the hybernation in december of 2001 and didn't eat again until march of 2002, around spring time. All we can do is keep offering them food. You just have to watch the BP and make sure the BP doesn't lose to much weight.

[eViL_KaRoT]

Re: Ball Python Hibernation season

Do you suggest keeping him on his usual feeding schedule and offering him a rat on the same schedule? Or should I offer it to him at random times? His normal schedule is 2 small to medium rats every two weeks. I've tried some random times a couple of times now, but he wants nothing of it. Luckily I have 4 boas that are more than happy to eat it if he won't. Don't worry, if I leave it in the tank over night it gets thrown away, not fed to the boas. I was just kind of curious. I feel bad ya know, feeding the others but him not eating anything. I can't get him to eat, I feel like a bad Daddy, but since I know that this may be normal, I don't feel to bad. I'll keep trying though, he's got to eat some day, ya know!!!!!!!! cwm1.gif

[LORI]

Re: Ball Python Hibernation season

Sure keep on trying to feed the snake np. It just might take prey from ya one day is all. Also how would ya know it's ready or willing to eat again if ya don't offer feed ? I would just not offer feed too often is all.. Maybe like every 3 weeks if the snake is usually off feed this time of year. Not sure if offering feed at this time would stress the snake at all also.

[Damian]

Re: Ball Python Hibernation season

i have had my ball python damian for 10 years and she has never gone off fed. its funny how different snakes can be.

[Guest]

Re: Ball Python Hibernation season

Well just an update, my Ball Python finally ate today. b1.gif

[eViL_KaRoT]

Re: Ball Python Hibernation season

Kool, hopefully mine will eat soon!!!!!

[T.C.]

Re: Ball Python Hibernation season

It all depends on how warm you keep them. If you keep them at higher temps they not all will continue to eat and then breed for you. Mine never brumate. They really don't need it. Hope yours eats soon. Good luck!

[Larry]

Re: Ball Python Hibernation season

Mine finally ate yesterday. Next year, I'm going to try and keep the heating temps up and supply a light to keep the cycle the same as now and see what happens.

[T.C.]

Re: Ball Python Hibernation season

What you are describing as doing is a good idea. That is what has worked for me.

[Snakewife]

Re:Ball Python Hibernation season

I certainly hope mine starts eating soon, he didn't go off feeding until March, and hasn't even had an interest since. Everyone else is fine, and he is real active, but tried again last nite, no luck :'( maybe soon.

[T.C.]

Re:Ball Python Hibernation season

What ever you do don't panic. I've seen healthy Balls go off feed for 8 to 12 months. Just keep the conditions right and offer food every 10 days until a meal is consumed. Keep track on paper or a computer program of all meals eaten. That should help determine any problems the snake may have.