Why is my ball python always hungry?

Why is my ball python always hungry?

So why is my ball python always hungry? Your ball python may constantly be hungry because you’re feeding it prey that is too small, or a diet that lacks nutrients. It’s also possible that your pet associates you with food and expects to eat whenever it sees you as a result.

Are ball pythons good eaters?

Ball pythons, like other snakes, eat varying sizes of prey depending on how big they are. Smaller and younger snakes may eat large crickets, but should ideally be eating pinkies and fuzzies until they grow larger. Adult ball pythons will eat adult mice and rats when they get big enough.

Are ball pythons bad eaters?

Among the reptile community, ball pythons are known to be one of the more notoriously picky eaters. It may raise concern with new or future reptile owners with little experience but can usually be remedied quickly with some of these techniques.

Why is my ball python always in the water?

When snakes shed, they require more water than normal. In the wild, snakes that are entering a shed cycle will drink frequently and seek out a damp retreat to retard water loss. In captivity, when provided with no other option, snakes will soak in their water dish to remain well hydrated.

Why is my ball python not eating anything?

Bear in mind these reasons are simply the most common culprits behind a ball python not eating, so there’s no guarantee they’re why yours is abstaining from food. After all, every snake is different. However, they should, at the very minimum, give you a fabulous place to start!

How often do wild caught ball pythons eat?

Many healthy captive pythons only eat for a few months out of the year due to these seasonal changes. With all of the above issues taken care of, still, some ball pythons can be incredibly finicky in how AND what they eat. This is especially true for wild-caught ball pythons.

What kind of behavior does a ball python have?

You’ll notice your ball pythons performing a few common behaviors over time, including those explained below. Calm ball pythons move about slowly but purposefully. Ball pythons often flick their tongues while moving about to learn about their surroundings. Hungry ball pythons often lay motionlessly, with their head poised and ready to strike.

What does it mean when a ball python is hiding?

If your ball python is eating, pooping, hiding a lot, and sometimes roaming (too much roaming can indicate stress) would mean it is the happiest it can be. It can be hard to read your ball python’s behavior.

Can a ball python eat a smaller snake?

Known to be tricky eaters, ball pythons can be picky about food. Ball pythons may eat smaller snakes if housed together. The chances of this happening increase if there is a significant size difference between the two snakes.

Ball python behavior 1 Ball python burying itself/burrowing a lot 2 Hiding all the time 3 Flicking tongue 4 Hissing 5 Flicking tail 6 Wheezing 7 Flinching when touched 8 Soaking a lot 9 Raising head 10 Coiling into a ball or S shape

What kind of heater do ball pythons need?

First of all, these snakes should be getting belly heat FIRST. A ceramic infrared heater can be used to supplement, as long as your humidity is carefully monitored. Ball Pythons require 60% humidity, and up to 80% while in shed. Too high humidity can cause respiratory infection.

What should I do if I have a ball python?

If you use any sort of bulb (ceramic heater, not light bulb) at all, it should be the secondary heat source only, and if you do, be sure to watch your humidity, and sheds extra carefully. There are some newer studies that show that some UV lighting can be helpful, even if the wild ball doesn’t get it in the wild.