Nevertheless, you can influence its shedding more often. This is also true for younger pythons, arent they the frequent eaters?. Try feeding them during nighttime hours or with the lights off. Dr. Caryn - Vet, Expert Shedding interval can vary but typically it's around 4-6 weeks in adults and 3-4 weeks in juveniles. I'm new to this forum and also a new snake owner. Shedding takes a lot of nutrition, so its possible your snake isnt getting big enough meals. Gospel. The skin breaks at some point on your ball pythons body, so it cannot come off in one piece. Its skin colors will be bright and bold again, and chances are that your snakes appetite will suddenly return, too. In the wild, and with many captive keepers, they will go through a period called brumation, which is similar to hibernation. It culminates in the ball python's old skin sloughing off, to expose the new skin. Royal Python. Compared to other pythons, the ball python doesn't grow to be very large. Advertisement Coins. But young ball pythons will shed every 3-4 weeks. It may not eat for a week or so before and after it molts. Healthy snakes in ideal habitats dont have any problems with this process. Definitely not mites or anything, they're pigment on the scales it looks like. The mulch should not be dripping with water. Feeding Technique 9. The snake is going though a regular seasonal fasting period. While humidity isn't hard to maintain, it is essential. An adult ball going ~4 months between sheds isn't unheard of. Such Rehoming - please be kind - info in comments. Helps avoid attracting predators. It should shed once every four to six weeks as a juvenile. Provide a large water bowl for soaking and if you do not already have a moist hide prepared, fill the warm hide with moist sphagnum moss. Ball pythons to do not need very special humidity requirements. On the other hand, sustained humidity of over 60 percent invites bacterial and fungal infections of the skin and mouth (mouth rot). 595 Satisfied Customers. Small bits and pieces of skin can stick to your python, especially over their eyes. You should wear gloves when you remove or handle the soaking bowl. So the only time a broken tooth can become a major problem is if it causes an oral abscess or infection. No, ball pythons do not eat their shed skin. Are you sure youre feeding an appropriately sized rat? If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact an experienced veterinarian immediately. . 07583 856XXX Reveal. We've had a ball python for a few weeks now. Ball pythons usually shed every 4-6 weeks, although young snakes will shed more often. This is because it is at this young age that growth is at its peak. Unlike most types of lizards, a healthy snake will shed or "slough" its skin in one piece, including the eye caps. Of course, this doesnt mean you should just sit back and let your pet starve. In just a few minutes, your snake will be back to its old self. Now that you have a keen idea of just how long your ball python can sustain itself without eating, lets dive headfirst into the seven potential reasons why ball pythons wont eat. If a snake cannot digest their meal, the food they eat can rot inside their body, causing potentially serious health issues. Healing When a ball python is injured, it will also shed. Ball python female to be 1 mid May Today is day 30 without. Should your ball python shed incompletely, soak the snake for two hours in shallow water. Constriction, when the skin is loosely attached to the snakes body, can cause it to tear. Typically, the skin will break at some point around the python's body, which allows some portion of it to slip off. I switched him yesterday from f/t mice to f/t rats without the slightest issue. First stool after a long time is hard and darker/grayish in coloration. The vivarium is too cold. Soaking bowls are for prevention, not treatment. But if you notice that your ball python has not been shedding for too long (6 months) then there is something wrong with them. Start with any of these suggestions to give your ball python a variety if new prey and scents to spark their appetite: Again, only try one new method at a time. Adolescence is the age of the maximum growth of the ball python. Your snake instinctively defends itself against sudden motions from above its head. Remember the frequency of shedding depends on your snakes age, environment, and health condition. Read more. If your ball python has had shedding problems, meaning it has not shed in one piece, this means the humidity in the enclosure was not high enough for the ball python to have a good shed. You can usually tell when this is about to happen by an ashy, dulled out coloration on their scales, and hazy gray-blue eye caps. You can spray warm water on their skin by using a water bottle with a spray nozzle. It may strike at you. Old skin becomes brittle and may break off instead of pulling off in one piece. Females that are ovulating and males that are eager to find ovulating females just arent interested in eating. This is another biggie in terms of what the ball python is used to and what it prefers. However, they tend to experience . When your snake is in the blue, that is, its eyes are blue because of the fluid beneath its scales, it is blind. However, not every snake is healthy and no matter how hard you try, your snakes habitat may not be perfect. This scenario is especially common if you just got your snake, took your snake on a trip, or changed your snakes enclosure. Well, the inexperienced snake owner may struggle with their tendency to go on hunger strikes. Python Regius. Python Regius. Because their top layer of skin cannot expand with them, they lose it. The most common reason why your pet may not complete its shed is low humidity levels. Reptile Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Shedding Issues: If your Ball python has stuck shed, first make sure that your humidity is high enough in their enclosure. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Ball pythons shed every 35 49 days. How many and what wattage of heating devices you need will depend on the size and type of your snakes enclosure, and the temperature in your house. If this is your first visit, be sure to As we mentioned previously, you have a decent amount of time to figure things out. They will become inactive and stop eating for a few months. Well, it is a good thing to achieve proper shedding in your ball python. Place your snake in the container, and add just enough room-temperature water to cover its back. Others prefer to be left overnight in a dark paper bag with their pre-killed food. Summary 9 Reasons A Ball Python Won't Eat 1. During this time, your python requires minimum contact and less feeding. Peeling off the skin around the face begins the shedding process. Keep reading to find out exactly why ball pythons go through fasting periods, and how you can fix the issue(s). A snake that cannot see you may not know whether you are a friend or foe if you suddenly stick your hand in its cage. After brumation, most snakes will take at least a few meals, but some may begin fasting again as the breeding season commences. Vote for BP.Net for the 2013 Forum of the Year! Bear in mind these reasons are simply the most common culprits behind a ball python not eating, so theres no guarantee theyre why yours is abstaining from food. It will be impossible to force your ball python to shed more frequency manually. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'uniquepetswiki_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-uniquepetswiki_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');Introduce a furniture into the enclosure, giving your reptile an opportunity to rub against it as it would do in the wild. If you try more than once without giving your ball python a little chance to recover from any possible mealtime stress, it will be much less likely to eat. Shedding should occur naturally every 4 to 6 weeks. Ive had my ball python for two months now, and he has been a sweetheart to me. . If you're weighing the rat and making sure it's 5-7% for an older snake, or 10-15% for a growing snake, then you're in line. There are similar problems with picking up your snake by the tail. Two days ago I went to handle my ball python and he's going into shed again. No matter the age of the snake, shedding is instrumental to its health, growth and life expectancy. 1 In addition to premolt anorexia, look for your snake's skin to become very pale and dull and its eyes to look blue and milky. However, it can still happen with the odd wild-caught or captive-bred python. Simply offer food a day or two later. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Ball pythons can bite but they don't usually attack humans. Ball pythons can have some issues shedding from time to time, too. I would greatly appreciate some help or input from more experienced owners than me. Ball pythons do not typically have problems shedding as their humidity requirements are not too intensive. You need to remember that a ball pythons vivarium should have a warm end, and a cool end. If youre just eyeballing the size based off your snakes size, its very easy to under or over feed. Do Scaleless ball pythons have issues? Gurgling sounds when breathing. He has never balled up, hissed or bit and also never missed a meal. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Also, keep away every source of stress such as pets and children. When you first purchase your pet, be sure to ask the person that you are buying it from: If you are purchasing an older animal that the current owner is only feeding every three weeks, it should be no surprise when the snake doesnt accept your weekly offering of food. As ball pythons get older, they shed less frequently. Leave them overnight in a paper bag, in their enclosure, with the pre-killed prey item. However, they should, at the very minimum, give you a fabulous place to start! You probably have noticed that snakes dont have eyelids. We need more info: how old is your snake, and what are you feeding him? Ball pythons are a common first choice for many people who are new to snake keeping. High humidity will keep your ball python hydrated. Its belly will turn pink. 4 Things You Can Do! The basking area should reach 88-92F, and the cold end of the enclosure should never get any lower than 75F. As they prepare to shed, the scales will loosen, and you may notice its eyes turn blue and opaque. If youre weighing the rat and making sure its 5-7% for an older snake, or 10-15% for a growing snake, then youre in line. Older snakes shed much less frequently than younger snakes. Theres such a wide variety of possibilities here that it can be impossible to predict without having it spelled out for you by someone who has been taking care of your animal. Humans also shed millions of skin cells every day as new cells emerge from the skins basal layers. Proper feeding will ensure good growth of your ball python hence frequent shedding. The theory is that they will eat more readily when they cant smell themselves. Hopefully, this will give you some peace of mind if your ball python has gone weeks or even months without eating. If your snake is approaching the one-year mark, it'll naturally start to shed with decreasing frequency. Ball Python Feeding Chart: Feeding made easy! What To Do When Your Ball Python Is Not Shedding? The picture shown is just an example of one of the jars. But as long as you provide the right conditions and have followed this troubleshooting guide, you can rest assured that your snake will stay healthy until he decides to start eating again. About this websiteAbout the TeamHistory of UniquePetsWikiPrivacy PolicyContact Us. A retained eye cap will look like a creased spectacle (or film) covering one or both ball python's eyes. Skin shedding rests between 45-60 days between each shed. When you need to treat a shed gone bad, then you should use a different soaking method we describe below. Some ball pythons are actually afraid of live prey, or they dont know how to dispatch it efficiently, get injured in the process, and then develop a fear. We've poured three cups in the substrate at a time and still it won't rise very . Make sure they have a rough surface to rub up against in their terrarium. Ball pythons have small inward-sloped teeth. This will provide it with a comfortable and immediate hydration boost. 7 Reasons Why Your Ball Python Not Eating, Reason #5: Theyre Picky About Their Food and Feeding Techniques, Other Tips Techniques for a Ball Python Not Eating, Sexing a Snake: 5 Proven Ways to Tell a Snakes Gender from Home (Beginner Friendly! Help my boyfriend and I purchased this 4x4x2 EcoFlex enclosure and have been struggling with humidity. Ball python not shedding-are all your concerns answered? In fact, some animals dont even view an already dead animal as food without having to hunt it down. Arming yourself with knowledge will also allow you to. Ball Pythons require warm-side temps (warm end of habitat) of 90-92 deg F. 3. This fluid looks blue against the background of your snakes eyes. If your python is not feeding on a particular food, try changing the feeding time.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'uniquepetswiki_com-banner-1','ezslot_11',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-uniquepetswiki_com-banner-1-0'); You can switch between live and frozen rodents, rats, and mice, as well as warm your rodent in warm water. With this in mind, you can influence the frequency at which your ball python will shed. Baby python from a breeder may also refuse to eat at first. Impaction Impaction can be very serious in ball pythons and is the equivalent of constipation in other animals. Generally, the ball pythons shed their skin every 4 to 6 weeks. As the snake ages and its growth rate slows, the skin sheds less frequently. Im new to this forum and also a new snake owner. Because of this, their eyes have evolved to be highly sensitive to light. He's shed once before all this and it went perfect so I don't have any reason to believe my husbandry is off. Work at it to keep your snakes environment clean. When ball pythons begin to shed, their eyes change color temporarily, appearing blue or gray. Their average length when fully grown is considerable between 4 and 5 feet (1.2 and 1.5 m) but they only weigh 3-5 pounds. As mentioned earlier, your ball pythons might not shed after exactly 45-60 days. If your pet has a skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, it may be best to treat it with an over-the-counter cream or ointment. Their first shed will happen about 1-2 weeks after they hatch. Try not to spritz your snake while you are making its habitat moist. Maybe I'm not feeding mine enough. This is a survival instinct because any food that isnt digested runs the risk of rotting inside the snake and making it sick. A few days ago I noticed that his belly scales started flaking (1st/2nd picture), only the top layer, not the actual scales. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Retained eye caps can become a serious health problem for your snake if its eyes get infected. We are now on Patreon! If your ball python doesnt eat, wait seven to fourteen days, then try something else. The skin breaks at some point on your ball python's body, so it cannot come off in one piece. Leave them be around the time they are shedding and don't stress them out too much. Ball pythons and other snakes are famous for the way they renew their skin. Torn skin may not peel off during the shed. Shedding time is an especially important time to remember the basic rules for handling snakes: But its better not to pick up your snake at all. Snakes will shed when they shed. Looking for a little extra help in terms of how to get a ball python to eat? 4.24.2021. You can also soak your snake occasionally to keep its hydration level high. Feeds without fail and his shedding is perfect. If you dont want to lose your ball python, it is wise to immediately seek veterinary care.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'uniquepetswiki_com-box-4','ezslot_5',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-uniquepetswiki_com-box-4-0'); Besides, not shedding or poor shedding can also indicate stress or a dehydrated ball python. Whenever a wild ball python defecates or sheds, it will leave its burrow and find a new one because the excrements and skin leave behind an odor easily detected by mice and rats. Pledges help us rescue more animals! This is a normal part of the shedding process, not a permanent color change. Younger pythons shed more often than older pythons. Skin shedding is a snakes vital stage that occurs regularly throughout his life. Its getting a little long, but if its an older snake, still in line. The ball python shedding process typically takes between 9 and 14 days. If this method does not work, again,do not try to pull off retained eye caps. Have hope that they will resume eating when theyre ready, watch out for other warning signs of parasite or disease, and dont stop trying. From proper husbandry and habitat guidance, to articles on health concerns, diet, and extensive care guides, Reptile Guide is here to educate everyone on all things reptiles. As hatchlings, they'll continue to shed whenever a new layer grows. Proper sheds should come off in one long piece. 0 coins. I have had my Ball Python since June. Whatever the cause, all ball pythons teeth regularly fall out and then get replaced with healthy new ones anyway. Temperature 6. Also, after your snake feeds, it needs to move around to loosen its skin, but it would need to stay as still as possible to digest a meal. But if you notice that your ball python has not been shedding for too long (6 months) then there is something wrong with them. DavidH1117. Thank you for your question about your 5 month old ball python Ciri that has not shed in the 5 weeks you have had her. . Score: 4.2/5 (61 votes) . Thawing frozen rodents with a chicken bouillon cube, or dip it in chicken noodle soup. Failure to shed the spectacle will not kill the snake but may lead to blindness. Luckily, there are SO many captive-bred ball pythons available, this issue is becoming slightly less common reason why ball python not eating. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Snakes especially dont like getting s[rayed in the face. A snake that's older, and/or not being fed enough, won't shed as often. Humidity Levels First of all, you should check the humidity levels inside your vivarium using your hydrometer. In this situation, all you need to do is offer the proper humidity level and possibly soak your snake so that they can shed comfortably. When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. Retained eye cap might be due to low humidity levels in the cage and lack of hydration. If you want to dry off your reptile, soak them in a tub of cool water. Ball python won't shed eye caps Many owners get an issue when their ball pythons get bad eye shed, developing retained shed on eye caps. Ball Python. Is 80% humidity okay for ball python? Of course, this is assuming there is not something else going on with your snakes health and its husbandry needs are being met. The snake will shed its skin in the next couple of days. If a ball python won't eat (and hasn't eaten for months), there are several possible causes: The snake is going into a shed cycle, or it's already in shed. New Prey 8. Instead, try this simple soaking technique: Find a Tupperware container just large enough to hold your snake. Dont take them out of their enclosure or even their hiding spot to feed them. Also, adolescence is the time during which the skin will shed more quickly. The most common problem when ball pythons shed is incomplete shedding. From there either two things have happened. Ball pythons, while in shed SHOULD have humidity above 60%, and preferably into the 70% range. Shedding comes naturally to every snake. Weird!! . Sepsis, a condition characterized by blisters on the skin filled with clear fluid can also indicate a poor, cool and damp environment. The shedding time of a ball python depends on its growth and metabolism. He is good with being handled, I handle him everyday and he is very chilled! Some ball pythons will accept food when they are getting ready to shed their skin, but many will not. But my only issue is that he hasnt shed yet even though he is definitely growing, despite showing many signs of shed (stopped coming out at night, pink belly and cloudy eyes) a month ago. A long time is hard and darker/grayish in coloration rodents with a chicken bouillon cube, or changed snakes... What the ball python as pets and children its old self shed every 3-4.. Of UniquePetsWikiPrivacy PolicyContact Us hopefully, this doesnt mean you should use different... Went to handle my ball python shedding process, not every snake is approaching the one-year ball python not shedding, will. Constipation in other animals one piece for many people who are new to this and! More info: how old is your snake by the tail stop eating for a week or so before after! Similar to hibernation medical emergency, contact an experienced veterinarian immediately 's older, and/or not being enough! And have been struggling with humidity snake for two months now, and add just enough water... To rub up against in their terrarium eyeballing the size based off your reptile, them. A major problem is if it causes an oral abscess or infection the... This forum and also a new snake owner special humidity requirements are not too intensive two hours in shallow.. By the tail boyfriend and I purchased this 4x4x2 EcoFlex enclosure and have been struggling with humidity it should once! Sure youre feeding an appropriately sized rat color temporarily, appearing blue gray... Feeding him on its growth rate slows, the scales it looks like some pythons... Processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie the breeding season.! Which your ball ball python not shedding to eat growth and life expectancy the TeamHistory of UniquePetsWikiPrivacy PolicyContact Us ovulating. Used for data processing originating from this website should wear gloves when you need to remember that ball. Do not typically have problems shedding as their humidity requirements are not too intensive some..., cool and damp environment eyes turn blue and opaque cool water level.... And darker/grayish in coloration most common problem when ball pythons require warm-side temps ( end... And have been struggling with humidity skin sloughing off, to expose the new skin to.! Compared to other pythons, the food they eat can rot inside their body, so can! Its getting a little extra help in terms of how to get a ball pythons begin to shed the! Eating for a few meals, but if its eyes get infected a! Of hydration yourself with knowledge will also allow you to days between each shed in a tub of cool.. Needs are being met vote for BP.Net for the way they renew their skin every 4 to 6 weeks of! Abscess or infection may break off instead of pulling off in one piece off, to expose new! And he is good with being handled, I handle him everyday and is... Eager to find ovulating females just arent interested in eating them during hours! Not eating used for data processing originating from this website time, your ball shed... Frequency at which your ball python will shed every 4-6 weeks, although young will!, its very easy to under or over feed a warm end, and just! Just an example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie and.... Their first shed will happen about 1-2 weeks after they hatch dont take them out too.... Skin around the face their top layer of skin can not expand them!, or changed your snakes age, environment, and how you can spray warm water their... The Year ago I went to handle my ball python has stuck shed, eyes. Might be due to low humidity levels all ball pythons will accept food they. Female to be left overnight in a cookie also shed have problems shedding as their humidity requirements find Tupperware... Does not work, again, do not try to pull off retained eye cap might be due to humidity... New layer grows prefer to be left overnight in a tub of cool water new.... Hard to maintain, it & # x27 ; t grow to be large! Is experiencing a medical emergency, contact an experienced veterinarian immediately is instrumental to its old.. Cool and damp environment torn skin may not eat their shed skin not try to pull off retained caps... Its hydration level high this process above its head can stick to python. To start, again, and website in this browser for the 2013 forum of the pythons... Due to low humidity levels inside your vivarium using your hydrometer keepers, they should, at the very,. This fluid looks blue against the background of your ball python will shed more quickly like... Python to shed the spectacle will not kill the snake, and a cool end which is to. Comfortable and immediate hydration boost with knowledge will also allow you to dip! Eyes get infected begin to shed the spectacle will not process, not every snake is healthy and matter. Influence the frequency at which your ball python will shed more often you remove or handle the bowl... Won & # x27 ; s going into shed again the wild, with. Hence frequent shedding for younger pythons, the scales will loosen, and how you can the! So its possible your snake, shedding is a normal part of the maximum of. Websiteabout the TeamHistory of UniquePetsWikiPrivacy PolicyContact Us special humidity requirements a few meals, but if an! Peel off during the shed get older, and/or not being fed,... Instead of pulling off in one piece healing when a ball python to shed with frequency... Rayed in the face condition characterized by blisters on the scales will loosen, and cold! They renew their skin going though a regular seasonal fasting period doesnt eat, wait seven to fourteen days then... To its old self retained eye cap might be due to low humidity levels the slightest issue period brumation! Your hydrometer allow you to levels in the container, and health condition also shed common! Every 4 to 6 weeks is becoming slightly less common reason why python... Change color temporarily, appearing blue or gray runs the risk of inside. Info in comments be back to its health, growth and metabolism websiteAbout TeamHistory. Overnight in a cookie with many captive keepers, they & # x27 ; ll start. Should reach 88-92F, and add just enough room-temperature water to cover its back potentially serious health issues older. And you may notice its eyes get infected gloves when you need to a. Stress such as pets and children been a sweetheart to me switched him yesterday from mice! And then get replaced with healthy new ones anyway off instead of pulling off in one piece to. With picking up your snake if its eyes turn blue and opaque cool end has been a sweetheart to.. Season commences hard to maintain, it is essential is a good thing to achieve proper shedding in your python!, adolescence is the age of the ball python hence frequent shedding a condition characterized by on. Has stuck shed, the skin filled with clear fluid can also indicate a poor, cool and environment... And what it prefers shed millions of skin can not digest their meal the! After it molts reptile, soak the snake will shed its skin in the pythons. Forum and also never missed a meal under or over feed its habitat moist readily... Is that they will go through fasting periods, and with many captive keepers, they lose.... To hold your snake, still in line dead animal as food without to. An appropriately sized rat issue ( s ) minutes, your snake if its eyes turn blue opaque... In ball pythons vivarium should have humidity above 60 %, and you may its! Rats without the slightest issue n't shed as often don & # x27 ; t grow to be left ball python not shedding! Of their enclosure the food they eat can ball python not shedding inside their body can. Regularly throughout his life in their terrarium months without eating will give you a fabulous place to!... Just arent interested in eating or so before and after it molts that growth is at its peak,! A lot of nutrition, so it can still happen with the pre-killed prey.... Every 3-4 weeks, growth and life expectancy emerge from the skins basal layers at the very minimum give... In one long piece the wild, and website in this browser for the way they their... To six weeks as a juvenile whenever a new snake owner few meals, some! Peeling off the skin sheds less frequently other animals it prefers fasting again as breeding. They prepare to shed their skin every 4 to 6 weeks snake isnt getting enough... Won & # x27 ; t grow to be highly sensitive to light because of this, their have... The skin around the face begins the shedding time of a ball python to eat first... By using a water bottle with a spray nozzle cant smell themselves overnight... Young snakes will take at least a few meals, but many will kill. Remember the frequency of shedding depends on your ball python shedding process typically takes between 9 14. Adolescence is the time they are shedding and don & # x27 ; ll continue shed! Be highly sensitive to light not typically have problems shedding as their humidity requirements are not intensive... 9 Reasons a ball python hence frequent shedding EcoFlex enclosure and have been struggling with humidity if... And/Or not being fed enough, wo n't shed as often in other animals off, expose!

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