Rescued ball python not eating for weeks. Is he malnourished?

Question

Hello. I am already an owner of a snake but I have recently rescued a ball python. Approximately under a year old and his previous owner kept him in a small container with no heat mat or climate control. I have had him for three weeks and he will not feed. He goes from lethargic to energetic and is drinking but looks malnourished. I have no experienced this with my corn snake as she has always been kept in perfect conditions. He has used the bathroom a few times. One constipated and two “reg”. Pet's info: Reptile | Python | Male | unneutered | 0.3 lbs

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

Snakes have a very slow metabolism. So, it takes them a long time to get sick and conversely a long time to get better. Overall from the photo he doesn’t look too bad, just thin. Just get all your husbandry 100% correct and he should come around. ( https://mobile.petcoach.co/amp/article/ball-python-python-regius-basic-husbandry-and-feeding-housi ) If you keep trying to feed him and he doesn’t want it that can cause food aversion. So, it’s best to offer him nothing for a few weeks. Snakes can go very long time without eating so I wouldn’t really be worried about that. When you do start feeding him start with a lot smaller pray than you would normally use (like pinkies). Are you using live or pre-killed food? If you’re trying pre-killed he may not be used to that . He also may be in brumation so keep that in mind. Hope this helps. If you have more questions you are welcome to post again or you can opt for a private consultation if you want to chat back and forth. Best wishes.

Rescued ball python not eating for weeks. Is he malnourished?

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