AboutKevin L. Ogle Expertise I can answer almost any question regarding snake husbandry, feeding, general care, handling, etc. I have some experience with geckos and bearded dragons. I cannot answer questions regarding breeding or venomous reptiles.
Experience I have over 10 years experience in snake husbandry. Currently, I have the following (Children's Python, Brazilian Rainbow Boa, Western Hognose, Olive Python, 2 Macklot's Pythons, D'Albert's Python, 2 Carpet Pythons, 2 Royal (Ball) Pythons, California King, Green Tree Python, Amazon Tree Boa). While I have no formal training in Herpetology, I can help most folks keep their snakes healthy and happy.
Education/Credentials AAS in Electronic Engineering
The Logistics Institute (Georgia Tech)
Expert: Kevin L. Ogle Date: 6/19/2008 Subject: feeding after shedding
Question QUESTION: Hello Kevin. First of thank you for being so helpful in the past. I was curious as to how long I have to wait to feed my 7 month old ball python after shedding in order that it will eat. The reason i am asking is because my B.P. hasn't eaten in three weeks (the 1st week i didn't realize it was going into shed and the 2nd week its eyes were milky-grey so i didn't try to feed). It had a complete shed last night, so i tried feeding it today and it wouldn't eat.
thanks, gabe"
ANSWER: Hi Gabe,
Your welcome for the previous help. Ball pythons are are notorious for not eating for many different reasons. Please remind me, how old, how long, and how big around is your python?
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QUESTION: Thanks for the quick response. My ball python is between 6 and 7 months.I have had it for about 6 weeks.It had its 1st shed since i got it two days ago.Its around 22 inches long. I think its perfectly healthy. I was wondering if they generally eat right after shedding or if i have to give it time.
Thanks again, Gabe
Answer Gabe,
BPs do not always eat right after shedding. I would not be concerned until your snake did not eat until 6 weeks. Keep tying to feed daily until it eats. I feed all my snakes bi-weekly (corn snakes to cobras). Most keepers advocate weekly feeding, but I have found that this works best for me and my snakes maintain a healthy weight and are perfectly healthy doing it this way. Snakes can go a long time without eating (I have a White Lipped Python that once went 6 months). Keep your snake well hydrated and raise the temp a few degrees. Keep trying to feed and I am sure it will eat in no time.
