posted 02-17-2004 06:49 AM           

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My ball python hasn't eaten for a month but most importantly is scared of the rats!
Everytime I put the rat near him he quickly moves to the other side of the tank. I got him A month ago and I thought it was maybe because he was in a new enviroment but surely after a month he would be fine. I have another ball python that has no problem with eating but my new one has. I have given him smaller rats to try out but he still shys away from them. please tell me if force feeding would be a good option.

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From:Los Angeles, Ca.
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posted 02-17-2004 10:38 AM         

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Hi,

I wish i could help you out w/ the info you need, but i'm gonna be a first time "care-giver" to two 12-15 feet long Bermese Pythons.

I was hoping you could give me some "experienced" handling tips, when feeding & cleaning their tanks.

Nobody's been replying to my other posts regarding the same thing, so i was just hoping that you could give me a few pointers... Maybe nobdy here has Pythons

I hope i never have to do any "force-feeding". It's seems scary enough just imagining it. Not to put any bad thoughts in your head though... I'm sure you know what your doing.

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posted 02-22-2004 04:36 AM           

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Well I havn't got much tips, only that the tanks can get really messy quite quickly and cleaning it out once a month should be good. Also use clean newspaper under woodchips and make sure the water is always clean.

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posted 02-22-2004 04:52 PM         

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hey Harley,
Thanks for the info... I was actually hoping for somethings like "precaution" tips... Like are the Pythons more aggressive durring certain times, basically what to be cautious/carefull of when feeding & cleaning their tanks, like how to handle them, & pointers on what to look out for when their actually becoming aggressive, etc...

Anymore help is GREATLY appreciated... Thanks again!

Again, if anyone else can add to this as well, PLEASE do .

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posted 03-06-2004 02:02 PM         

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Hello... I'm a new ball python owner. From what i've been reading, you might want to try and give your new snake pre-killed rats. It may be that he has never eaten live rodents. Or if he still won't eat, try a gerbil. I've found this website to be most helpful http://www.kingsnake.com/ballpythonguide/

I have a question of my own though... how often should I handle my python? He's captive bred and i've been taking him out usually about once a day (except after he's eaten i'll wait a couple days) when he starts trying to escape from his cage (he creeps up the side and pushes on the top). People and books and the internet all seem to be contradicting because some people tell me it's just fine to handle him that much, and others say it's too much. Anyways any advice you could give me would be great. And I hope mabey that website will help you =)

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