Why Is My Ball Python on a Hunger Strike?

Why Is My Ball Python on a Hunger Strike?

If you've had your Ball Python for a while, you probably know how exciting feeding day can be—until it isn't. One day, your python suddenly decides to snub their favorite frozen-thawed rat like it's yesterday's leftovers. Cue the panic: "Is my snake sick?!" "Am I doing something wrong?" "What do I do now?"

Take a breath. Hunger strikes in Ball Pythons are surprisingly common, and most of the time, they're not a sign of anything serious. But that doesn't mean you should ignore it either. Let's break down some of the most common reasons your Ball Python may be skipping meals—and what you can do to get them back on track.

Common Reasons Ball Pythons Refuse Food

1. Seasonal Behavior

Ball Pythons are notorious for going off food during the cooler months, even if your house stays warm. It's a natural, instinct-driven behavior related to breeding cycles—even if you're not breeding your snake. Males, in particular, are known to fast for weeks (or even months) during this period.

2. Shedding

If your Ball Python is going into shed, don't be surprised if they pass on a meal. Dull, cloudy eyes and a muted color pattern are good signs that a shed is coming. During this time, many snakes lose their appetite and prefer to be left alone.

3. Stress

Changes in environment, excessive handling, a new enclosure, loud noises, or even too much foot traffic near the tank can cause stress. Stress leads to food refusal in many reptiles—Ball Pythons especially.

4. Improper Husbandry

Temperature and humidity are key. If your hot side isn't between 88–92°F or the ambient temp isn't at least 75–80°F, your python might not feel secure enough to eat. Similarly, low humidity can affect their comfort, especially during a shed cycle.

5. Prey Preferences

Some Ball Pythons are pickier than others. Yours might prefer live prey over frozen-thawed—or vice versa. They might even have a preference for a certain prey size or color (yes, some won't eat white rats but will take brown ones!).

6. Illness or Parasites

While less common, illness or internal parasites can cause appetite loss. If your snake hasn't eaten in over a month, is losing weight, or acting abnormally lethargic, it's best to consult a reptile vet.

What You Can Do About It

✅ Check Your Setup

Start by reviewing your husbandry. Use an accurate digital thermometer and hygrometer to verify temps and humidity. Make sure your python has a proper temperature gradient, access to hides, and a sense of security.

✅ Limit Handling

If your Ball Python is refusing food, reduce or eliminate handling until they're consistently eating again. Let them settle and feel secure in their space.

✅ Try Feeding at Night

Ball Pythons are nocturnal, so offering food in the evening or after dark may yield better results. Keep the room quiet, dim the lights, and minimize distractions.

✅ Experiment with Prey

Try a different prey size or type. If you've been using frozen-thawed, consider trying live (safely and with supervision), or scenting the prey with chicken broth or used bedding from a feeder animal.

✅ Use a Feeding Box

Some snakes feel more comfortable eating in a separate, dark container where they can focus without being watched. This method also reduces the chance of substrate ingestion.

✅ Give It Time

If your Ball Python is healthy and at a good weight, skipping meals for several weeks—or even a couple of months—isn't cause for immediate concern. Keep track of their body condition, and continue offering food weekly or biweekly.

When to Call the Vet

If your Ball Python:

• Has refused food for more than 6–8 weeks,

• Is losing noticeable weight,

• Has abnormal feces or regurgitation,

• Shows signs of mouth rot, wheezing, or mites,

… it's time to schedule a checkup with a reptile-savvy veterinarian.

Final Thoughts

A Ball Python hunger strike can be frustrating—but it's usually part of the normal rhythm of keeping these amazing snakes. The key is to stay calm, keep track of their condition, and be patient. With a little detective work and consistency, your python will likely be back to devouring rats in no time.