“My Ball Python Won’t Eat” Here’s Why!

Your Ball Python’s enclosure will have a lot to do with how safe they feel. Ball Pythons will be extremely uncomfortable if constantly exposed. They sometimes won’t eat if they feel uncomfortable since this puts them in a state of high alert and they can’t relax long enough to have a meal. 

Having enough appropriate hiding spots and clutter is essential for your Ball Python. We recommend having at least two hides: one on the cool side and one on the hot spot. The hide on the hot spot should be placed halfway onto the heat and halfway off. This way they can hide in the warmer side without needing to constantly sit on the hottest part. Plants (live or fake) are a great tool to create clutter and spaces for your Ball Python to explore while not feeling exposed. 

Their hides should be appropriately sized so they can fit inside without a lot of space left over. Ball Pythons like to feel the walls of their hide on them so they can know that nothing is going to sneak up on them. (The hollow half logs sold at pet stores that are quite tall compared to a snake and open on both sides are not appropriate hides).

Finally, consider covering the back and sides of your enclosure with a tank background of just about anything. If your Ball Python’s enclosure is exposed on all four sides, they’ll easily sense any movement, shadows, etc. around them and this will again put them in a state of high alert.