Wait, adjust, or see a vet

Wait if it is an adult holding its weight, especially a male in spring or a snake about to shed (cloudy eyes). Weigh it every week or two.
Adjust if the basking spot is outside 86–90°F, the cool side outside 72–80°F, humidity outside 60–80%, there are fewer than three hides, or the prey is too big or too cold.
See a reptile vet if it is losing weight, or shows swelling around the face or vent, mucus or bubbles at the nose, wheezing, unusual lethargy, or stuck shed that a warm soak does not fix.

What to check

  1. Temperatures and humidity on both sides of the enclosure.
  2. Hides. At least three: one at each end and one in the middle.
  3. Prey size. No more than about 1.25 times the width of the snake’s body.
  4. Prey temperature. Frozen-thawed prey should be warmed to around 100°F.
  5. Timing. Offer food in the evening, when ball pythons are active.
  6. Shedding and parasites. Cloudy eyes mean a shed is coming; look for mites around the eyes and chin.

Normal feeding intervals by weight

Snake weight Prey Every
under 200 g Rat fuzzy or small mouse 7 days
200–350 g Rat pup or adult mouse 7–10 days
350–500 g Weaned rat 10–14 days
500–1,500 g Small rat 14–21 days
over 1,500 g Medium rat 4–8 weeks