Feeding tips (It's a long one haha)

[@brianmilner5406]

Thanks for this video Gavin. I bought a 3 year old 1400+ gram female Pied, and she would not eat for me. 4 months later she is still not eating and I didn’t know what to do to get her feeding again. I decided not to breed her until I could get her on food, but nothing was working. After watching this video I said, what the heck I will throw a male in there and see what happens. They locked within 30 minutes and seemed to stay locked for 2 days pretty much lol. I split them on the 3 day, and on the fourth day, first day alone again, I offered a F/T rat and she smashed it in seconds! I was ecstatic. She usually just hides her head and shows no interest. I would never thought to pair her to stimulate her appetite, but it worked and it is thanks to you. I really appreciate all of your videos. I have found them immensely helpful as my sons and I are moving from collectors to hobby breeders. We feel a lot more confident with all the knowledge we have gained from your channel and efforts to share your knowledge. 🙏🏼

[@lsa7ada123]

Thanks for the tips. I'll be receiving a banana Mojave for my son in a few weeks and heard these balls are "difficult" feeders, so I had my pen and paper writing your tips down for a "just in case" situation. Subbed to your channel so I can keep it handy.

[@Balls2U]

thank you and let me know how you get on 👍

[@exoticballs]

great advice. best advice I've heard on youtube. there's people that a very good at explaining and you are one of them. I am not that good at explaining things

[@Balls2U]

thank you glad people can understand what I'm trying to say 👍

[@ThePythonBurrow]

I always enjoy your videos Sir. Very helpful all the time!!

[@Balls2U]

thank you for your feed back 😁

[@mmfuntouchable5565]

good video as always Gavin, every ball is different lol my spider is a voracious feeder and you have to remind her that she's not being fed EVERY day haha! then my orange ghost seems to know what time I'm going to feed her on feed day and gets up on her log and just stares at me until I give her her mouse, funny stuff lol

[@Balls2U]

they all have there own little ways, and it's good you know and understand them. 👍

[@boxingboa]

Outstanding video Governor. I have watched it twice just absorbing all the great info. You touched on so many great points. 😀👍🏽

[@Balls2U]

thanks brother, glad I can spread the knowledge we all lean some think new every day 👍😁

[@Sor1ner]

When it comes to information and knowledge ur videos are the best anywhere!!!

[@Balls2U]

thank you 😊

[@XAdioskMFDM]

I will definitely utilize some of your advice from this. I just got my 3 month old Mojave girl almost 2 weeks ago and she still has yet to eat. I assume it's because she's stressed from shipping/new surroundings. I just hope I can get her to eat soon.

[@Balls2U]

fingers crossed for you, keep me posted 👍

[@MACKYBHOY1]

Another great vid Gav ,,very informative ,,top marks ,,lookin forward to these future clutches coming up ,,all sound amazing ,,peace out 🤘🏻😀🤘🏻

[@Balls2U]

thanks mate 😁

[@Ibaneddie76]

I've witnessed snakes have literal anxiety attacks from simply changing the substrate in their enclosure. I had one on paper for a couple years then thought I'de get fancy and change to coco. My snake was completely restless moving back and forth, never resting for 24 hours. I had to with back and it took a couple days before the snake finally started mellowing out. I thought I killed it it was a really stressful situation.

[@joetully5018]

Grate advice yet again! You just never know with royals. my big spider girl has just come out of 6month fast. Even when i know its just the nature of the beast, it was truly a painful wait.

[@Balls2U]

thanks Joe, I know what you mean mate.

[@SansaStarkofWinterfell]

Oh gawds you're so right, I've a pied that's so blasted Picky. Sometimes she'll feed... Sometimes she won't! She's just crazy picky and I try all kinds of different things. You're so right that they love their own stink. LOL! Ick! I never clean until after I feed. Ever. Ball pythons love the same thing, period. No change. =) 🌾 Merry met 🌿

[@Balls2U]

agree 100%

[@haygame6050]

Where can I get your shirt?!

[@Balls2U]

Check out my latest videos and you'll see the link to my t-shirts 😊

[@michaelscreativecreations]

This is a great video! Very great info! I get asked all the time about feeding as well. First thing I always say is do you feed at night. A lot say no I feed during the day.

[@Balls2U]

that's very important with these snakes.... 👍

[@SweetJabco]

Spot on video mate. We have one particularly picky feeder, she'll only take multis, only small ones too. On top of that she'll usually skip every other feed. She costs me a fortune in wasted food haha. Strangely all my males are great feeders and it's my girls that tend to be a bit more fussy. If you don't mind me asking, where do you source your multis?

[@Balls2U]

hi and thank you for watching.....I breed all my own food, that way and can control what's going into my rodents which end up going into my snakes....if you are looking for someone to supply you then I can recommend a nice gent called Simon ling, you will find him on facebook. just let him know I've sent you. thanks again for watching. 👍

[@Paincaster1]

would you consider doing a video on low end morphs,alot of breeders i sub to like to review high end morphs which is great but sadly not something thats going to be in the average joe,s collection, would love to see some cool two or even three gene morphs that i could see my self getting with out having to take a loan out,sorry for blabbing on but sometimes its like the small guy is forgotten, keep the videos coming,always checking to see if you have any new ones up

[@Balls2U]

hi Patrick, I'm going to do one on the best genes to start with which will include base morph's which are just as important as the top end genes. thanks for watching and your support. 👍

[@jodystewart8636]

should BP's be fed in their housed tank or in a separate feeding tank? I have heard and read conflicting information on it. thank you in advance.

[@Balls2U]

always in there tub/enclosure

[@colinhaworth3980]

Excellent information

[@Timconsume321]

Hi there Gavin. I love how you handle your snakes with so much passion and understanding of the animal. Gavin, what would you recommend doing if my ball python has bitten me and now I'm a little skittish of him and he seems skittish of me.. I'd like for him and I to trust each other what would you recommend I do? Much appreciation in advance and keep up the amazing work!

[@Balls2U]

hi and thanks for your kind words.....I did a video on handling aggressive baby ball pythons, take a look it might help you out 👍

[@Timconsume321]

+Balls2U Thanks Gavin! I'm going to go check it out right now! And you're welcome for the kind words, you've earned it 😁

[@2chris300]

Very true my two snakes only eat live. I've tried to switch them but they won't eat. Great eaters, I don't like to feed live but my snakes come first.

[@Balls2U]

I agree they do

[@mmfuntouchable5565]

I'm in the same boat, a few of mine would only eat live, then I started stunning the rodent and they take those all day now, hoping the next step is ft. might work for you as well :)

[@sixdemonbag8748]

Love the watch! What kind is it?

[@VanillaVictini]

During the two months of owning my BP, I've learned he is a very curious snake at nights, and if I lift up the tub's lid to feed him, he'll try to come out because he wants to look around... he wouldn't even notice a mouse is even there! If I gently nudge him twice with the mouse, he'll turn and look at it as if he were to say "oh!" and he takes the food. If anyone else has a BP like mine, just try doing that, oh and only open the lid just enough to slip the tongs in.

[@Balls2U]

they are all different but awesome at the same time

[@2chris300]

Also just got my hands on African soft fur rats and I'm breeding blind little information about them and I can't tell how old they are so I don't know when they will start to breed. I got a good colony they aren't aggressive at all. But would love an informational video on breeding, sizes.

[@TELScaniaman]

My male banana's colours have got even more intense since I put him on ASF's

[@Balls2U]

I did do a video on breeding them and there set up, take a look and see if it helps

[@coachsroyalreptiles]

So true on the enclosure change. Had a male enchi (approx 1000gr) go off food for 6 months. Couldn't figure out why...Tried changing prey, different days and times that I offered. Always offered live prey. I racked my brain trying to figure this boy out. Finally, decided to put a smaller hide in his enclosure, waited a week, offered him a F/T rat, and bam! Took it so quickly, it was like he was waiting for me to get it right...

[@Balls2U]

that's great to hear, it's hard because they can't talk....but you got it in the end. awesome 👍

[@TheRoyalBallShack]

Nice video Gav. Good info. I have 2 out of 7 balls, that won't/don't like to take F/T off the tweezers. Both of them will eat every time, if I just stick the head of the F/T rat into the entrance of their hide, then close their tub. Like you say, just got to learn/know your snakes. Every snake is different. Do what they prefer, and you'll both be happy...lol.

[@Balls2U]

I agree mate 👍😁

[@0MochiBear0]

Where about is your shop? :)

[@Balls2U]

Small forest dweller I don't have a shop sorry

[@ronniegeorge10]

hi, quick question. I'm shortly getting a 2 month old mojave ball python. you mentioned bps going off their food because they are sexuality active,and that once they have bred,they start feeding again. does that mean a male will,effectively starve unless it breeds? hope that doesn't sound a silly question! BTW, I've researched a lot etc, and on youtube,watched loads of stuff about bps, and by far your's are definetly the best 👍

[@Balls2U]

hi not unless they can smell a female then they tend to be OK. 👍

[@sixdemonbag8748]

What the watch. What kind is it?

[@faypolson3859]

I know this isn't related to the video, but I was wondering what substrate is best (or that you recommend) for ball pythons?

[@Balls2U]

unpainted paper or kitchen towel, paper towel....👍

[@faypolson3859]

Balls2U Thanks :)

[@Beafree]

Watched another breeder talk about how some BPs only eat live prey, that's why some won't eat sometimes. Does it matter if you buy a BP from a breeder that only feeds live prey from day one? Reason why I ask this is cause the breeder I'm thinking of buying from only feeds live prey? I have a Rosy Boa who I only feed frozen/thawed mice. Thank you in advance. Really enjoy your channel.

[@Balls2U]

Rachel Fret if your in the UK, your not meant to feed live pray, however if your in the states then it's OK..... down side to feeding live is the rat attacking your snake..... plus if you don't mind feeding live pray, that's the other thing to think about.

[@Beafree]

I completely agree. So far the only place I know that do feed frozen are big chain pet stores here in the states, not too confident about buying reptiles from big chain stores though.

[@Balls2U]

Rachel Fret I would find a reputable breeder rather then buying from a store

[@Paincaster1]

great video,full of info, just a quick question how would a person go about getting one of those t shirts, really cool looking

[@Balls2U]

haha I do sell them, but I'm out at the minute, when they land I'll let you guys know 👍

[@sambarnbrook8721]

Alright mate. Been researching and can't really find a good answer for this. Is it best to start your hatchlings on multis? as I can get hold of them, also to mix it up with rats to? Thanks

[@Balls2U]

Sam Barnbrook I start all mine on Multis then swap the ones I'm going to sell onto mice.....you can swap around with rats if you want but I'd keep them on Multis

[@sambarnbrook8721]

Balls2U Awesome thanks Gav. phoned loads of pet shops and to be honest havnt had much info of them regarding multis :S. What size do you recommend for hatchlings around 150G mark.

[@Balls2U]

Sam Barnbrook around 15-20gram

[@sambarnbrook8721]

Balls2U Thanks Gav for getting back to me. Appreciate it!

[@tbmreptiles7384]

Didn't realize you couldn't feed live buddy.. Do you have any tips on how you get your balls to eat FT? I have a few that will but the vast majority of them wont.

[@Balls2U]

it's very hard because every one is different, just keep trying, I'm still leaning new ways and trying new things.

[@waynedeloach1773]

when is the last time u showed your collection?

[@Balls2U]

I haven't done one TBH mate, I like to surprise people with my projects 😉

[@nay.murray6097]

hi gavin, much love , watch ur channel everytime u upload x i just got my first 2 baby noodles a male and female both around 5 months old . i fed them yesterday the female was deff hungry and took of the tongs really super gentle ,and now finally she is asleep in her hide ,after a few days of sleeping sqwished in the corner between her hide and tub lol, the male was abit harder so i left it in with him after many attemps and he took it once the light was off. in this video i hear u say about feeding hatchlings every day ? i thought it was more like once a wk ish ? am i wrong ?

[@bltmsandwitch3297]

I really like this ball python I've seen and it's gorgeous it's a spinner banana morph and I have a corn snake currently and I don't know what would be good for him since the breeder said he has a thing that makes him hide all the time and you have to force feed him and I don't know what to do ?

[@Balls2U]

unless am animal is 100%healthy and feeding great then I wouldn't advise you buying it.

[@Pauliefb]

I have a hatchling who I have assist fed since I have him over about month he still won't strike at the fuzzy what can I try and do to trigger the feeding response

[@NorseCode.81]

I feed mine mid day because thats what they are used to.

[@XAdioskMFDM]

I did the dipping the head in hot water bit and I got a lot more interest from her, she struck a few times, missed once but then she seemed to lose interest. I left the mouse at the entrance of her hide (advice from her breeder) and still not taking it. Going on 3 weeks since her last meal... 😩

[@Balls2U]

OK, maybe it's a trust thing, get her out, handle her more, it sounds to me that she is doing what I call fear aggression striking. get that trust thing going and see how you go

[@marshall401]

ive only been in to this 2 months, ive already got 3 of these awesome creatures, they all feeding machines and have shed twice, must be doing something right, begginers luck! 😃

[@Balls2U]

awesome and welcome to the hobby 👍😁

[@boxergamez6775]

Great video.. i only disagree on cleaning part. In the wild ball python is oportunistic feeder, most of his time he lays still in holes and burrows waiting for rodents to come.. so every meal is precious. When he eats enough he sheds and poops same day then he leaves his burrow in search for a new one that doesn't smell like snake.. and starts process all over again. Point is.. rodents wont go in holes that contain snake scent or their fecal matter and snake knows that instincivly. Ofcourse snake already must be a feeder for this principle to aply but changing to a clean tub afer shed and feeding the same day realy helped me with som problematic feeders i have. Anyway man i realy enjoy your videos keep it up :) ps: sry for my bad english

[@Balls2U]

hey great point thanks for sharing 😁

[@Balls2U]

hey great point thanks for sharing 😁

[@Black_Ops_-td4rg]

have a snake that is a regular eater but the last 2feeds she has been reluctant. she still strikes her food but won't hold on and constrict so left f/t rat in over night and she ate her prey the following same thing but this time did not eat her prey I don't think she is in she cycle. any advice. she has only ever been fed on f/t rats. only other thing I can think is weather has been hot the last two weeks temps have been same but there is an increase in humidity sits between 50/60 humidity.

[@Balls2U]

it's some thing your going to have to find out yourself mate, it's hard because I need to know loads of things about your snake to work out why she does this.....go though the video again and try the things I suggested

[@GOLDY818]

thanks lots of good points that I will be trying with my snake.

[@Balls2U]

GOLDY818 no problems glad I can help 😊

[@SADDLEBAGS6969]

I had a male take one med rat, one small rat, then wanted nothing but mice, he took 3 the other day..... an his breeding! Is it weird hes breeding an eating?

[@Ibaneddie76]

I had to go back to paper, sorry for the incoherent sentence.

[@DogghouseBxl]

Verry nice 1 again ;)

[@Balls2U]

thanks 👍

[@danniellehiggins2807]

Hi I have a female mojave spider ball python and she is eating like crazy and weighs in at 1144 grams right after she eats and is done on her heat for a hour or 2 she goes and soaks in her water dish could she b wanting to breed

[@peteandenzo19]

@balls2u great video awesome advise 👌

[@Balls2U]

thanks Pete

[@matthewcohen3913]

Well I had a normal bp who was around 6 years old and he stopped eating in December which is around the start of the breeding season I tried everything and he didn't eat at all I was unaware as he was my first so he didn't want to eat until he breed and sadly he passed away in June and I think it's because he wanted to breed

[@TELScaniaman]

More good information mate, if you have done your research before you even think about buying a snake then you would have read up about feeding and some of the problems that can arise and when I say research I mean 3-5 months, but I'm afraid people don't bother. My spider struck and coiled its multi but next morning it hadn't eaten it, then 3 days later it went into its shed cycle and my pied has gone from twice a week to once a week now its on multi's

[@Balls2U]

thanks Martin, your right about research.....and every snake is different. hope your well my friend? 👍

[@TELScaniaman]

Yeah I'm fine thanks

[@VanillaVictini]

I personally did research extensively and asked a ton of questions... and when I think I know it all, something else stumps me, I feel like you can never have enough knowledge because you're always going to learn new things AFTER you get your snake.

[@TELScaniaman]

Yeah agree 100%. We will all go on learning and as they say, you never stop learning

[@paranoidpoprox2666]

I didn't know that the UK had rules like that for prey! that's insane and I'm not sure how I feel about that. wouldn't apply to my guy because he is on f/t but geeze.

[@Balls2U]

crazy I know....to me your pets come first....

[@paranoidpoprox2666]

I agree. absolutely.

[@AnOceanOnFire]

I DIDENT COME HERE FOR GOOD INFORMATION, I CAME HERE FOR MAGIC! GIVE ME MAGIC!

[@SADDLEBAGS6969]

2 what a night??? Mice? Or what?

[@QoQReptiles]

great video!

[@Balls2U]

thank you