BHP refusing food after cooling

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shamat

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Hi all, our 4 yo BHP has been refusing food since we started to warm her up again. Her male companion (separate enclosure) took food immediately after it was offered, as did the other pythons we cooled over winter.

We did observe copulation when pairing the male and female and suspect she may be gravid. She still spends most of her time in the hide. Could this be why she is now refusing food?

Any ideas or help would be greatly appreciated.
 
It happens.
Some need a little longer to start feeding than others.
Could be gravid though many will feed if given the chance when gravid.

Did you offer a smaller than normal food item or the same size? Better to offer smaller to get their system up and running again, I have had the occasional animal refuse normal size feeds but readily take a smaller food item.
This is assuming temps are ok etc.
 
Have tried smaller food items now and still without success.
She seems initially interested, but after "smelling" the rat for a minute or two she just leaves it.
Temps seem OK as the other BHP in the same size enclosure and heating setup has been taking food well for the last few feeds.
I've also tried wrapping a rat in shed from a spotted python, but that was unsuccessful also.
Will increase the temps a little more (currently over 30deg during the day) and if that doesn't work will considering assist feeding.

Thoughts please.
 
30 is too cold for BHPs. Also cooling doesn't mean dropping the temps. It's reducing the hours of heat.... They should still have 32-35 during winter. Just for 6-8 hours instead of 12-13 hours like summer. Whilst nights get cold up north where BHP's are found. It's not hard for them to find a few hours of good sun and stable heat in summer. Remember rocks and termite mounds in direct sun get warmer than ambient temps.
 
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