strange python Behavior

[lazerboyz]

hi, so i recently got my python. and im quite confused as to why it isnt striking its rat everytime i present it to him.
i dont usually handle my python a day before feeding, and when i try to feed it a rat, it seems interested, goes near to "smell and taste" it, but doesnt strike.
im not extremely worried though, cos when i leave the rat in the enclosure, it eats it up within the next 3 hours. im just confused as to why it refuses to strike for its dinner.

thanks in advance!

 

[Stuart]

Pythons dont strike at food items because we want them to, sometimes they prefer to take their time and save their energy.

 

[blackforest]

What type of python is it

 

[lazerboyz]

jungle.

 

[Keysman]

I've had my spotted sum times strike and sum times he will just gently take it in his mouth it's bizzare
but hey as long as he eats I'm a happy man js

 

[Tesla]

Pythons dont strike at food items because we want them to, sometimes they prefer to take their time and save their energy.

:?Considering pythons use a massive amount of energy to swallow big meals I don't quite understand your logic.

 

[Stuart]

:?Considering pythons use a massive amount of energy to swallow big meals I don't quite understand your logic.

Swallowing big meal = Energy
Strike + Constrict + Swallow big meal= Lots of Energy

Is that better? Im not saying its the reason, but rather a possibility and yes, I can imagine the different between the two scenarios is not a massive amount.

Also, if it helps, there may be other factors apart from energy that play a part. Enclosure temps, time of day, type of food offered etc etc.

 

[SarahScales]

It could just be a shy feeder, it happens. Lots of people just leave meals in the dark with young pythons. Who knows, he could be striking when he finally does decide to eat. I have a python who is very casual about eating, just takes it and swallows it. No strike, no constricting, just plain old eating and she's growing like a weed.

 

[nebben838]

I have an albino darwin pyhton that sometimes comes up and smells the rat then does a lap of his enclosure before taking it. Doesnt do that all the time sometimes it smells it it for a minute or two other times it strikes straight away.

 

[lazerboyz]

turns out the snappy little one is actually a weakling! well im thinking that rats dont die in front of them to be eating in the wild, so shouldnt it be instinctive for them to strike?
im feeing it a hopper rat right after it woke up at 7pm, in enclosure with warm end 34 and cool end about 26-27.