ball python troubles

Question
hi. i am writing to you in hopes of an answer regarding our ball python. we bought the python about 2 months ago from a breeder that we have dealt with before and have had no problems. as i do not know the exact age of the snake it is about 10 inches long.the temp of the cage varies from about 81-84 degrees F. substrate is aspen. under cage heat pad. which brings me to the problem. the snake will not eat. it also has been turning itself up sidedown and reaching for the light above the tank. sometimes the snake will be very active and then almost suddenly start this behavior. the snake has been drinking with a little coaxing. any help will be greatly appreciated thank you.

Answer
Hey Dean,

Ok so I have three babies that are now four months old. Two of them have eaten twice the other has eaten around eight times. It depends on the snake. I found the best way to feed stubborn snakes is to place them in a shoebox with a fuzzy mouse and leaving them over night. This will in no sense guarantee that they take it, but the chances are better. Be patient. Now I am not saying wait for ever, meaning if you notice a weight lose then it is time to intervene. Force feeding.

For one of mine it took about two months for the first feed. The second feeding was just this past weekend. They were born October 2nd.

I think you should increase the temps to 85 at night to 90 during the day.

Good luck and let me know how you do,
Eric