my ball python isnt eating

Question
Hello, I have a ball python, someone actually left him/her with me in 1993-94. He was still young, but I can't say how old he is exactly.He is about 3 and 1/2 feet long. Anyway, I do not have a very good selection of vets in Maryland, that deal with reptiles. My snake hasn't eaten for about 4 months, (rough guess) except he did eat one good size mouse a few weeks ago. It seems like he has a problem sensing their presence, and cannot zone in on a mouse when I put it in his cage, he knows something is there, and he seems to attempt to get at it, but, to me, and my limited knowledge on snakes, it as if he's lost his ability to use his senses. I know all about the sometimes seasonal change, where a snake might just be shifting gears, (so to speak) due to the change in weather. I'm also familiar with his shedding habits, and that he won't eat during that time. This has me stumped, though. As I stated earlier, there are no reliable vets for reptiles where I live.One more thing, he looks fine, nothing unusual in his appearance. He isn't listless or lethargic, either. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you, Siobhan.

Answer
Hello Siobhan,

Ball pythons can be very finicky eaters..  Most likely when the weather and seasons change and especially the environment.

Although pythons do have poor eyesight and don't see real well.  Thus, that is why they scent things with their tongues.

Are you feeding your python live or frozen?

If live set the mouse down and keep an close eye and see if the python reacts to it.  If not take the mouse out and try killing it first.

If frozen mice use prongs or something long to move the mouse around that way your python will think it's alive and that you're not bothering your python while he eats.

I hope this helps for now if not please feel free to ask more questions:)