Is this rat too big for my snake? *Feeding Video Included*

[wjg_reptiles]

Hi I have had people telling me this hopper rat is too big for my childreni python. Should I feed him smaller rats from now on? .. I want him breeding size for next breeding season so I'm trying to fatten him up. Will a rat this size give him stretch marks or mark the scales? Let me know :) Help is very much appreciated! Cheers :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh09NRgXD-o

[marvelfreak]

Looks fine to me.

[pinefamily]

Be careful about "fattening" your python up. It can lead to fatty liver, and shorten its life span.

[bigsnakegirl785]

Pythons aren't really as prone to fatty liver as boas are, but it can still be a possibility.

That said, I personally wouldn't feed that big of a meal, at least not every feeding. I'd space the feeding out from every 7 days to 3 weeks, or if you feed biweekly to every 4 weeks for meals like this. Then the next two feedings give regular-sized meals with regular spacing. You can bulk a snake up without stuffing it to the seams with huge meals.

[EL Ziggy]

I agree with the other members. It's a hearty meal but I wouldn't feed that size all the time. No need to rush your guy to breeding size. He'll get there soon enough.

[mistersprinkles]

That's too much food for that snake and would also make for an uncomfortable snake. You'd be better off feeding a rat 66-75% that size IMO. Better for the snake and more comfortable as well.

[IW17]

I'm gonna agree with mistersprinkles here. If that's the only size I had at the moment I wouldn't have an issue with it,but I wouldn't feed that large on a regular basis. In my personal opinion just as many people feed there snakes too large of meals, as those who feed to small.