the big switch

[akeetal]

im wondering what size rats u think i should feed my bp i currently feeding her 1 med mice every 3 days shes about 21 inches what size rats would suit

[Aaron_S]

How wide is she? I would say go with rat pups for now. If she's about an inch around. My newest ones all take rat pups and hopefully soon, small rats.

[mykee]

A rat that is about as wide as your snakes thickest area.

[Chu'Wuti]

Somebody (sorry, I don't recall precisely who) said feed a prey animal that's about 10% of the body weight of your snake.

Also, --as I've learned from another thread-- thaw mouse & rat together to make the rat smell like the mouse so your snake will transfer to the new food more easily.

Good luck!

[mykee]

"Somebody (sorry, I don't recall precisely who) said feed a prey animal that's about 10% of the body weight of your snake. "
That was me, BUT not everyone owns a scale.
Generally accepted rule of thumb for feeding ball pythons is (take notes new people):
A food item that is as wide as the widest part of your snake. The food item should leave a lump in your snakes belly for a day or two after eating it.

[Aaron_S]

That's currently my method of sizing up items ;)

What scale do you use Mykee?

[mykee]

One of the MyWeigh's. 5000g.

[Chu'Wuti]

MyWeigh KD 7000 was top rated when I was buying.

Mykee, sorry I forgot you were the one who made the 10% suggestion. Thanks for reminding me.

[mykee]

I've had my scale for almost ten years, it still works and it's accurate. I also don't need anything more than 5 kg's. That's all that matters to me.

[Chu'Wuti]

Yes, the MyWeighs were top-rated for accuracy. Can even be used to weigh letters for postage. Very nice scales!