Looking for some advice on what size rats to order

[Max713]

As expected, rats in my area are ridiculously priced, looking to order some frozen ones online.
I've read good reviews about this place:
Buy Feeder Rats - Newborn, Pinkies, Adult Rats Sale Online (http://www.rodentpro.com/catalog.asp?prod=2&label=frozen_rats)

What size would you guys recommend? She took a "medium" Petco rat yesterday with NO problem, and the resulting bulge was fairly small, I'm thinking she could surely take on much larger, as she is fairly thick.
She is SAID to be 5 years old, but that was according to an expo breeder trying to make a sale... Also, to my best guess she's 6-7 feet long. I could try to get a girth measurement for you as well, although I've been trying to leave her alone while she's trying to acclimate to her new home.

I'm aware that Carpet's are capable to taking prey items 1 and a third times as thick as the snakes thickest part, although it's very difficult to judge a frozen online rats thickness.
Thanks for any help!

[dshin963]

Why not just buy a rat one size up from the pet store first then see if its adequate, if so then buy that size online in not try again the following feed and rinse and repeat.
Its only a few dollars in spending which will be greatly made up for after purchasing in bulk.
just my thoughts :)

[infernalis]

Although I can offer little advice for your python, I can say Rodent Pro is top notch, I have another box from them due next week.

I have ordered from them countless times with no problems.

[Max713]

Well, the only pet store in my area is Petco and they only carry mediums, and they charge $7.50ea for them... otherwise I would be more than happy to try that method :) Next rodent carrying pet store is ~25 miles away, and I don't get out of my town often.

Although I can offer little advice for your python, I can say Rodent Pro is top notch, I have another box from them due next week.

I have ordered from them countless times with no problems.

Good to hear!

[infernalis]

Just make sure you place your order no later than Thursday the week before you need them.

If you order on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, it will be held up for a week. They can't afford to have UPS miss delivery, the package could thaw out.

and don't touch the dry ice with your bare hands, it will hurt you.

I have lots of fun with the dry ice, put some in water, it makes "movie" fog.

[Max713]

Just make sure you place your order no later than Thursday the week before you need them.

If you order on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, it will be held up for a week. They can't afford to have UPS miss delivery, the package could thaw out.
I'll make sure and remember that, she doesn't need to be fed again until the 19th, I'm putting her on a 14 day feeding schedule, as recommended.

[Lankyrob]

you will be surprised how large a prey item carpets will take, mine takes medium rats at 18months old, about three or four foot long. The rats are getting on for two or more times bigger than the snakes girth.

[Aaron_S]

Weigh a medium rat and go by gram not by large or medium.That varies from place to place so with weight you'll have a better understanding.

[shaunyboy]

I'm aware that Carpet's are capable to taking prey items 1 and a third times as thick as the snakes thickest part, although it's very difficult to judge a frozen online rats thickness.
Thanks for any help!

a carpet will take 2,3,4 times its girth in a food item with no problems

if its way too big it simpley won't eat it

that said i'm sure you will be surprized how big a prey item your carpet will take they're getting

as aaron said its better to wiegh the prey that way you know the exact size of the meal

cheers shaun

[Max713]

Alright Shaun, I got some new info for you. Scarlett's been taking ~280g rats every 14 days.
Scarlett is ~7' long, 7 pounds, somewhere around 8.5-9" around at her thickest point, at 14 days from her last feeding.

Based on that, what would you suggest? I found a local breeder with INCREDIBLY low prices, at whatever quantity I want, and whatever size I want.
I was think of going with 400g? But I would love to hear some input from you, and from other experienced members before I make a new order.
Also, with your size suggestion, what would your feeding cycle suggestion be? I think I actually may be "under feeding" her at the moment, would you still suggest ~14 day cycle? Remember, I'm new to the large constrictor thing, any help would be greatly appreciated!

For reference, rodent pro size chart:
Large Rat 175-274g
XL 275-374g
XXL 375-474g
XXXL 475-600g+ (not interested in these, as they are usually retired breeders, and very heavy in fat)

[stephanbakir]

before you buy from a local breeder, check the condition of the rats. I used to buy locally till i walked in and saw them. Fat and swimming in feces.

[Max713]

I haven't been to the breeding site, but I already have gone through a 6 rat order from him. They were all beautiful, looked like "pet quality" animals.

[Jendee]

HA!! I know this answer!!!

I too buy rats from petco while waiting on an order sometimes I will allow petco to rob me and I will buy a few. I also buy from rodentpro and have for about 6 yrs now soooo
the medium rats are actually bigger at petco then from rodentpro soo I would definitly get order larges!!! :)

[marvelfreak]

My eight foot Jungle takes either one xx large or jumbo every two weeks. At the end of Sept. i start giving her one xx large every week so she fatten up for her yearly 4 month hunger strike (as i like to call it) aka breeding season.

[Max713]

My eight foot Jungle takes either one xx large or jumbo every two weeks. At the end of Sept. i start giving her one xx large every week so she fatten up for her yearly 4 month hunger strike (as i like to call it) aka breeding season.
That's exactly the kind of info I was looking for :)
I'm thinking at least 400g every two weeks?

[marvelfreak]

That's exactly the kind of info I was looking for :)
I'm thinking at least 400g every two weeks?
I was just looking at the pics of her eating in your other thread. You could up it no problem i would say.:)

[Max713]

I saw that you posted over there too, I'm convinced she can take a LOT bigger. Both by recommendations by experienced owners on the site, and the lack of a significant bulge. Was just trying to decide on how large I should up her to. Like I said, thinking of going with 400g for now, but I think I'll order a variety from 400-500g. You're post about you're 8' carpets diet was immensely helpful!

[marvelfreak]

I saw that you posted over there too, I'm convinced she can take a LOT bigger. Both by recommendations by experienced owners on the site, and the lack of a significant bulge. Was just trying to decide on how large I should up her to. Like I said, thinking of going with 400g for now, but I think I'll order a variety from 400-500g. You're post about you're 8' carpets diet was immensely helpful!
Glad i could help.:)

[red ink]

Just on a side note I have seen pics over here of wild CCPs taking down 2-5 kilo wallabies and possums....