How much to Feed?

jhuepenbeck · 01-13-03, 12:04 AM

Hello once again,

How much and how often would you feed a young ball python. Mine will eat as much as I give her. I currently feed her 2 fuzzy mice once per week. Should I feed her more often then that, and should I feed her bigger meals?

Weather1 · 01-13-03, 12:34 AM

How big is she?

Her food should be as big as the widest part of her body.

She should be eating adult mice. Mine does and she was born in August.

jhuepenbeck · 01-13-03, 12:40 AM

Mine was born in September. As for weight, I have no clue. She is longer then a 10 gal. aquarium by about 4 inches. What should I feed her and how often?

Regards

Big Mike · 01-13-03, 10:25 AM

Here is a good rule of thumb...

Look at the fattest part of your ball's body...now get a mouse (or rat) that is as big around as (as fat as) that part of your snake. Feed something that size about once a week.

It may seem that something as big as an adult mouse would be too big for your snake (balls have such skinny necks) but once you see it eat a big mouse you will understand. I'm still amazed each time I see a snake eat...they are amazing creatures.

btw...I hope you feed killed or f/t and not live.

Linds · 01-13-03, 11:38 AM

I agree with everything Mike said

Whatever the largest part of your snakes girth is, is the size it shoudl be eating. Most balls hatch out large enough to start on hoppers, adult mice, or rat pinks or pups. Fuzzies are too small for you ball. Hatchlings can be fed one prey item every 5-7 days. Juvies and up are usually good on a weekly schedule.......

Sir Hiss · 01-13-03, 05:56 PM

How often you feed your snake can factor in to how long it will end up being. I typically try to stay away feeding my snakes as much as they want when they are young because they will contiue to eat massive amounts even when they are older. I dont know about you but I do have the funds for a snake like that. I have seen a ball that will eat two large rats a week and another that will eat one large every two weeks. they both were health and none really looked bigger than the other. But if your snake is that hungry it may be necessary to feed it that much in order for it to be in a better mood.