ball python feeding

[phil_7870]

my snake is now feeding i use hopper mice they leave a small lump in the snake for about a day but i no 2 is to big how do i no when to move up .also my corn is now eat 2 pinkes and is active say bout 18 hrs after maybe less should i feed bigger .two pinkes make a small lump .in other words how do i no when to move up

[Chu'Wuti]

Hey, Phil! Great to hear from you--and we're very glad your BP is eating--at least I'm assuming you're referring to your BP? Please correct me if not.

Hopper mice are not big enough for a BP. Can you weigh it? According to Mykee, a good guideline is to feed a prey item that is about 10% of the snake's weight. Another rule of thumb is prey that is at least the same diameter as the snake's widest girth (diameter) and up to 1.5 times that girth.

If you can get rats, most people think rats are better feeder items for BPs, as their snakes grow better on them. So move at least to a size of rat larger than your hopper mice. Thaw a mouse with a rat to scent the rat. Try feeding the rat first with a well-heated head for a good heat signature.

As for the corn, similar rules apply. Move on up.

I'm sure someone else will jump in here with more info!

[phil_7870]

my ball python is about 50g is this very small .am i right first off u have a pinky then mouse grows to a fuzzy and then a hopper whats after that a adult .what should i feed my ball

[Smilts]

most baby balls can easily take adult mice

[citysnakes]

i wouldnt feed a baby ball an adult mouse...

Phil, i had a few 50g hatchlings this year and they were started on hopper mice and eventually moved to rat pinks or fuzzies.

[phil_7870]

i bought aload of hoppers will i feed them .because i dnt want to waste them and my corn is still way to small to eat them

[Chu'Wuti]

my ball python is about 50g

You are correct, this is very small; I didn't expect your BP to be that small. Follow Julian's advice.