How much to feed???

[BlueTongueBallPython]

My dad wants to start feeding our ballpython, every 2 weeks, and we can only feed him mice since the store is chargind 8 bucks a rat. And only 1:50 a mouse, how much would u suggest every two weeks? On mice? Thanks!

[Sammy412]

No offense, but if I couldn't afford to feed him properly, I'd adopt him out 2 someone who could. That being said, how old is he and how much does he weigh?

[BlueTongueBallPython]

Hes very healthy, but he wont eat f/t and i heard its better for them to eat many smaller items the one big rat anyways. And we think hes almost 3

[PweEzy]

I would search online classifieds for local rats breeders. I was about to order another batch of frozens from rodentpro, but ended up finding a guy that lives about 45 minutes from me so I'll get to save a good chunk of cash and be able to get some live from him too. He also just so happens to be a member on here... what a coincidence.

[BlueTongueBallPython]

i think im just going to feed him 3-4 mice every Two Weeks.

[Sammy412]

It is actually easier on the snake to eat one appropriately sized prey item than several smaller items. Go on CL in your area and ask for feeders. I found my current supplier on there and his are much cleaner than rodentpro's.

[lk_holla]

agreed. i was stuck paying $9 for frozen rats, but i finally got around to going to a show and bought in bulk. so in the end, frozen medium rats equaled about $1.50 a pop. Its a bit of an investment up front, but you save a ton in the long run. Now the trick is making sure nobody opens the multiple bagged item in the back of the freezer....


edit: oops sorry i didn't see that he doesn't eat f/t. But pretty much the same recommendation. how hard have you tried to switch to f/t? and honestly if youre still going to feed 3-4 mice every two weeks at $1.50 each, you're not saving much money by not getting a single larger rat. Plus, at petco i got a $2 off coupon almost every other visit that could be used on rats by having the petco card

[BlueTongueBallPython]

ok, so if i feed one large rat once every 2 weeks that would be ok??

[Sammy412]

It's hard to tell you the size of rat without knowing the size/weight of your snake. My 4.5ft girl weighs almost 1000g (she was a rescue and way underfed) and she takes a med rat.

[BuckeyeBalls]

ok, so if i feed one large rat once every 2 weeks that would be ok??

I highly doubt hes eating a large rat.

And if you want my honest opinion. Sell your snake. Or give it to someone who can provide for it. Feeding it 3 mice every 2 weeks or simply every 2 weeks because you dont want to spend the money (obvious thats the reason) then please do your snake a favor find him a better owner