Feeding Q?

[Amp625]

Hey everyone, my little BP is growing fast and i had him on 40g rats for a while now. He has moved well into the 650 range and i know that this is starting to get way too small for him. However they are still the sam size as his girth and he is growing and shedding. But its under 10 % of his body weight and i want more food in him. So for the past couple times ive been trying to give him a 40g rat and a adult mouse, but he wont take the mice anymore. Hes moving up in weight and i think im just going to give him two 40g rats every week

[Mohegan]

What is your question? It sounds like you already decided what you want to do....keep in mind many snakes may not eat two feeders in one sitting. I don't go by weight, I eye all my food items for my snakes, I feel that is what is most appropriate. If you're feeding the snake every week, you don't have to worry about it not getting enough food, it very well may already be taking in more than it would eat in the wild. Remember that raising ball pythons is not a race to see who gets the biggest snake the fastest. Just stay at a steady pace and your snake will be fine.

[rperry03]

How do you know that these rats are 40 grams and how are you able to get the same size every time? Yes at 650 grams he should be able to take upwards of a 100 gram rat with ease. At this size I like to see mine eat every 10-14 days.

Like Mohegan said that it's not a race, but it's also not fun to under feed them so every time you place your hand in there they are grumpy and wish they could eat you

[llovelace]

Is he still looking for food after the first feed?
If he will take multiples, give him 2 30g feeders.

[Amp625]

I weigh my lil guy by a digital scale and get my rats from petco. Thats the problem, hey only sell 40, 100, and XL huge rats. Im defiantly not trying to make t a race and just want to do whats right. He is a good feeder and usually gets his rat every week i just dont want to under feed him.

[Amp625]

Would it be too much to go to 80? i guess my main question is should i follow the girth size rule or the 10 - 15% rule?

[rperry03]

Would it be too much to go to 80? i guess my main question is should i follow the girth size rule or the 10 - 15% rule?

Nope, and it will help keep him content for a longer period

[Amp625]

so two 40 g rats will be fine until hes big enough to eat one 100g rat

[Amp625]

He just ate two 40 g rats no problem thanks guys