Feeding.

[ispitroseas]

I am familiar with feeding based on grams, however my ball came to me under fed. She's about a year, give or take, and the LPS was really under feeding her; giving her fuzzies during her whole duration...this is what I feed my baby corn... Luckily they gave me her feeding and shed schedule. Even more luckily, she seems to have a clean bill of health.
My biggest concern is how do I get her to a good weight with a gradual feed schedule. So far I have been giving her a medium sized mouse and two pinkies. She seems to digest fast. No lump 12 hours later and gives a good poop within 48 hours. It seems she's been adjusting well and even has excellent f/t food response.
Any suggestions on how to get a good feeding schedule to get her to at least 400 grams. Poor girl is *just* getting a solid 300 g range.
Sorry this is complicated, but my other snake was babied by the store manager. He was taken care of super well and follows his diet according to weight excellently

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[sho220]

Feed weaned rats until she's around 600 or so grams, then up her to small rats...

[ispitroseas]

Feed weaned rats until she's around 600 or so grams, then up her to small rats...

OK. so would the weaned rats be larger than mice? I'm not used to rats, more so mice, though rats are more nutritious from my reading.
another question; I have done f/t and live prey. Excellent feeding response to both. Should I keep it f/t or go live. I'm aware of the risks and watch like a hawk with forceps. I know some reputable breeders that go with live, and may the gods smile upon me, I'd like to find her a boyfriend and consider a small breeding project.

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[sho220]

OK. so would the weaned rats be larger than mice? I'm not used to rats, more so mice, though rats are more nutritious from my reading.
another question; I have done f/t and live prey. Excellent feeding response to both. Should I keep it f/t or go live. I'm aware of the risks and watch like a hawk with forceps. I know some reputable breeders that go with live, and may the gods smile upon me, I'd like to find her a boyfriend and consider a small breeding project.

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Weaned rats are generally a little larger than an adult mouse. Here's a pretty good chart on feeder sizes http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...mparison-Chart

Live VS Frozen/Thawed? They are both fine. I feed f/t because it's more convenient for me and all my snakes will take f/t. I've had to feed live in the past, though. It comes down to: what will they eat, and is it convenient for you?

Rats VS Mice is another can of worms. Rats have a slightly higher nutritional value, but since no one really knows what a Ball Pythons nutritional requirements are, it's doesn't really matter. Rats are more convenient to feed, because, as the snake grows you won't have to feed multiple smaller prey items per feeding.

[ispitroseas]

Weaned rats are generally a little larger than an adult mouse. Here's a pretty good chart on feeder sizes http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...mparison-Chart

Live VS Frozen/Thawed? They are both fine. I feed f/t because it's more convenient for me and all my snakes will take f/t. I've had to feed live in the past, though. It comes down to: what will they eat, and is it convenient for you?

Rats VS Mice is another can of worms. Rats have a slightly higher nutritional value, but since no one really knows what a Ball Pythons nutritional requirements are, it's doesn't really matter. Rats are more convenient to feed, because, as the snake grows you won't have to feed multiple smaller prey items per feeding.

Thanks for the info. Next feeding I will keep this in mind and get her to a good weight. I feel bad, as she looks like a normal size when she has just been fed, but after she digests it, it goes back to very spiney and you can see the poor thing's ribs.
I guess I just have to count my lucky stars, as I don't see any sign of mouth rot or an RI on her, which I wouldn't have been surprised about. It seems the store stressed my poor girl out!