Few questions about feeding

[punkedprincess93]

I'm currently feeding adult mice to both of my ball pythons, the mice run about 2.5 to 3 inches in length. I've seen people talking about feeding rats, my biggest question is, what's the difference in feeding rats or mice? Also what size comparatively should I feed if I go to rats? Is there any difference in benefit by feeding on or the other for the snake? Any help here is appreciated.

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[EL-Ziggy]

I prefer to feed rats over mice mostly for the convenience and savings of feeding one prey item vs. multiple prey items. I'd rather feed a BP a single medium rat as opposed to 3 jumbo mice. For BPs it's not too bad but for larger snakes it wouldn't be practical to feed 6 jumbo mice vs. 1 large rat. The prey sizes are pretty similar for our younger snakes it's just sometimes harder to transition them to rats as they get okder so I think it's best to make the switch early.

[punkedprincess93]

Ok now quick question, I was told by the pet store that I should only feed them one prey period, unless after a shed, if she goes off feed I can feed two, now miss elvira is a bottomless pit and would take two medium size adults every feed almost if I would let her, now she's eating bigger preys, larger adult mice and half the time still acts like she's hungry when she's done. Can I offer her a second one when she's doing the mom I'm hungry thing, or could it hurt her doing so?

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[Voodoo_Constrictors]

It would not hurt your snake to feed her more especially if you're feeding mice. I strictly feed rats unless they absolutely will not take them. I have witnessed that feeding mice hinders a ball python's growth potential. It sounds like you're feeding a pet ball python so the mice will work. The best rule of thumb is to feed one prey item a week (hatchlings twice a week) that is about equal in girth to the widest part of your snake.
-Garrett Voodoo Constrictors

[Justinhicks]

How much does your snake weigh?

[PitOnTheProwl]

Already stated, its about cost later on in life. Depending on the size of your animal you may be around rat pup size??

[punkedprincess93]

Thanks guys, so more or less use best judgment and feeding her a second if she's still hungry should be fine right?

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