Feeding interval and quantity + hide size--newbie

[cattleya0507]

Hi guys,

i'm wondering what you guys prefer:
many preys at a time, but a longer feeding interval (every 2-3 weeks) or 1 prey, but a shorter interval (every 7-10 days)?

My question is: If I would choose both, would this effect my ball python's health in some way or confuse him? I live in a small town in Germany and there's only one petstore nereby. Sadly, they don't always have every size of preys available.

My BP is a 9-year-old male (1,226 grams), got him for around a week now and am planning to feed him tomorrow evening and also planning to put him on some more weight. (I think he could weight some more)

My 2nd question is: Before i got him, i didn't how big he exactly is and bought an Exo Terra hide L. It seems a bit small for him. If he moves in there, his hide is lifed up at some point and he sleeps like that. Is that okay? I'm afraid it'd be uncomfortable for him being under a heavy hide all the time.

I'm open to all of your responses.

[Zincubus]

Thinking outside the box .... in the wild they won't have set routines of any kind...

I've heard of a guy who feeds is snakes completely randomly - varies time in between - sizes of rodent - even randomly offers mice one time , next maybe a chick or quail next a rat ..

He reckons it works just great !

Something to consider ??!

[cattleya0507]

yeah you are absolutely right! I was just overthinking. Is there somehow a way to read if the snake's still hungry? I did research they said the snake would keep looking around for food if it's still hungry. If not it'll go hide as usual? Any other ways to that indicate hunger? What about the hide size?