When the correct feeder size isn't available??

[Marcus_Family]

Hi! Our snake is ready to move up from rat pups, but the 2 stores that are anywhere close to us (less than an hour away) don't carry weanlings. The next size up is small rats. So I went there today to look for the smallest small rats, but they were all out of small rats.

In the meantime, is it okay if I feed rat pups for another few weeks and just feed every 5 days instead of 7? He just ate one and is still out and about. Could he possibly want another one right now?

Any advice appreciated. Thank you!

[tttaylorrr]

do you feed f/t? and how much does the snake weigh? i wouldn't jump sizes like that; there's a big difference between a rat pup and a small rat.

it would be fine to stick with pups for now. you can weigh them and feed two pups equal to that of a weaned rat.

[ckuhn003]

Does anyone know if PetSmart, PetCo or any other of the chain pet stores sell Rat Pups? I've only ever seen small med and large.

[tttaylorrr]

Does anyone know if PetSmart, PetCo or any other of the chain pet stores sell Rat Pups? I've only ever seen small med and large.

i don't have a PetCo around me but i've never, ever seen them at PetSmart.

[Marcus_Family]

No, not at either of ours.

We feed F/T. So I should continue with pups, maybe feeding 2. Umtil he's big enough for small rats. The place said their small rats are juvenile, if that helps. Lol. Thanks!!!

[tttaylorrr]

No, not at either of ours.

We feed F/T. So I should continue with pups, maybe feeding 2. Umtil he's big enough for small rats. The place said their small rats are juvenile, if that helps. Lol. Thanks!!!

i'm not sure what the equivalent of a small "juvenile" rat is...do you know how much they weigh?

i'd recommend you find weaned rats if you can. have you considered websites like PerfectPrey.com, BigCheeseRodents.com, etc?

[EL-Ziggy]

You can definitely offer more than one prey item until your snake is ready to move up to the next size. I still find that even with just one snake it's more economical to buy in bulk online rather than pay pet store prices. The savings can be pretty significant over time.

[Marcus_Family]

I never even thought to ask them to weigh them for me!! Great idea! I'll do that next time. I'll also look again at online...the shipping was SO CRAZY that I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Also I'm afraid I'll order too many and he'll move up a size.

Last question...if I feed him 2 pups, do I just offer him the second one after he eat the first one? Or does he need a little while?

Thanks!

[tttaylorrr]

I never even thought to ask them to weigh them for me!! Great idea! I'll do that next time. I'll also look again at online...the shipping was SO CRAZY that I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Also I'm afraid I'll order too many and he'll move up a size.

Last question...if I feed him 2 pups, do I just offer him the second one after he eat the first one? Or does he need a little while?

Thanks!

i've never fed an animal more than one prey item so i'll let someone else answer that question.

refer to this feeding chart in the future if you're ever unsure!

[Marcus_Family]

He ate 2! I feel so bad...he must've been really hungry these past few weeks. I will weigh the pups I have now and start weighing before I buy and go from there.

Thanks so much!