Better eater, male or female?

[Jodi2950]

My last Ball was a male and he was a picky eater from day one. Would often go months without eating. Seldom ate more than two times before fasting. Are females better eaters since they don't have the urge to seek a mate during breeding time? My new snake will be a pet only so trying to decide between male or female or does it not really matter? Thanks in advance for your time and help!

[Bogertophis]

Female snakes (of various species including ball pythons) are typically much better eaters; instinctively, they have to be, to have the mature body size to handle reproduction. I've noticed this same thing in the
rosy boas I've kept & raised for years also, but no difference among the various kinds of rat snakes I've kept & still keep...in fact that's one reason I enjoy them much more than BPs...they aren't fussy eaters.
If you're set on a BP, I'd choose a female too, & for that reason.

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Female snakes (of various species including ball pythons) are typically much better eaters; instinctively, they have to be, to have the mature body size to handle reproduction. I've noticed this same thing in the
rosy boas I've kept & raised for years also, but no difference among the various kinds of rat snakes I've kept & still keep...in fact that's one reason I enjoy them much more than BPs...they aren't fussy eaters.
If you're set on a BP, I'd choose a female too, & for that reason.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

With this species, neither their reputation to be finicky precedes them, and owners expectations when it comes to feeding is often to high, however it is possible to have consistent feeders male or female if keep and fed a certain way that will promote their feeding behaviour, so finding what works is very important and if often has to be adjusted periodically which many are not willing to do.