Are we doing this right?

[legg-o-less]

Hello, I'm new to this site and I hope I am not repeating questions already asked. I have a 6 month old female ball python that I have had for the last 5 months. She eats VERY well and is growing very fast. I have heard that if they eat to much that they will regurgitate their food. However, this has not been the case. She was eating 2 adult mice every week. Recently she has eaten 6 mice in the last 2 weeks. She has not regurgitated them even after being handled after eating, and she poops regularly every 5-6 days. She is 28 inches long and is 4 1/2 inches around. I do not know her weight. She has a wonderful appetite as you can see and she seems to like being handled by everyone. Are we doing things right? This is our first snake and we want to make sure we are doing things right. She did have a Doctor check-up, however I don't think the Vet was totally sure about Ball-Pythons (she had to look up this species on the internet). I would greatly appreciate any input I can get regarding what we are doing for "Isis". Thank You.

[kavmon]

if she is eating regularly(weekly), you're doing something right! they will let you know if something isn't right.


vaughn

[Shelby]

Welcome!

The rule of thumb is one rodent a week sized approximately as big around as the snake's belly is. If you feed too much they CAN regurgitate, and it's not healthy anyway.

If your vet doesn't even know what a ball python is (one of the most common snake species in the pet trade!) they are practically useless. Find yourself a real herp vet. Here's a link for you:

http://www.arav.org/Directory.htm

[legg-o-less]

Thanks for the link on a vet for our BP. As it turns out, there is a Vet on that list that is in our town. I think I need to make a phone call to set up a check-up. Thanks again!

[Shelby]

No problem.. glad you were able to find a vet on there. A good herp vet is invaluable.

[jtman]

Thanks for that link Shelby. Now I have 3 nearby vets down in my notebook! I can sleep better at night now =)

JT

[elevatethis]

Sounds like your snake is ready for small rats (one size up from a crawler rat, usually around 50-60 grams in weight)...try getting her on those and get ready to see some growth!