feeding for max. growth

[cleveland180BP]

HI everybody!
I am new to snakes and love my BP (normal i guess, I think he is exceptional).
I have had my snake since june 9th 2006, I got him from PetCO for $30 and they didnt say where they got him so i am guessing he is a wild caught. I couldn't ask for a better snake! he eats right away every 3-4 days and is very docile and freindly. So far he has grown from about 18.5 inches head to tail and about an inch and a half around at his thickest to 24-25 inches head to tail and about 2 1/4 inches at the thickest part. I am kinda suprised at his growth and quite plaesed that Ike eats soo well... but I was wondering, would it be a good idea to feed him three times a week to encourage growth? Or will he lose interest and stop eating all together ? Petco said once a week, But a reptile specialty store in Parma Ohio said at least two times a week...I also dont want him to have weight issues from being over fed. Any help would be awesome, sorry for the snakes life story but i thought some back ground info on him might help, Oh yeah and i keep him in a 30" l x12" w x 19" high aquarium and i am gunna build him a new bigger plexiglass tank in the next month or so deppending if he keeps growing so quick.

thanks again,
Dave

[kavmon]

one good size meal a week is enough. i would say twice a week max! any more than that and there is no time to digest. most bp's will regulate their own weight, too much food and they will fast/shutdown on their own.



vaughn

[cleveland180BP]

thanks, he seems to be really happy with a meal about every 3 1/2 to 4 days so i will stick to that then. Does a larger habitat encourage faster growth (kinda like fish?)?

[kavmon]

with ball pythons, i've found that small enclosures(tubs) with tight fitting hides works best. warm temps,cozy hides and peace and quiet. works for me!



vaughn

[xdeus]

Does a larger habitat encourage faster growth (kinda like fish?)?

Nope.

[cleveland180BP]

So i should stick with his current house until when ? he has a good deal of space left. I heard that you should wait until the snake is about as the longest diagnal of the tank. is this good advice?

[xdeus]

So i should stick with his current house until when ? he has a good deal of space left. I heard that you should wait until the snake is about as the longest diagnal of the tank. is this good advice?

One square foot of cage floor per foot of snake.

[cleveland180BP]

tight! thanks guys!


now to read up on what the hell a spider bp is....

[kavmon]

go here
http://www.newenglandreptile.com/

probably the best spider and spider combo collection period.



vaughn

[xdeus]

probably the best spider and spider combo collection period.

You haven't seen my shed...