Feeding Question

[Jax]

2 questions

First, do bps give any signs that they are hungry...are there any behaviours that would indicate they want to be fed more often? (I've been feeding my baby bp every 5 days...but last feed I switched to f/t and I think the frozen mice I got my hands on are a little smaller than the live ones I had been feeding him)

Second, how do I know when I should switch him to small rats? Other than eyeballing the size of the rat compared to his size..is there any particular time-frame that's good for switching?

Thanks!

[starmom]

The day before I feed my snakes they are usually lurking just within their hides and giving off that "I'm waiting for my prey" vibe; like they're on edge a little.

That said, every 5 days for a baby is a good schedule to keep since feeding more often could decrease their eating response.

As for switching over to rats, and understanding that you never need to switch over to rats unless they are more convenient for you to obtain, I would be inclined to start the switch as soon as you have given the snake several meals and feel that the snake is eating well.

[Oxylepy]

I've always heard rats are better for the snake. Just made of better things and a more complete meal, but that could just be a rumour. And you could always get f/t rats to feed him, there are enough sizes that you could switch him over right now if you wanted. Just weigh him and try to keep to the standard 10~15% of his total body weight.

[starmom]

Mice and rats are both nutritionally complete prey for the ball python.
Both mice and rats can be ordered on line.
When the snake gets larger, you simply feed multiples of mice

[FatBoy]

Personally I like to feed one prey item per feeding. The eyeball method is fine, feed something the same size as the largest part of the snakes body.

[starmom]

Well, if you're feeding mice then it will take more than one for a juvenile and adult ball python Doesn't do the snake any harm at all!

As for how much to feed, I like to go by the 10-15% of body weight guideline until the snakes are taking in about 80-90g of prey per feeding.

[FatBoy]

Well, if you're feeding mice then it will take more than one for a juvenile and adult ball python Doesn't do the snake any harm at all!

As for how much to feed, I like to go by the 10-15% of body weight guideline until the snakes are taking in about 80-90g of prey per feeding.

Oh, I agree 100%. I use my method because I feed rats and just prefere to feed one per sitting. We all need to do what works for us and our snakes.