When to switch from rat pinks to pups for JCP?

[TheKingInYellow]

I'm not even sure that there is a 'right' answer for this, but I'll ask anyhow.

My JCP is an '08, got her as a neonate in July, so she is now about 7 months old. She is already eating rat pups easily, but the seem like such a small meal to her. Maybe, just maybe as wide around as her widest part. She looks too slender though, so I've grabbed some rat pups for her next meal.

Of course, the step from pinky to pup seems pretty large. I am wondering if they are too big for her at this age, or if the pups just look larger thanks to the fur. Am I better off to offer two pinkys for a while, or just go for the gusto and give her a pup next feeding? I know the rule about only feed something slightly larger than her largest body portion, but that's really hard to estimate sometimes...

Thanks for any advice you might have to offer.

[Colin Vestrand]

if i had to guess, and obviously without seeing your JCP its only a guess, they're probably fine... all my 08's easily handle pups. i'd feed one, and if it looks ridiculous or the bump doesn't go away within two days, then maybe feed two pinks until you run out of them or whatever.
bottom line, carpets can easily eat something 1.5-2 times their girth at that age. i feed hopper mice to non-feeder neonates and those are about the same size as rat pups.

[TheKingInYellow]

Thanks Colin. Nice to have an answer from someone who obviously has a lot of experience with these animals.

It's one of those scenarios where my brain says it's fine, but my gut says it's not.

I'll give her a pup next week and we'll see how she does.

[Colin Vestrand]

i don't have as much experience as some of the other members but i'm glad i can help!

[Patrick Long]

i don't have as much experience as some of the other members

Dont let him fool you!!!

[TheKingInYellow]

So the verdict is... NO PROBLEM.

She took it like a champ, although she hesitated before striking. I don't know if she was sizing it up warily, or stopping to say grace, but she hit it and got it down in no time.

What a bump I'll have to get a picture of this one.

[TheKingInYellow]

This bump is already a few days old, but this is a happy little snake: