I was wondering if anyone have a good feeding chart for ball pythons. I would really appreciate it. Thanks ! :)
07-08-2011, 01:02 PM
kitedemon
You mean how much or how often?
Hatchlings are usually fed every 5 days or so, some will feed under 200 gms that often too. After that until adulthood typically every 7 days and adults every 14. Or so, they don't need an exact schedule that is for keepers.
(adults are sexually mature snakes, males seem to hit that at about 1100-1300 gm or so and females at the 1500-1800 gm range)
10% of the animals weight typically is suggested although that too is rough. About the same diameter food as snake at its largest is a visual method. If you are going to make a mistake go smaller rather than bigger. Weigh is easiest as it is not a judgement call.
Not an exact science some feed everything weekly and feed light some less frequently but heavier. The only thing I recommend is if a snake has been non feeding for a while (3 months +) then the first meal should be small as not to tax an under used digestive system.
07-08-2011, 01:18 PM
jason79
If your talking about a way to keep track of feeds I use Iherp.com
07-08-2011, 01:18 PM
Blubb
I was thinking about a chart with the weight of the snake and then what it should eat. For example, my male is about 600 grams. What should it eat? I am giving him small rats, which works pretty good. But at which weigh should I upgrade him to medium rats? Thanks anyway :D
If you mean size as to how much to feed....I think it's 10-20% of their weight, or as most people judge by the width of their body.
07-08-2011, 01:41 PM
kitedemon
60gm rats...
07-08-2011, 02:29 PM
Jay_Bunny
I try to go by 10% of the body weight at least while they are young. Once they are adults, I just give them a standard sized small rat. Some of the girls get two. The boys get one. If their girth can handle a medium, then you could bump them up. For a 600g male, I'd just stick with smalls for a while. You don't need him packing on size. I have a 1000g male who gets a single 40-50g rat 1x per week. He doesn't complain. :D