Feeding size, how often, live or frozen?

I was wondering if it is better to feed live or frozen and if it is better to feed 2 smaller sized rats twice a week or one large meal once a week. Thanks guys!

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Originally Posted by gulfexports159

I was wondering if it is better to feed live or frozen and if it is better to feed 2 smaller sized rats twice a week or one large meal once a week. Thanks guys!

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Depends on the size of the snake, I have a baby, and i feed her one fuzzty twice a week (mon-thu). I think what it mainly boils down to is how often the snake will take it. and F/T or live is really a matter of preference, F/T is way easier then live because its cheaper and less harmful to the snake because the rodent cant bite and injure the snake.

The only benefit from frozen vs live is the convenience. I can just go in my freezer and thaw what I need. Instead of breeding, cleaning cages or going to the store or somewhere. Nothing has been proven as far as nutrition. With frozen I don't have to supervise feedings I just offer and if they don't eat I leave it in overnight. It's better to offer one appropriate prey item. Less time trying to feed and less u have to buy or breed. Instead of feeding three mice they get a small rat.

I feed a frozen rat 10-15% of the weight of the snake every 7 days. I prefer Frozen for 2 reasons. First goto the fridge thaw and feed. Second the snake cant get bitten by the prey item. :D

Live or frozen doesn't really matter.

With my own ball pythons, I have observed that they tend to grow faster when moved to a larger meal versus two smaller ones.

For example, my albino was eating two to three F/T mice per meal for quite some time. When I got her to finally take a small rat instead, she started putting on weight more rapidly. It's not scientific by any means; just my own personal observations.

Also, one rodent of larger size is typically cheaper than two smaller ones. :)

I am feeding every 5 days. I feed frozen because it is easiet atm. If you feed live just remember to watch the feeding. If do feed live just dont leave the prey in your snake cage. That is how all those terrible stories we here about happen.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gulfexports159

I was wondering if it is better to feed live or frozen and if it is better to feed 2 smaller sized rats twice a week or one large meal once a week. Thanks guys!

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#1 It depends on how big your snake is, sex will play a factor too.

#2 depends what you call large meal

I can tell you that as far as size I never feed anything bigger than 150 grams rats even to the biggest girls over 3000 grams and only do so once a week (well unless they are on a heavier pre-breeding season feeding schedule)

Generally speaking I try to offer an appropriate size prey (which is a prey equal the animal girth size for hatchling and juvy) once a week and nothing than a small medium rats to adults (males being fed smaller prey items)

Live or frozen is personal preference. People will argue until the cows come home that live isn't safe. I have been feeding both live and frozen thawed ever since getting snakes almost 5 years ago and there is no difference. Frozen thawed is more convenient as I can store large numbers of feeders in my freezer and just pull them out and thaw as needed.

I have a few snakes that will only take live and they do fine. (And eat like machines).

Babies I feed 2x a week. Adults I feed once a week. All adults (500g and over) get small rats. If they are big females, they can get two, but I see nice weight gain with just one a week.

Thanks guys I think I will stick to frozen and go to live for just the babies when they hatch.