Feeding Question (Size and type)

I got my BP back in August (age unknown) from petsmart. At the time they were feeding her fuzzies once a week, which I quickly learned was too small. Since then I've been slowly up-ing the size. I currently feed her 1 'large' (as determined by the f/t mice that are sold at petsmart) mouse once a week. She's about 2-2 1/2ft I think but is still somewhat skinny since she's putting on weight still.
I've seen a lot of people suggest rats over mice but I haven't been able to find any rats at any pet stores and I cannot breed my own.

Advice on size and rats vs. mice?
(I've been judging size based on the 'fattest' part of her rule)

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Originally Posted by neondreams

I got my BP back in August (age unknown) from petsmart. At the time they were feeding her fuzzies once a week, which I quickly learned was too small. Since then I've been slowly up-ing the size. I currently feed her 1 'large' (as determined by the f/t mice that are sold at petsmart) mouse once a week. She's about 2-2 1/2ft I think but is still somewhat skinny since she's putting on weight still.
I've seen a lot of people suggest rats over mice but I haven't been able to find any rats at any pet stores and I cannot breed my own.

Advice on size and rats vs. mice?
(I've been judging size based on the 'fattest' part of her rule)

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Personally, I don't like the "fattest part" of her rule only because people's spacial judgement can be very off. Your best bet is to pick up a food or stamp scale that measures in kg for $15 bucks at walmart. Feed 10-15% of the snakes body weight.

Rats v.s. mice, Rats win everytime. Mice only get so big, and with a full grown BP you will be feeding up to 5 or 6 mice to meet weekly requirements v.s. 1 large rat. Its cheaper, its easier on the ball python, and usually they are easier to find on the market (Although that doesn't seem to be the case for you). You can have rats shipped to you frozen and if your buying in bulk you'll even get a break on the price a little bit.

Goodluck.

Thank you!
Can anyone tell me where they find rats? I live in the midwest if that helps.

I use www.bigcheeserodents.com to get all of my frozen rats

Rodent Pro is a option as well - I've gotten my last two big bulk orders from them and am very happy with their service and product.