Feeding Question! Sorry I am New Here...

Hello everyone! I just got my first Ball Python and I was wondering how often and what size of mice to feed him? I think the size is the thickest part of their body is the size of mouse you want? Also can you tell when they are hungry? My BP is a juvenile so I'm not sure how often to feed him... Someone please help? Sorry if this is an easy one but I am new here and new to Ball Pythons...

Welcome!
Yes you want a mouse or a baby rat that's the same general circumference of the thickest part of he snake body.
You should be feeding your snake a full meal every week as a juvenile.

But not new to a search engine right?

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

how nice that this caresheet is right on this site.
:D
Congrats on the pickup and welcome to the addiction

Im like a sour patch kid

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Capray

Welcome!
Yes you want a mouse or a baby rat that's the same general circumference of the thickest part of he snake body.
You should be feeding your snake a full meal every week as a juvenile.

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I thought so, thanks so much for your help!

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr Oni

But not new to a search engine right?

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

how nice that this caresheet is right on this site.
Congrats on the pickup and welcome to the addiction

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Thanks!

The only stupid question is the one that isn't asked. We all started somewhere...WELCOME!

I, like many, use the 10%-15% 1x/week rule. The meal should be approximately 10%-15% of your snake's body weight. I would recommend getting a scale that reads in grams. You can pick these up at most office supply stores, WalMart, or order a decent one from Reptile Basics. I weigh mine the day before feeding (Saturday) and feed on Sunday. As to the "sizes", this is a decent chart I have used over the years. It gives you mice and rat sizes and the interchangeability of the two. BPs can live on mice alone just fine, but I find rats to be more filling and strictly feed F/T rats:

http://www.ballophile.com/public/sizes1.jpg