Does this sound good? (growth rate)

Hello, i bought my first ball, an enchi male from the white plains show back in September, 2015. When i got him he was about 20 inches long and 130g. Now, about 5 or 6 months later he is probably around 30 inches, and 500g. He ate rat pups every 5 days at first, and then weaned every 5 days, and i am planning on starting him on smalls next week. He rarely ever refuses a meal, maybe 5 or 6 times total, then i just wait 3 days and offer again and he eats. Does this sound about right as far as how fast he is growing? I just want to make sure he isnt being over, or under fed. Any input is greatly appreciated, thank you.

That does sound like a reasonable growth rate for a young male BP. When you switch to small rats will you go to a 7 day feeding schedule?

I was going to stick to 5 or maybe 6 days. Would 7 be better with larger prey?

I wouldn't stay on 5 or 6 days with small rats ... If you do, what will eventually happen (2 or so months into it) he will most likely go on a fast because he has had to much to often, while this doesn't always happen, the majority of the time it does. And that is going to leave you with a lot of wasted money on feeders that do not get eaten. As Slim said, I would go with a 7 day schedule when you bump up to smalls .... Plus, why not?? It will be a lot easier to remember when to feed because it will be the same day every week :gj:

Sounds about right to me. I'd personally probably push back a day or two once you bump up the size of his meals.

I feed my snakes every 5-6 days until they turn one. From 1-2 they eat every 7-10 days. After that they eat every 10-14 days. I only keep colubrids and carpets which I believe have a faster metabolism than BPs.

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

which I believe have a faster metabolism than BPs.

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I believe glaciers and tectonic plates have a faster metabolism than ball pythons :rofl: