Feeding question?

So, this is my first ball python, Copernicus. I just did his first feeding yesterday (after two of his escapes, one resulting in a week missing.), a small, simple mouse. He ate with no problem. I've read the snake, if fed a proper sized meal, should have a big, unsightly bump, and not be very mobile while he digests. It's only been about a day, there's no bump, and he's already out and around. There wasn't even a bump once he was done eating! Is this normal? Was the mouse not enough? Should I get another tomorrow?
all help is appreciated!

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Originally Posted by SnakinNShakin

I've read the snake, if fed a proper sized meal, should have a big, unsightly bump, and not be very mobile while he digests.

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I'd like to know were you read that. Please list the reference.

In a word, NO! If you feed something to your BP that leaves a bump large enough that it impedes movement, then you fed something too large. A slight lump is acceptable. But even then should be almost unnoticeable.

Feed your snake a prey item that's slightly bigger in diameter than the largest part of your snake. For juvenile BP's the 10% rule is a good place to start. Weigh your animal and feed prey that's approximately 10% of that weight.

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Originally Posted by SnakinNShakin

(after two of his escapes, one resulting in a week missing.)

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I highly recommend you get a handle on this situation.....

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Originally Posted by SnakinNShakin

(after two of his escapes, one resulting in a week missing.)

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Could you perhaps show us some pictures of your enclosure, and especially the spot where you think the snake might escape through? Maybe we can find a solution to that... Can't stay that way :S

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Originally Posted by Morjean

Could you perhaps show us some pictures of your enclosure, and especially the spot where you think the snake might escape through? Maybe we can find a solution to that... Can't stay that way :S

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I've already handled that, but thank you! I'd had an aquarium with a top that didn't snap on. The Same day I found him I went out and bought a different, better tank. No problems since! But thank you.

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Originally Posted by Slim

I'd like to know were you read that. Please list the reference.

In a word, NO! If you feed something to your BP that leaves a bump large enough that it impedes movement, then you fed something too large. A slight lump is acceptable. But even then should be almost unnoticeable.

Feed your snake a prey item that's slightly bigger in diameter than the largest part of your snake. For juvenile BP's the 10% rule is a good place to start. Weigh your animal and feed prey that's approximately 10% of that weight



I highly recommend you get a handle on this situation.....

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I have! I got a differen tank for him the day I found him, no problems since! I can't exact remember where I read it, but thank you! In the slightly-bigger rule, the mouse I fed him was definitely smaller. What should I do? Do I wait? Should I get one today?

The mouse you fed him will be ok. A good rule of thumb is to feed a prey item that's 10-15% of the snake's body weight or about the same size in diameter as the largest part of your snake. A little more or a little less won't hurt anything.

You probably heard about snakes in the wild who don't really have the option or luxury of picking the perfect sized prey.