Few questions about feeding

I'm currently feeding adult mice to both of my ball pythons, the mice run about 2.5 to 3 inches in length. I've seen people talking about feeding rats, my biggest question is, what's the difference in feeding rats or mice? Also what size comparatively should I feed if I go to rats? Is there any difference in benefit by feeding on or the other for the snake? Any help here is appreciated.

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I prefer to feed rats over mice mostly for the convenience and savings of feeding one prey item vs. multiple prey items. I'd rather feed a BP a single medium rat as opposed to 3 jumbo mice. For BPs it's not too bad but for larger snakes it wouldn't be practical to feed 6 jumbo mice vs. 1 large rat. The prey sizes are pretty similar for our younger snakes it's just sometimes harder to transition them to rats as they get okder so I think it's best to make the switch early.

Ok now quick question, I was told by the pet store that I should only feed them one prey period, unless after a shed, if she goes off feed I can feed two, now miss elvira is a bottomless pit and would take two medium size adults every feed almost if I would let her, now she's eating bigger preys, larger adult mice and half the time still acts like she's hungry when she's done. Can I offer her a second one when she's doing the mom I'm hungry thing, or could it hurt her doing so?

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It would not hurt your snake to feed her more especially if you're feeding mice. I strictly feed rats unless they absolutely will not take them. I have witnessed that feeding mice hinders a ball python's growth potential. It sounds like you're feeding a pet ball python so the mice will work. The best rule of thumb is to feed one prey item a week (hatchlings twice a week) that is about equal in girth to the widest part of your snake.
-Garrett Voodoo Constrictors

How much does your snake weigh?

Already stated, its about cost later on in life. Depending on the size of your animal you may be around rat pup size??

Thanks guys, so more or less use best judgment and feeding her a second if she's still hungry should be fine right?

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