Feeding Schedule and Prey Size Question (July 11th hatchling)

Hello guys,

I picked up my first hypo BP a couple weeks ago, a July 11th hatchling calico hypo female. At the time of purchase, the breeder told me she was eating f/t rat fuzzies every 5 days and that she would soon need to move up in size.

At this point, she is doing very well and has taken 3 meals for me (f/t rat fuzzies) without any issues. My dilema is that I neglected to order rat pups in my last order, so I've got a load of fuzzies and a package of weaned, but no size in between. I do have frozen mice, but would prefer to not expose her to those since she is taking rats so well.

So, should I try feeding multiple fuzzies at once (i.e. 2 in one feeding), feed more quickly than 5 days, or attempt feeding the smallest weaned I have?

I don't have a current weight on her (forgot to weigh when she came in and have not been disturbing her), but I can get one Thursday (she ate Tuesday night).

Any input would be appreciated... I have never had a BP this young before and want to make sure she stays on the right track.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by artgecko

So, should I try feeding multiple fuzzies at once (i.e. 2 in one feeding), feed more quickly than 5 days, or attempt feeding the smallest weaned I have?

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I usually feed doubles/multiples in this scenario until they gain a little more mass, then go ahead with the larger prey size.

You can offer two but feed weekly instead of on a five-day schedule for a while until your snake adjusts to the larger meals.

I agree with Regius and BCR :).

Thanks guys! That sounds like a feasible plan. I will check her girth and weight before her next feeding (Sunday) and determine if she needs to move up. If so, then I will follow your advice and do a double feeding on a weekly basis.

She is my only snake on anything smaller than a "small" rat, so it would be great to use up all the fuzzies and weaned with her and not have any waste.

This also assumes your snake will take two fuzzies. Some BP's take one prey item and consider themselves "done" even if that was a half-sized meal for them.

Hmm... That is a good point. I will have to try and see what she does. she has been a very eager feeder so far, but I haven't observed her after a meal to see if she looks ready to take another.