Yes. Technically, a ball python "can" eat a hot dog as well, but it doesn't make it a good idea.
-adam
12-26-2005, 07:57 PM
joepythons
Re: Can BPs eat Gerbils
Quote:
Originally Posted by Air23Jordan
Can BPs eat Gerbils
Gerbils are they main food source in the wild for ball pythons.Unless you have a constant supply i would not advise feeding gerbils to your ball python.Your ball python will not gain weight as fast eating gerbils either.Wild ball pythons do not get as big as captive balls.
12-26-2005, 08:00 PM
Adam_Wysocki
Re: Can BPs eat Gerbils
Quote:
Originally Posted by joepythons
Gerbils are they main food source in the wild for ball pythons.
Actually, based on the last field study done on p. regius and from first hand accounts of people that I've spoken with that travel to West Africa to collect wild ball pythons, that is a myth. It was probably started due to the fact that some stubborn fasting imported adult balls will take gerbils before rats or mice as their first meal in captivity.
But I do agree that it is much safer, and more cost effective to feed a captive ball python mice or rats.
-adam
12-26-2005, 08:27 PM
Air23Jordan
Re: Can BPs eat Gerbils
Well i cant find a mouse big enough for my snake i have 2 feed 2 small mice and i dont think than is enough
12-26-2005, 08:28 PM
Adam_Wysocki
Re: Can BPs eat Gerbils
Ball pythons can be "imprint" feeders ... which means that once they eat one type of prey item they will refuse all other types.
If you feed your snake a gerbil, be prepared to feed it gerbils for the next 25 years.
With gerbils running 4 - 8 times more than mice in pet stores, I would stick with the mice.
-adam
12-26-2005, 08:39 PM
reptile-girl
Re: Can BPs eat Gerbils
Quote:
Originally Posted by Air23Jordan
Well i cant find a mouse big enough for my snake i have 2 feed 2 small mice and i dont think than is enough