Ball python growth

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Originally Posted by RichsBallPythons

Not sure why everyone is so hung up when getting a snake on how long it is. Length means squat if their under weight.

Ive NEVER in all my years measured a snake and never will. I give weights out only and thats all that matters.

And yes that snake from Nov to now if eating should be well over 300g and should be eating rat pups not pinkies.

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Right?? Who cares how long it is. It's a BP, not a retic..

That little snake should be quite thick right now. Even if it was a picky eater, it would have noticeable thickness around the center 2/3 of it's body. BPs (unless they are new hatchlings) should be short and thick. Not long and "snakey".

The local pet store near him didn't carry rat pups for some reason so he got adult mice instead.
The python took a mouse without any problems.
So we'll see if it gains size more on the mice

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gene0514

The local pet store near him didn't carry rat pups for some reason so he got adult mice instead.
The python took a mouse without any problems.
So we'll see if it gains size more on the mice

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He'd be better off buying a bag of f/t rat pups from the next show he goes to. They are so cheap and will make him gain weight quicker than mice.

Are the nutritional differences that large?

Yep, here is a good site that gives the nutritional difference in feeders.
http://www.rodentpro.com/qpage_articles_03.asp

Thanks
Does the ~.4 kcal/g difference in gross energy make that much of a difference in growth rate?
If so, after he feeds off the mice, maybe i can get him a pack of rat pups from around here

All I know is from experience, my ball pythons have put on and kept healthy weights since being on rats. But I have also heard people who feed mice regularly without issue. I have one female who refuses rats, so she is on adult mice but she is definitely growing slower than my others on rats.

Ah ok thanks