Is it ok to feed a 1 year old 530 gram ball a small rat every two weeks?!!?

If its rats your gonna feed then feed rats. I wouldnt go back and fourth with mice. My hatchlings go right on rat pinks first meals. I feed everything once a week. I still have a few big girls ive had since the late 90s and they are healthy as can be

Well, in direct relation to your question, no feeding a prey item that is too big does not shorten their lifespan. If a prey item is too large, the snake will not swallow it.

Now, in my personal experience, feeding a prey item that is ideal sized or a little over will result in a snake that is content to eat every 7 to 10 days. The smaller the prey in relation to the size of the snake, the sooner it will get hungry again. However, consistently feeding prey at the upper limit of size for a specific snake can and does lead to feeding strikes. I experienced this firsthand. I now offer prey that is slightly smaller than what a lot of people choose to offer, and I feed more frequently. My snakes eat every 7 days fairly regularly, and I don't get many refusals except during the breeding season.

Having said that if your particular snake seems to feed well on the size of rat you offer, is growing steadily, and does not get snappish and cranky from hunger before you feed again, then go with what works for you both. If you notice the snake is actively exploring most of the time , or otherwise acting unhappy before your scheduled feeding day, try feeding a bit closer together and see if the behavior improves. Only you can know what works for your snake.

Gale

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Originally Posted by Ballgirl454

So should I feed large mouse or a small rat once a week?

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My male is tiny but ate his first small rat two days ago, and he is still showing a big bulge. But if the rat is as big or a little bigger then the robust part of the ball then it should be fine.