My ball only eats hamsters

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Originally Posted by O.C.

I think a large/XL rat would be anywhere from 150g to maybe 250,260g. When i do offer rats they are small, about the same size as a hamster. When I say large/XL rat, I mean thats what she should be eating instead of teddy bear hamsters as she is a little over 5ft. she's lost a little girth but is still overall looks very healthy

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She is perfectly fine on a small rat once a week. She does NOT need large/XL rats, ever. As long as she isn't losing weight, she is fine.

So I guess I should only give rats from now on and she should start taking them eventually. I really hope she does, this will be tough love lol, but for my other question. how bad are hamsters nutrionally for ball pythons? I've heard everything from they're too high in fat to them being great for them. Which is true?

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Originally Posted by O.C.

but for my other question. how bad are hamsters nutrionally for ball pythons? I've heard everything from they're too high in fat to them being great for them. Which is true?

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I've heard the same but I don't know of any actual studies. I kind of have my doubts that anyone has actually done any nutritional studies on hamster meat. ;)

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Originally Posted by MarkS

I've heard the same but I don't know of any actual studies. I kind of have my doubts that anyone has actually done any nutritional studies on hamster meat. ;)

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http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/zoo/Who...nal02May29.pdf

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Originally Posted by satomi325

http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/zoo/Who...nal02May29.pdf

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Okay, I guess you really do learn something new everyday...:O

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Originally Posted by satomi325

http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/zoo/Who...nal02May29.pdf

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Thanks for this link.

Looks like the adult hamster and >50g rat are pretty close in all categories. Now I know this doesn't mean start a staple diet of hamsters by any means, but as a last resort for OP to get his snake to eat its not a bad option. At least we know the last resort is a similar comparison in energy provided and nutrients.

I agree with the advise of feeding small and waiting her out. As a last resort, I would put the rat in a cage with used hamster bedding to scent the rat, but I don't think that will be necessary.