Max size rat that should be fed to a BP

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Originally Posted by adrenalinejunkie

I don't think stated that they were feeding a rat that size every 7 days. It was suggested to use 150gram rat every 7 days instead of one 300gram rat every 14days

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I was not commenting on the OP or anyone else's feeding schedule. I was merely stating that the 10% to 15% of the snakes weight every week does not necessarily apply to adults. The OP asked about the max rat size and I think what they might be referring to is the fact that you should not keep up with the 10% to 15% once a week rule into adulthood.

It really depends on what you feel comfortable with. I believe the 10-15% rule is good for hatchlings to yearlings.. Not for adults. I feed my 2500 gram female a medium (120-150) gram rat every 7 days and she is fine. :)

Sorry for all the confusion -- the only thing I was asking is "what is the max size rat you should feed a ball python -- period."

Not what percentage of weight, how often, etc.

I just thought I had heard people say that no matter what, a certain size is too big for any bp, and I was just trying to confirm that.

Thanks,

George

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Originally Posted by chapskis1

Sorry for all the confusion -- the only thing I was asking is "what is the max size rat you should feed a ball python -- period."

Not what percentage of weight, how often, etc.

I just thought I had heard people say that no matter what, a certain size is too big for any bp, and I was just trying to confirm that.

Thanks,

George

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You will hear alot of different opinions regarding this subject. I've heard people feeding their adult ball pythons as big rats as 300-400g, personally i think that that is way too big.

I feed my adult bp's a maximum of ~100g every 7 days. That gives them sufficient growth if they are still growing, and if they are maxed out on size it is an adequate size prey according to me.

There is no reason to feed two prey items weighing as much as one big since they don't digest both prey items at once, in lack of a better word the second prey item queues up waiting for the first item to digest. So I think it's better that they get one 100g to digest than two 50g for example.

Hope I answered your question.

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Originally Posted by Deborah

You can feed whatever YOU feel like feeding YOUR animal(s), it's really about knowing your animals and what works for you.

Do they need large prey to thrive? No they do not, many collection are doing fine on small preys.

Here is how I feed my snakes (I feed them once a week)

Hatchlings to juviesy get a prey about equal to their girth size.

Adult males get small small rats (55-60 grams)

Adult females get rats that are about 85 grams.

I feed rats off at 4 to 5 weeks.

This way they eat with consistency, and preys do not pose a threat to my animals.

Of course pre-breeding seasons feeding is a bit different.

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Right on Deb! Do what is right for you and your collection. Here is what I do:

Hatchling to juvies get prey equal to girth every 5 days

Adult males get 1 xl mouse or 1 small small rat every 2 weeks.

Adult females get 2 xl mice or 1 small rat every week.

Beginning in August breeder females get an extra mouse or rat every week if they want it.

In the winter, everything gets cut back on food. That may mean skipping 1 week per month for females and feeding males every 3rd week. For me, I don't feel it's necessary to feed like crazy all the time.

I personally would not and do not feed anything larger than a 150g feeder to my adults once a week.