Re: Going from mice to rats?
[QUOTE=elevatethis]
One thing that she is doing right though, is that ball pythons seem to benefit from eating multiple smaller prey items. The "benefit" is weighed on outcomes like feeding more consistently, growing at a faster rate, etc etc.
[QUOTE]
He eats anywhere from 6-10 rat pups in a sitting....so it is quite a bit more than the 2 my gal is getting. He is about 4 feet and nice size in girth...not sure how big to say...big than my wrists for sure. She feeds until he stops looking for the next one -- if she buys too many, the place here is great and will take them back for credit.
So I just wondered and not really understanding the difference in the feeding more in numbers versus size...does it actually have a nutritional impact? As the rats get older - is it different? Or does the size do something to help the snake grow and digest better? I appreciate the comparison...I have books but they never say why to move up or what it really does....
Funny you mention the difference of old school and newer...she was the first person to talk me through the right breed for me and the care. I also have another buddy who is more like this site. So my first education came from the two of them and they do differ...one says feed live and the other says frozen. After keeping him - I was lucky to get a gal who likes frozen so I took the lesser of the feedings in time and worries...haha. This is a great site and helped me through the first month of 'first time mom jitters'!!!!
Re: Going from mice to rats?
6-10 rat pups in a sitting? Well, I think thats an adequate amount food at one sitting, but IMHO not enough for feeding once a month.
Would I do it? No way, 1-2 small rats seems like its much easier on me and the snakes.
Re: Going from mice to rats?
It is a lot of work to me....I have him now and will pick up dinner tonight. I will be feeding him for probably 2 hours.....no joke. It was that experience (and not knowing you move up) that made me soooo happy when my girl took prekill -- WHEW! My other friend was prepared to come and show me how to teach her or coax her into eating prekill if needed...I got lucky though and she is a breeze with our little feeding ritual (she knows by certain set ups that food is coming and she is ready).
Cool to know -- thanks...I may talk to my buddy about trying to move up but betting that she likes it this way and he is healthy! He does let you know when he is hungry...like I said...she goes off of his actions not the timeframe. So he tells her when it is time as weather and such changes that throughout the year. For example - this week is about 2.5 weeks since feeding and he is giving me signal...or eagle eye to bring him some food...so going today to get dinner. She just uses the 4 week mark as a guideline -- if he has not acted hungry she tries to feed by that time.....but usually it is more like 3 weeks or less when he tells her.
It is great having two right now and seeing how different they are in their personalities and habits...they are both so wonderful and sooooo different!
Re: Going from mice to rats?
Quote:
Originally Posted by elevatethis
6-10 rat pups in a sitting? Well, I think thats an adequate amount food at one sitting, but IMHO not enough for feeding once a month.
Actually, it's probably more than enough for a male ball python at that age ... bet he makes big poops. :gj:
-adam
Re: Going from mice to rats?
That's interesting how you guys have learned how to read your snake's behavior, or at least interpret that behavior as hunger-induced.
Unfortunately, I don't necessarily agree. Most of the literature I've read on ball pythons explains that they are, by nature, ambush predators. A ball python that exhibits the behavior you are "reading" as indicating they are hungry is actually contradictory to most descriptions of their natural tendencies. I don't know what the affects of captivity would have on these behaviors, but its something to think about nonetheless.
Not a single one of mine are cruising their cages on feeding night. They are usually alert with their head poking out of their hides waiting for the rat to come to them.
Just food for thought. My thought is that the snake would eat more often if offered.
Re: Going from mice to rats?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki
Actually, it's probably more than enough for a male ball python at that age ... bet he makes big poops. :gj:
-adam
Even at once a month? I'm picturing in my head like a 2000 gram 17 y/o male. I have no doubt it would sustain them...I guess I'm just asking for more snake poop to clean.....
Re: Going from mice to rats?
Quote:
Originally Posted by elevatethis
Not a single one of mine are cruising their cages on feeding night. They are usually alert with their head poking out of their hides waiting for the rat to come to them.
Just food for thought. My thought is that the snake would eat more often if offered.
Actually ... I mentioned 'the eagle eye' ....he does not cruise. He just will stay out rather then duck back in and will be a little more active at night (he will actually be out more). Normally he is not out much and may be peeking out but will duck back into the hut if approached. She has had him for 16 years so I think she does see habits....that is a long time. Also, she feeds him until he is done. The process that is followed lets him know food is coming...and he gets into position immediately. When he is full and does not want any more, he goes into his hut and does not come out - you then know how many you have to return....haha.
Uhhh and yes... big poops...poor guy ...big enough he ends up on top of the houses if he does place himself where all the paper gets messed up..haha. Hey to me .. still better than changing a diaper!
I do already see patterns with my girl too... I keep a diary of her patterns. That is a lesson from my buddy with the 17 year old...she has a diary for her 16 years with him....also drawings of his markings with photos to identify him...
