Re: switching from one week to two weeks?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
martin82531
You are correct, the 10-15 percent rule should be used for younger snakes, once they get older this may not be the case. Both of my balls are just around 1000 grams, they get anything from 60-90 grams every ten days. I'm not sure your point is by stating your 8 year old nephew can pick up the proper feeder. I'm sure we all can, but if their is a more efficient way of doing it (i.e. getting the exact weight of the feeder), what is wrong with that?
For your statement, "and a person who has one snake isn't going to order frozen feeders", I ordered my batch of frozen feeders when I had two ball pythons, did I have one snake at the time, no, but not a far stretch. Again I do agree with you, that the 10-15 percent rule should be explained that is more for hatchlings or younger snakes. My normal, who I just weighed today, came in at 1027 grams, 10% would equal 100 grams, something that would be too big to feed my python on its current feeding schedule.
When you say just "just because you have a scale doesn't mean it's accurate". Well of course, this statement can be applied to anything. Just because you have a thermometer, doesn't mean it's accurate. I think the thing is, we suggest the proper tools and resources for new comers to take proper care of thier new addition, this gets them one step closer to providing proper husbandry care.
Lastly: Neal please don't take anything I'm saying as being rude or trying to argue persay :) I'm simply just giving my perspective on the subject that is being mentioned.
Oh no doubt my brother, I know this. All I'm trying to basically say is for majority of keepers with one-two snakes they aren't going to order frozen feeders because shipping is so much and it's just not nearly as cost effective as ordering a bulk order. Most pet stores won't have a scale and most keepers that don't breed or keep more than a couple snakes will either because it's just not that high on their priority list. It's not nearly as important as a thermostat or heating or any of that so they look at the point of why waste the money, I was that keeper years ago. I had no need to weigh my snake because what was the big deal about weighing, especially since I picked out the food for them.
Re: switching from one week to two weeks?
Do what works for *you* and *your* animals.
A 3 month old in good body condition can go 2 weeks between feedings. Especially with an appropriate size prey.
That's more than what most non herp people who absorb big box store advice feed their snakes. (Aka those who feed once a month and their snakes are still growing)
People who feed their snakes once a week or more on this forum are mostly breeders or aspiring breeders. They are trying to get their animal up to size quickly. Pets can be fed every 10-14 days imo.
Personally, I feed any snake under 500g every 4-7 days. Then they get bumped up to a 7-14 day schedule at 500g+ depending on the animal.
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