Perfect feeding size

What is the perfect size feeder rodent for a 115 gram ball python? I know 10-15% of their body weight is perfect but at my local pet store there is only 8 gram small mice (hoppers) and 20 gram medium mice (adult mouse). I do not want to feed to big or small but I have tried both and so far he ignored the adult mouse and has had 2 hoppers so far.

Unfortunately not, you just have to find what works for your snake from what's available to you. It might mean feeding smaller rodents more often, feeding more than one rodent at a time, or a single larger rodent slightly less often. As I said it's all about finding what works for you.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

Unfortunately not, you just have to find what works for your snake from what's available to you. It might mean feeding smaller rodents more often, feeding more than one rodent at a time, or a single larger rodent slightly less often. As I said it's all about finding what works for you.

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Is it ok to feed two hoppers back to back if he will accept two?

It should be ok

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Originally Posted by coleworld

Is it ok to feed two hoppers back to back if he will accept two?

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If he accepts them, let him eat them!16g (two hoppers) is perfect size. Sometimes the snakes want a smaller rodent.

One thing I've learned over the years is to feed them a prey item that looks slightly too big. They can handle a little more than you think. I have never weighed a prey item, I judge solely by look. Eventually you'll be able to do the same and not stress about it.

Here is a picture I took for size comparison. That snake was about 75 grams and already has a rat pup that size in his belly. I only fed him one and took this one out after the picture.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps9892e449.jpg

i would try to get my hands on some rat pups thats what i would feed him .. my newest addition was 110 when i got him and he already ate 2 rat pups and is over 120 grams .. i thnk the grow better on rats so id try to make the switch from hoppers to pups ... jmo

Hello everyone I made this account because, this website seems very helpful but I can figure out how to post questions? But I'm replying to this because my question involves feeding! So, I just purchased my first ball python and I've had him for about 4 weeks, and I feed him every 5 days because I read online that young ball pythons should eat more cause they're growing and what not, is this bad? Every single time I've offered him a mouse he eats it without any trouble whatsoever, but my concern is if this is doing more harm than good.

I figured it out! Haha

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Originally Posted by SlitherinSisters

One thing I've learned over the years is to feed them a prey item that looks slightly too big. They can handle a little more than you think. I have never weighed a prey item, I judge solely by look. Eventually you'll be able to do the same and not stress about it.

Here is a picture I took for size comparison. That snake was about 75 grams and already has a rat pup that size in his belly. I only fed him one and took this one out after the picture.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps9892e449.jpg

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By that picture i feel like my 115 gram ball can handle a 20 gram adult mouse.

Also the closest place who sells rat pups is about 40 minutes away but maybe i will make the trip and bulk up on some.

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Originally Posted by coleworld

By that picture i feel like my 115 gram ball can handle a 20 gram adult mouse.

Also the closest place who sells rat pups is about 40 minutes away but maybe i will make the trip and bulk up on some.

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I would agree. Anything over 100 grams here gets fed adult mice, or the equivalent rat size. Do you have access to mice, or are they just as far away?

All the pet stores here sell frozen mice then the smallest rat being larger then a adult mouse. Pet stores here do not sell smaller rats like rat pups i have to go to a herp store 40 minutes away.

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Originally Posted by coleworld

All the pet stores here sell frozen mice then the smallest rat being larger then a adult mouse. Pet stores here do not sell smaller rats like rat pups i have to go to a herp store 40 minutes away.

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That's the same way it is here too. 20 miles for live adult mice/rats that are outrageously priced, or 40 mins to the next big town with live whatever they have in stock that day :rolleyes: I started breeding my own rats because of that. I still have to buy some live mice though because I have a couple mousers. I've switched a lot over to f/t because my rats can't keep up with all the snakes.

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Originally Posted by coleworld

By that picture i feel like my 115 gram ball can handle a 20 gram adult mouse.

Also the closest place who sells rat pups is about 40 minutes away but maybe i will make the trip and bulk up on some.

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My 102 Gr baby just took down a 20 gr mouse. Was a bit nerve racking but she didn't have any issues. Well, she's been cranky ever since, probably feeling a little over full. Longer digesting I imagine. Gonna let her go 10 days before offering her food again.