Does anybody have a BP who eats more than 1 rat per week?

I've only had this guy (adult male BP, 2 yrs old) a little over a week, and he ate last thursday (3 days ago, went very well). I got a small rat from the pet store, but I don't have a scale so I don't know it's exact weight.

I also have a smaller BP here, who whenever he comes out of his hide during the day, is ready to eat (large mice). The adult BP is acting just like the smaller one does when he's hungry. I don't intend to feed him again until thursday (I think it's way too early in our relationship to start experimenting :) ), but I'm wondering if I should maybe go with a medium rat.

Dont up the size, Up the amount!

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Originally Posted by JASBALLS

Dont up the size, Up the amount!

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I have no problem with buying two rats if he'll eat them, but the problem becomes, how long can I keep a small rat before it becomes a medium rat :)

Jump on the ASF bandwagon, don't have to worry about them out growing your bp :gj: ......this should get some debate going :D

well you go by that. If he takes 2 a week with no problem your good to go. If you buy 3 and he only eats 1 then you know next week not to buy as many.. Alot of breeders feed twice a week including me when possible. My feeding days are Sat and wed. The small wont be that much bigger in 3 days. See what he will take in a feeding and go from there.

I'd say your guy should do just fine on 1 small rat a week.

I just fed my girl from Heather a rat on friday. It weighed 70 grams. Which is as high as I'm gonna go.

Yours should do fine on the same amount I'd think. My girl tipped the scales today at 1200+ grams. And that much rat was perfect.

I'd think any more than that for her, or your male is asking for a fast.

This is based on my readings on the forum solely.

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Originally Posted by Enve

Jump on the ASF bandwagon, don't have to worry about them out growing your bp :gj: ......this should get some debate going :D

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I hate those Killer rodents!! LOL! I only had 4 for a picky eater But Damn those things are CRAZY!!!

Ok, makes sense. My instinct (based on the smaller bp's behavior) was to try feeding him again, but it seemed like most everybody here said their adults get 1 small rat a week.

Seeing how he's only been here 9 days, should I maybe wait until thursday to feed again, then see if he keeps acting like this?

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Originally Posted by JASBALLS

I hate those Killer rodents!! LOL! I only had 4 for a picky eater But Damn those things are CRAZY!!!

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Just picked up a few to try my hand at breeding, the ones I have are pretty mellow. For the most part are they are definitely satans rodents though.

Yea, give him some time!

Ok, I've gotta ask... what's the deal with the ASFs? I know what they are (African Soft Fur rats), but "satan's rodents"? :confused:

They pretty much will eat/bite any and everything! Most can't be picked up unless you are moving them QUICKLY from 1 tub to another. Other than that they are cool......:D no odor at all and apparently breed like crazy :confused: we'll see.

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Originally Posted by ChrisBowsman

Ok, I've gotta ask... what's the deal with the ASFs? I know what they are (African Soft Fur rats), but "satan's rodents"? :confused:

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Pick one up and try and hold it. I double dog dare you:weirdface

Wow, are they more aggressive towards snakes than the typical rats?

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Originally Posted by ChrisBowsman

Wow, are they more aggressive towards snakes than the typical rats?

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Oh yeah! Pre kill is needed.

Thanks for warning me.... I'm steering clear of those things. I like feeding live, and I've got a feeling they cost more than $4 a pop.

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Originally Posted by BallNation

Oh yeah! Pre kill is needed.

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You do not need to pre-kill an ASF to feed it to a Ball Python. I have only been bitten once by an ASF in over a year of keeping and breeding them. I reach into tubs and pet the parents, even while they are nursing a litter, and never get bit. I have heard that many ASFs are mean, but have not experienced it with our breeding group as of yet. Now, I typically do not hold them like a hamster, primarily because they like to jump, and are very fast. We had three get loose in the rodent room awhile back, and chased them for over an hour to catch them. We actually degloved the tail on one female while trying to coax her out of a corner under a rack. Even after that traumatic experience, she is still fairly calm and doesn't bite as of today.

This was not to start a large debate, but to share our experience with these rodents. I definitely think they have a place any sizeable collection, but are not necessary for the average hobbyist.