Ball Python Feeding Guidelines

As much as this topic comes up, I'm sure this ball python feeding chart will prove itself useful. Enjoy!

Find the appropriate prey item and feeding schedule for your snake:

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...%2F98qfzDH.png

Ball Python Feeding Guidelines
Recommended Feeders	Ball Python Weight		When to Offer Food
Quantity, Type, and Size	Male	Female	Breeders	Pets Only
1x Hopper Mouse (8-11 grams)	First 3-5 Meals	First 3-5 Meals	Every 3-4 Days	Every 7 Days
1x Rat Fuzzy (10-19 grams) or 1x Small Mouse (12-17 grams)	Up to 200 grams	Up to 200 grams	Every 3-4 Days	Every 7 Days
1x Rat Pup (20-29 grams) or 1x Adult Mouse (18-32 grams)	200-350 grams	200-350 grams	Every 5-7 Days	Every 7 Days
1x Weaned Rat (30-49 grams) or 1x Jumbo Mouse (33-50 grams)	350-500 grams	350-500 grams	Every 5-7 Days	Every 7 Days
1x Small Rat (50-89 grams) or 2-3 Mice (depending on size)	Over 500 grams	500-1000 grams	Every 7 Days	Every 7 Days
1x Medium Rat (90-179 grams) or 3-5 Mice (depending on size)	Not necessary for typical adult males	Over 1000 grams	Every 7 Days	Every 7 Days
1x Large Rat (180+ grams)	Not necessary for typical adult males	Not necessary for typical adult females	N/A	N/A

Ball pythons are primarily rodent eaters - most commonly rats or mice. They can eat either live prey or frozen rodents that have been thawed and warmed up. Beyond the first few meals after hatching, I feed exclusively rats to my ball python collection. They provide optimal nutrition and are a convenient option for both keepers and reptiles alike. One appropriately sized rat per feeding is good for both a hatchling and an adult ball python. Even with the above advice, it is important to keep in mind that there is no one right way to feed a ball python.

Find what works for both you and your snakes and stick to it!

I like that is has a different feeding schedule for if you're raising your snake as a breeder or a pet. Very useful!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lizardlicks

I like that is has a different feeding schedule for if you're raising your snake as a breeder or a pet. Very useful!

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Thanks!

My logic is to take advantage of a little one's increased metabolism while they are young and tend to be bottomless pits and then back off as they reach maturity in tune with their natural tendency to do so themselves. Generally speaking, though, ball pythons will do well on a once/week schedule throughout their lifetime (that is also easy for a keeper to remember what day feeding day is), which is why I kept that part in there.

Great job Eric! :gj:

I would totally print (and possibly pastlify) that and send it with any snake I'd sell.

Considering the amount of times this question comes up, I think this chart might be Sticky worthy, but let's see what the rest of the community thinks ;)

Good info Eric. Thanks for posting!

Definitely sticky worth!
Great post and thank you for the info...

Agreed on the sticky.

This so useful! Thanks Eric :)

This is exactly what I've been looking for, THANK YOU :gj:

I like how simple you've made it. That being said, I'm sure everyone has an opinion but this seems to be a simple comprehensive approach to feeding mice or rats to our beloved balls.

Most importantly is the title you've given the chart "Feeding Guideline" to hopefully avoid conflicts.

NICELY DONE - if it's deemed not sticky worthy here, I hope you're satisfied I found it laminate worthy. :D

This is by far great and valuable information and I totally agree that it should be sticky worthy. Thank you for the information kind Sir!