Identify My Morph Please!

[wldchldm]

I recently bought a year and a half old ball python named Cleopatra (a.k.a. Cleo). The girl I bought her from has never had a snake before, and didn't buy her from as breeder. So as another untrained eye, I was wondering if someone could identify her morph? I think she's a Mojave or maybe a spider, but I'm not 100% certain...




Also, I have no idea what size feed I should be giving her... The girl I bought her from said small rats, but they seem too big for her, so I'm scared to offer it to her... any ideas?

Thanks a lot!!

[Pyrate81]

Definitely not a mojo or spider. Looks like a nice looking normal to me. Clearer, close up pics would help. For size, that snake looks like it would easily take a small rat, possibly a medium. Feed a rodent equivalent to the girth of the snake.

[Mike41793]

Looks like a normal to me as well. If it's a male I'd feed it small rats. Female, maybe go a little bit bigger if you're trying to put weight on her to breed.

[Eric Alan]

She's plenty big for what we define as small rats.

Many new keepers think rat and picture those big guys in the sewers or something. Not the case at all! Small rats are typically 4.5-6 inches long (not including the tail) and weigh 50-90 grams. That is no bigger than paper money at the longest.

[Rob]

Normal

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Normal

[wldchldm]

She's plenty big for what we define as small rats.

Many new keepers think rat and picture those big guys in the sewers or something. Not the case at all! Small rats are typically 4.5-6 inches long (not including the tail) and weigh 50-90 grams. That is no bigger than paper money at the longest.

You know, I guess it's true because after I read this, I went to my freezer and opened up the box to have a look at how big the rats are and was surprised by how small they are :$ hehe oops... Is there anything else I can - or should - be feeding her as well as the mice/rats?

[Eric Alan]

Is there anything else I can - or should - be feeding her as well as the mice/rats?

Nope. Assuming she's comfortable and secure in her environment with you, a stable diet of appropriately sized rats will be good for her entire life.

Be sure to keep asking questions if you have trouble getting her eating with you. Every now again the bigger ones can be finicky after going to a new home and there are things you can try to help her out. The best thing may be to let her adjust for a bit on her own until she is eating regularly. Yes, this means trying to avoid taking her out and moving her around unnecessarily (which I know can be tough with your "shiny new toy"). It may not make a difference at all, or, it may make all the difference in the world. They each have their own personalities when it comes to feeding.

Enjoy your new addition!

[grcforce327]

You need to start by purchasing a camera that can take a decent picture.