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  1. #1
    BPnet Lifer Eric Alan's Avatar
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    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:




    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!
    Last edited by mlededee; 05-13-2023 at 08:05 AM. Reason: adding in text table
    Find me on Facebook: E.B. Ball Pythons and Instagram: @EBBallPythons

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  3. #2
    BPnet Senior Member Lizardlicks's Avatar
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    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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  5. #3
    BPnet Lifer Eric Alan's Avatar
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    Re: Ball Python Feeding Guidelines

    Quote Originally Posted by Lizardlicks View Post
    I like that is has a different feeding schedule for if you're raising your snake as a breeder or a pet. Very useful!
    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.
    Last edited by Eric Alan; 12-30-2016 at 06:40 PM.
    Find me on Facebook: E.B. Ball Pythons and Instagram: @EBBallPythons

  6. #4
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    Re: Ball Python Feeding Guidelines

    Great job Eric!

    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

  7. The Following User Says Thank You to dmt_jovi For This Useful Post:

    Eric Alan (12-31-2016)

  8. #5
    BPnet Senior Member cletus's Avatar
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    Good info Eric. Thanks for posting!

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    Eric Alan (12-31-2016)

  10. #6
    Registered User Ratikal's Avatar
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    Re: Ball Python Feeding Guidelines

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

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    Eric Alan (12-31-2016)

  12. #7
    BPnet Veteran Ogre's Avatar
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    Re: Ball Python Feeding Guidelines

    Agreed on the sticky.
    2.3 Ball Python (Thanatos(lesser cinnamon vanilla), Prince(banana vanilla dinker). Lucifer(normal), Snailtail(lesser cinnamon vanilla pastel), Nagini(normal))
    1.1 Red Tail Boa (Satin,Tiberius)
    0.1* Rottwieler (Lola)

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    Eric Alan (12-31-2016)

  14. #8
    Registered User jbzapanda's Avatar
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    Re: Ball Python Feeding Guidelines

    This so useful! Thanks Eric
    1.0 Coral Glow - Jumbi

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    Eric Alan (12-31-2016)

  16. #9
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    Re: Ball Python Feeding Guidelines

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

    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.
    Ball Python
    0.1 Lesser (Lucille) local pet store
    Boas
    0.1 Caulkers Cay (CC) from TJ Blevins (Second City Constrictors)
    1.0 Sunglow het moonglow (Sonny) from Dustin Dirnberger
    1.0 BCI - DH Sharp Snow (Bob) from TJ Blevins (Second City Constrictors)
    1.0 Brazillian Rainbow Boa (Babylon) from Ike Lightener (Ike's Exotics & Aquatics)
    Pythons
    0.0.1 Unknown/undocumented rescue (Roger)
    1.0
    Northern White Lip (Solo)
    Cats

    1.1 Domestic short hair (Esther and James)
    Snake Wishlist
    Drymarchon Malanurus (Black Tail Cribno)
    SD/D Retic
    Woma or Black Headed Python
    Other Reptile Wishlist
    Poison dart frogs

  17. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to BR8080 For This Useful Post:

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  18. #10
    BPnet Royalty ballpythonluvr's Avatar
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    Re: Ball Python Feeding Guidelines

    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!

  19. The Following User Says Thank You to ballpythonluvr For This Useful Post:

    Eric Alan (12-31-2016)

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