Feeding Schedule and Prey Size Question (July 11th hatchling)

[artgecko]

Hello guys,

I picked up my first hypo BP a couple weeks ago, a July 11th hatchling calico hypo female. At the time of purchase, the breeder told me she was eating f/t rat fuzzies every 5 days and that she would soon need to move up in size.

At this point, she is doing very well and has taken 3 meals for me (f/t rat fuzzies) without any issues. My dilema is that I neglected to order rat pups in my last order, so I've got a load of fuzzies and a package of weaned, but no size in between. I do have frozen mice, but would prefer to not expose her to those since she is taking rats so well.

So, should I try feeding multiple fuzzies at once (i.e. 2 in one feeding), feed more quickly than 5 days, or attempt feeding the smallest weaned I have?

I don't have a current weight on her (forgot to weigh when she came in and have not been disturbing her), but I can get one Thursday (she ate Tuesday night).

Any input would be appreciated... I have never had a BP this young before and want to make sure she stays on the right track.

[Regius_049]

So, should I try feeding multiple fuzzies at once (i.e. 2 in one feeding), feed more quickly than 5 days, or attempt feeding the smallest weaned I have?

I usually feed doubles/multiples in this scenario until they gain a little more mass, then go ahead with the larger prey size.

[bcr229]

You can offer two but feed weekly instead of on a five-day schedule for a while until your snake adjusts to the larger meals.

[EL-Ziggy]

I agree with Regius and BCR .

[artgecko]

Thanks guys! That sounds like a feasible plan. I will check her girth and weight before her next feeding (Sunday) and determine if she needs to move up. If so, then I will follow your advice and do a double feeding on a weekly basis.

She is my only snake on anything smaller than a "small" rat, so it would be great to use up all the fuzzies and weaned with her and not have any waste.

[bcr229]

This also assumes your snake will take two fuzzies. Some BP's take one prey item and consider themselves "done" even if that was a half-sized meal for them.

[artgecko]

Hmm... That is a good point. I will have to try and see what she does. she has been a very eager feeder so far, but I haven't observed her after a meal to see if she looks ready to take another.