Inconsistent feeding switching to rats

[F2007KR]

My juvenile male ball python, approx. 6 months old (haven’t weighed him) is outgrowing all but the largest breeder mice. I’m in the process of switching to rat pups. He will take them occasionally, but seems to skip a week in between feedings. If he rejects the rat, I hold off until the next week to offer another. Then during the second week, he will take it. The rat pup does not appear to be larger than the breeder size mice I was feeding him either. He did have a much stronger feeding response on mice.

Should I just hold him to a bi-weekly schedule? Or what adjustments do you suggest to help him be more consistent?

[Sonny1318]

That’s on you, most here will say to switch to rats. And it’s not surprising he’s eating every two weeks now instead of every one. Do you have a scale to weigh the Prey items? All my boys are mousers, and I have no issue with it. And my two seven year olds are in the 1800 to 1900 gram range. And of course they take multiples. Usually two, sometimes three depending on the time of year and the particular animal. A lot has to do with knowing your animals and or experience in the hobby. Best of luck, hope this helped. ✌️

[Bogertophis]

It sounds to me like he's just not as hungry so quickly with the rats- not sure I'd worry about that, as many captive snakes are over-fed, & they're healthier if slightly under-fed anyway.

Keeping him on mice wouldn't be wrong either, IMO, though the old breeder mice are higher fat content & not as good for him, nutrient-wise. Whatever you want to do- as long as he's eating.

[EL-Ziggy]

BPs aren’t very big snakes so having a “mouser” isn’t the end of the world, but if you really want him on rats then only offer rats. If he prefers eating them every 14 days that’s fine too.