Ball Python very small for his age: how do I get him to grow?

[Lstewart]

So I just got my first ball python, he is 6 months old according to the breeder and weighs in at about 120 grams. After getting him I did tons of research and realized how tiny that is for his age, and then I realized his growth has probably been slowed down tremendously due to feeding practices. The breeder kept him on hopper mice all those months he had him, so right after I got him and realized he was still hungry after a hopper, I offered him a rat pup. He took it with no hesitation, and it is just about as big as the widest part of him so it seems to be the right size. The breeder also had him on a 7-day feeding schedule, so should I continue that or maybe feed him every 5-6 days? Just to clarify though, his spine is not sticking out at all or anything so he looks at quite a healthy weight for his SIZE, but not for his age. Does anyone have any tips on how I can speed up his growth in a healthy way? Please, if anyone has any tips or ideas it would be greatly appreciated, I just want to give my little guy the best I possibly can.

[Bogertophis]

Above all, be patient. Baby snakes grow slowly anyway- and they often don't appear to put on any weight because they get just a tiny bit longer at the same time, so it doesn't show in their width. Also, many breeders deliberately feed their young snakes a bit "light" so they don't grow too fast while waiting to be sold. He'll catch up in time- & remember that in the wild, he likely would have had even LESS to eat during that time.

Even if your snake is off to a somewhat slow start, don't worry about it, & don't over-feed him trying to hurry his growth. Remember that snakes normally still act hungry after they've just eaten (for hours up to a day+), & it's best if you learn to ignore that- otherwise you may find yourself cleaning up a regurgitated meal one of these days. Just like kids, snakes are only small for a while- their growth is subtle- be patient, & enjoy his small size while it lasts.

You might find this helpful-

[Lstewart]

Thank you, it’s a huge relief to hear it is somewhat normal for him to be on the smaller size. And of course I don’t want to/won’t overfeed him, I just wanted to make sure he’s eating enough. Thanks again!

[Bogertophis]

Thank you, it’s a huge relief to hear it is somewhat normal for him to be on the smaller size. And of course I don’t want to/won’t overfeed him, I just wanted to make sure he’s eating enough. Thanks again!

It's normal, & his health is way more important than size. Snakes grow their whole lives- he's got plenty of time to get bigger, & pushing too much food on him could do more harm than good.
Good question & it sounds like he's in good hands.

[EL-Ziggy]

Congratulations and best wishes with your new critter. If he’s 120g at 6 months that’s just fine. I’ve received yearlings that size. Breeders sometimes give them just enough food until they’re sold. Your BP will grow well now that he’s on a more aggressive feeding regimen. I agree that there’s no need to rush. Just take your time and enjoy the experience. BPs can be finicky so if he took a f/t rat pup for you I probably wouldn’t offer him any mice for a LONG time, if ever.

[bcr229]

BPs can be finicky so if he took a f/t rat pup for you I probably wouldn’t offer him any mice for a LONG time, if ever.

Bingo. Keep him on f/t rats for life and you will be much happier.

[Lstewart]

He seems to be a really good eater, he had no issues taking the pup so I’ll definitely keep him on rats! . Thank you to everyone for your help I feel much more informed now!