How much is too much??

[philippe]

So I have a 28 month old female whos going on her third winter. She weighs in at around 1000 grams and has always been a picky eater. During the winter she'll eat only about 4 or 5 rats in about 5 months time. Then during the summer she picks up again and eats voraciously for a short period of time. She recently got her appetite back and is downing rats consistently. When i go into the room she comes out of her hide clearly asking for more. When i do offer the rat she takes it in an instant. What i want to know is considering the fact that she barely eats during the winter how much can i feed her now during the short period of time that she will eat without doing her any harm. She is 1000 grams being fed small rats. Can i give her small rats as long as she is asking for them and she will stop eating when she is full or will she keep eating and make herself sick.
I am extremely glad she is eating consistently now and want to take advantage of the situation to bulk her up while i can, but i do not want to overfeed her.
All opinions and personal experiences are greatly appreciated.

[Hock3ymonk3y]

just give her one a week, maybe two if you really feel you should, but would say other than that it would be too much. The snake willl eats as many rats as you put in het cage because snakes are opportunistic feeders.

BTW, 1000 grams is really small for a 3 year old BP, but that is probably because she is a picky eater, right?

That is my opinon.

[ApexPredator]

I would take advantage of the fact that she is eating and feed it more to have her put on some needed weight. Ball pythons have a mind of their own and will eat until they are full and will fast for months on end without it mattering how many rats you try to feed'em.
HTH

[philippe]

well shes only 28 months old but your right she is small for her age even though she is quite long shes not at all bulky and it is because she is a picky eater thats why now that i have the opportunity im wondering if i should "powerfeed" to make her gain some needed weight while she does want to eat. I do not want to miss out on this chance but i do not want to harm her in the process. Shes far from obese and can clearly put on some weight so as long as shes asking for rats i should give them to her as long as she doesnt become obese right?

[ApexPredator]

Don't go and shove rats down her throat but I would feed her 1 or 2 extra rats if she is willing to take them on her own or you could offer her food a couple times a week if you are afraid to feed her too much in one sitting.

[greghall]

If she eats feed the crap out of her! & breed her this winter if she goes she will be more consistant eater after she lays & matures more.

[sg1trogdor]

Just a thought but how sure are you that shes actually a she?? Could be a male which are normally more slender just overall smaller.

[sg1trogdor]

r if she goes she will be more consistant eater after she lays & matures more.

Really I have never heard this. Not doubting just honestly have never heard this before.

[PythonWallace]

If she only eats for a few months out of the year, feed her as many rats as she will eat, while you have the chance. If I had a girl that only ate for half the year, I would feed her 2-3 rats a week if she would eat them. If she wants food give it to her, and make up for the months she fasts.

[4theSNAKElady]

If she only eats for a few months out of the year, feed her as many rats as she will eat, while you have the chance. If I had a girl that only ate for half the year, I would feed her 2-3 rats a week if she would eat them. If she wants food give it to her, and make up for the months she fasts.

Couldn't agree more....