newb ?s

[baddawg91]

After i feed my snake how long should i wait to handle him again. And also how much should he weigh befor i give him adult mice.
THANKS

[RR - Mackenzie]

You should wait 24-48 hours. It depends on the age and size of the snake, and how much the adult mice usually weigh. Adult mice weigh about 30 grams.

[baddawg91]

Right now the mice im feedin are 8g think its kinda small he is 24in long and the biggest part of his body is like an 1'' around. Thanks for the info.

[Moofins07]

If you can, get a common kitchen scale (they often go for $15-$20) and weigh your BP. You should be feeding your snake 10-15% of their total body weight OR the prey item should be the same width, or slightly bigger, as the widest part of your snake's body. Those are the two most followed rules of thumb. Every 5 to 7 days.

[RR - Mackenzie]

If you can, get a common kitchen scale (they often go for $15-$20) and weigh your BP. You should be giving them 10-15% of their total body weight OR the prey item should be the same width, or slightly bigger, as the widest part of your snake's body. Those are the two most followed rules of thumb.

Another rule of thumb is that the prey should be around three times bigger than the snake's head

[Moofins07]

Another rule of thumb is that the prey should be around three times bigger than the snake's head

Haven't heard that one yet. Thanks!

[baddawg91]

If you can, get a common kitchen scale (they often go for $15-$20) and weigh your BP. You should be feeding your snake 10-15% of their total body weight OR the prey item should be the same width, or slightly bigger, as the widest part of your snake's body. Those are the two most followed rules of thumb. Every 5 to 7 days.

thank you

[DLoc]

Everything I've found suggests that the prey item should not be larger than the largest part of the ball python. If you have doubts about moving to adult mice, wait. You can always feed two medium mice if your ball appears dehydrated. (don't over feed because you think your ball is hungry. Constrictors are opportunistic feeders and will feed when ever the opportunity presents itself as long as husbandry conditions are right and can become obese.)
Personally I'm struggling with this myself. My ball is 9 mo old. My plan is to pay the $30 bucks for the vet to tell me for sure.

[Kaorte]

10-15% of the snakes body weight is a great rule of thumb to use for snakes under 1000g. Takes the guess work out of picking feeder sizes.