F/T better at Petco or Petsmart? And newbie feeding question.

[Hoolym]

Neither isn't an option!

We just got our first BP (and first snake!) yesterday. Eventually I will order feeders online but I want to get a handle on what size he will eat before I stock up. I'd rather buy locally & small amounts at first even if it costs a little more.

The petstore was feeding him 1 hopper once a week. He's 122 g that's too small, right? He supposedly ate just a few hours before we bought him and I'm not sure I could even tell where the mouse was in him.

Is it ok to jump up 2-3 sizes at his first feeding? Going by the 15% rule he could be eating a medium or a large mouse. Or should I go up one size, then one size the next time? Supposedly he's a good eater, used to frozen. The clerk seemed to genuinely be a snake person but I also know not to believe most of what you hear at a pet store.

They didn't know exactly how old he was, estimated 6-8 months. 122g is kind of small for that age isn't it? I don't want to bother him by measuring but eyeballing I'd say he's about 14-15" long. I don't think he's emaciated but he could be rounder. Can't get a good picture without bothering him.

Since I suspect he's underfed, should I offer him food sooner than a week? He doesn't appear to be shy or spooked in his new home. I'm leaving him alone I promise! It's just that he's not hiding the whole time, he's been out to investigate things several times and doesn't seem to mind when someone walks by his cage or is watching him. He'll pause for a second when he notices but then continues doing what he was doing.

Last question, I'm in central Jersey. If there is someplace else I could buy frozen feeders (can not do live....just can't) in Monmouth or Ocean county I'd love to know.

Thanks!

[The Serpent Merchant]

yes that is too small, I would feed him 1 adult mouse every 5 days.

Your snake is probably 1-2 months old at that weight, my 8 month old weighs 700 grams 14-15 inches is about the size they are when they hatch. The perviously mentioned 8 month old is 3 feet long.

I can't give you any insight on exactly where to get feeders but there is bound to be a reptile store somewhere around you, just google or google maps reptile store or exotic pet store. many of these places will sell you frozen or fresh killed rodents. even mom & pop pet stores might have what you need.

[RestlessRobie]

I would move to rats as soon as possible and a Rat Fuzzie or Pup would be great for your snake. I would also look into your local Herp society and look for local breeder I have not had goos luck with the frozen feeders from Petco or Petsmart but they will work in a pinch.

[Evenstar]

I would move to rats as soon as possible and a Rat Fuzzie or Pup would be great for your snake. I would also look into your local Herp society and look for local breeder I have not had goos luck with the frozen feeders from Petco or Petsmart but they will work in a pinch.

x2. A rat fuzzy (which is a bit smaller than a pup) would be about right for a 122gm baby. I'd start with a fuzzy and move up gradually from there. No sense in shocking his little system too quickly.

But I am going to say "neither" in answer to your question. The thing is, you can gauge what size rodent your snake should be eating if you follow these 2 simple rules: 1) Feed a rodent that is about the same size around as your snake at its thickest point. And 2) feed a meal that is about 10-15% of your snake's body weight. So your baby should be eating a rodent that is about 12-18 grams. One rat fuzzy, one smallish medium sized mouse, or 2 mouse hoppers would equal about that - any of those choices would be an appropriate meal for your baby at this time.

Once you start ordering online, I personally would recommend Layne Labs. They have wonderful customer service and they have accurate size charts for all sizes of rodents on their website so you'd know exactly what you're getting. And their rodents are of exceptional quality, dry and absolutely pristine, and flash frozen neat and straight with legs and tail tucked under. And you can order is smaller quantities which is nice if you only have 1 or 2 snakes.

[Hoolym]

Thanks everyone!
There aren't many private pet stores around here and the NJ Herp societ page isn't live anymore.

I did find a pet store close to work that says it has frozen feeders, I'll check them out.

Monty (I know....) is longer than I thought. He was stretched out by the front of the cage so using the string method he's more like 21-22" long.

Layne Labs is where I will probably go but the shipping on a small order makes it so expensive! Once I know what he'll eat, I won't mind stocking up a bit.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Thanks everyone!
There aren't many private pet stores around here and the NJ Herp societ page isn't live anymore.

I did find a pet store close to work that says it has frozen feeders, I'll check them out.

Monty (I know....) is longer than I thought. He was stretched out by the front of the cage so using the string method he's more like 21-22" long.

Layne Labs is where I will probably go but the shipping on a small order makes it so expensive! Once I know what he'll eat, I won't mind stocking up a bit.

21-2 inches along with the weight pretty much gaurentees that your snake isn't a day over 3 months old.

[psychoduck]

an online site I would recommend is www.themousefactory.com . I have known the owner, Ray McQueen and his wife Edna since the 1990s and have always found them to be extremely knowlegeable and helpful when it comes to deciding the right size feeder to give your snake. Their number is on their page, call them up and you will probably speak with Edna and she will help you get set up with the correct size to feed your snake.