What size food?

[Montypython696]

The topic says it all. What size food, gram wise. Would you guys feed to a 239-245 gram female ball? I've read that, the rule of thumb is 15% of the body weight is the way to go, and 15% of 240 is roughly 35 grams. Now my other question would be, my largest mice I have right now are only 20 grams. But I have small rats that weigh 30 grams. Would it be safe to try and feed her a small rat at her weight and age? She completely ignores my mice when I try to feed. So I don't know what to do.

[bfirecat]

Most people feed 10-15% of body weight.

Mice only get so big, I would suggest switching over to feeding rats
People feed rat pups to hatchling balls, so your ball should have no problem with a rat weanling.

If the ball python is ignoring you, make sure all the basic things are met, like temperature/humidity/security.
Also, try not to feed to often, if she does not eat, leave her alone until the next feeding day.

Good luck!

[Montypython696]

That's what I wanted to hear. She's in a twenty long about 88 degrees and 58% humidity. I tried feeding yesterday with a 20 gram mouse, and she wouldn't have anything to do with it. I'm going to try a rat pup next time. I need to get this girl to eat!

[BHReptiles]

I would offer a rat in the 25-35g range and feed that weekly. I only use the 10-15% rule until they hit about 500g...then everyone is on small rats (which to me are 50-75g) and then onto mediums if they go over 2000g. Also, once they start eating rats, don't offer mice

[Montypython696]

I'll try feeding her a small rat next Thursday, when its feeding day again. I'm just getting worried about her, I know its only been two weeks, but I haven't gotten her to eat yet. I really hope she takes it. She's the jewel of my collection, and I really want to make sure she's healthy.

[BHReptiles]

I'll try feeding her a small rat next Thursday, when its feeding day again. I'm just getting worried about her, I know its only been two weeks, but I haven't gotten her to eat yet. I really hope she takes it. She's the jewel of my collection, and I really want to make sure she's healthy.

2 weeks is nothing! I've had a female on breeding loan at my house since January and she's eaten maybe 3 times. 2 weeks is nothing for a small snake.

[Neal]

Best comparison even better then 15% of the body weight is to not feed anything larger then the largest part of the snake. Though you can get away with going a tad bit bigger, but I don't recommend it. I've only done this on the occasion of not being able to get anything else.

[Montypython696]

I shot the breeder an email about her not eating. And he suggested trying a smaller cage. She's in a 20 gallon long now, but when she was with the breeder was in a 12 or 15 quart tub. He said there's a good chance she may need a smaller enclosure and she's stressing out over it. The thing is though, she's never out during the day, and is only out and about during the night. He also suggested keeping her on the mice, since that's what she was eating there. What do you guys think?