Feeding help needed!!

[Valeriemarie]

Hello all, I am a new ball python mom- I've had her a couple months now. She was born in august- she eats one adult live mouse a week but I am wondering if I am feeding her enough. She's been more active lately and slithering around her tank a lot- is she looking for food!? Help......

[Kira]

Here's a feeding guide:

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...ing-Guidelines

Make sure you are weighing your ball python so you can give her an appropriately sized meal. Is she exploring at night or during the day? It's pretty common for them to be out and about at night- nothing to worry about. However, if it's during the day she may be stressed and/or hungry.

[Valeriemarie]

She has been out and about more than I have seen her- early evening...... I will try and weigh her this weekend

[MR Snakes]

Picture and size/weight would help but it might be time to move up. How old is she?

[Valeriemarie]

She was born in August so she is fairly you- I will try and figure out how to upload a pic

[Cheesenugget]

I think it is about time to switch to rats anyway, if you choose to. As it gets bigger, feeding 1 rat vs multiple mice would be more convenient and even cost effective. Secondly, I read that rats are recommended for the chunky type of snake (ie Ball pythons, boas, bloods at a young age, etc) because it takes longer to digest through it, thus matches with their slow metabolism and can be fed at a longer feed schedule. Whereas for mice, they work better for more active slender snakes (corns, kings, Children Python, most colubrids) because they can digest it quickly, use up the energy and they usually eat again in a week. Again, that is what I read and I have not found any concrete studies to back this up, though it makes some sense. Either way, if your snake is still hungry after 1 mouse, and it needs more food, feed another or try switching to 1 rat. Please check the size chart for details.

[Valeriemarie]

thank you for the feeding chart!!!

[MR Snakes]

I think it is about time to switch to rats anyway, if you choose to. As it gets bigger, feeding 1 rat vs multiple mice would be more convenient and even cost effective. Secondly, I read that rats are recommended for the chunky type of snake (ie Ball pythons, boas, bloods at a young age, etc) because it takes longer to digest through it, thus matches with their slow metabolism and can be fed at a longer feed schedule. Whereas for mice, they work better for more active slender snakes (corns, kings, Children Python, most colubrids) because they can digest it quickly, use up the energy and they usually eat again in a week. Again, that is what I read and I have not found any concrete studies to back this up, though it makes some sense. Either way, if your snake is still hungry after 1 mouse, and it needs more food, feed another or try switching to 1 rat. Please check the size chart for details.

Great explanation. I've never heard that before. Thanks