Feeding Frequency

[DM1975]

I have heard that bigger snakes have a slower metabolism than smaller snakes do. Hence the difference in feeding schedules.

[Kaorte]

I would say 10 days. Obesity can be a problem with ball pythons. You can slow down feeding when the snake is that large.

[mrshawt]

1400g large?

[mrshawt]

This is why I keep getting confused...
The majority says 7 days, and Kaorte says 10.

Oh poo.

[WingedWolfPsion]

Keep her on 7 days until she is 3 years old, would be my advice. At that point, re-evaluate. You no longer want her to be growing like a hatchling anymore, as she won't grow larger quickly--she'll start to get fat. So, 10 to 14 days for an ADULT snake.

At 1400 grams, your snake could be nearly adulthood, or it could be almost 2/3 of the way to being a big 2000 + gram snake. It depends on the age.

There is more observation and less of a formula involved in this. You can tell your snake is getting too fat when you start to see skin between the scales. They will also eventually develop a noticeable bulge by the vent, before the tail begins--the tail doesn't get fat. This is a sign of a very obese snake.

[mrshawt]

Cool. I've had her for a year and a half now, but I have no idea how old she was when I got her (stupid Petco ). I'd assume it would have to be in that range within a couple of months.

I will be on the lookout for the chubs haha.

[JLC]

This is why I keep getting confused...
The majority says 7 days, and Kaorte says 10.

Oh poo.

If you're looking for a set answer without any contradictions....you're gonna be awfully disappointed. And that's for ANY aspect of keeping them, not just feeding schedules.

When it comes down to some of these nitty-gritty details about what size rodent and how often, exactly, to feed...you have to apply a bit of common sense and personal observation and what works for you. If the snake consistently pounds the medium rat each and every week....nothing wrong with continuing that schedule. A female at 1400g still has plenty of growing to do and it won't hurt her at all. If the snake starts slowing down and skipping meals...then you can consider reducing the prey size to a small rat each week...or increasing the time between feedings.

What works for one person doesn't always work for someone else. And what works for one snake doesn't always work for the other snake in the same home.

[Neal]

The reason larger snakes is because of the size, and age. Like others stated, the older/bigger a snake the metabolism slows down, except maybe retics, I would feed them a bit sooner then every 2 weeks.

[eclipsesmommy]

my ball is soooo underweight it makes me sad when i handle him ):
im working a 3 large- every 6 days thing until he reaches appropriate weight. what ive learned is if he/she isnt hungry and doesnt need or want the mouse it wont take it so i just follow my bps lead