Quote Originally Posted by katia View Post
with rats or hamsters you get much more versatility in size. i have a male BP whose 800 grams, and he eats a blackbear hamster about once every 3 weeks.
you do not want to feed hamsters.

Hamsters are extremely aggressive rodents that can inflict serious damage. I have been bitten several times by hamsters and they draw blood and don't let go. This isn't like a rat nipping you (been there, done that as well). Would you want to risk that with your snake? Ball pythons can imprint on prey. Hamsters are expensive and not commonly found in a lot of areas. If you ever have to rehome your animal you'd be putting this burden on someone else. This is the same reason i'll recommend mice and rats over gerbils 100% of the time for CB snakes.

Rats and mice are suitable prey for ball pythons, they are also much more common and generally more affordable.

OP, how big is your snake, how much does it weigh and how old is it? Possibly a picture of the tank set up will help diagnose the issue as well.