Feeding Question

[Dabonus]

I picked up a 7 month old ball python about 10 days ago, and the owners had only been feeding him small pinkies once a week. Now from what I've read on here that seems a bit small for a growing baby. I offered him a pinkie after he had been left alone for 5 days, and he took it without any problems. His neck is only about as big around as a pencil, but the widest part of his body is just slightly smaller than a small mouse. Would it be alright to make the jump to small mice when it's feeding time, or should I try keep him on pinkies only offered more frequently?

[Elise.m]

I'd give him a hopper at first, maybe a few times. Then bump him up to adult mice.

[snakesRkewl]

I'd give him a hopper at first, maybe a few times. Then bump him up to adult mice.

Ditto.

[mpkeelee]

definitely bump him up to something bigger. i go by the 10-15% rule and its working out good.

[Dabonus]

The local store doesn't carry anything called a hopper, so I picked some of these up:



And this isn't the best picture, but hopefully it can help in some way:

[Animals As Leaders]

What you have there is perfect.

Its ok for there to be a noticeable bulge after the eat. After a few days the bulge should dissipate. When you can't see the bulge after the snake just ate, it might be a good idea to up the prey size. Just my two cents..

[Dabonus]

Thanks a lot guys. Tomorrow is feeding day, and hopefully he'll not hesitate with a larger meal.

[Animals As Leaders]

Thanks a lot guys. Tomorrow is feeding day, and hopefully he'll not hesitate with a larger meal.

Trust me if he/she is as old as you say then there should be no problem at all. My female was eating small rats by 7 months lol

[Dabonus]

He had no problem going for the bigger prey, but I accidentally dropped it while I was holding it in front of him and he kinda struck it at a weird angle. Right now he is trying to swallow it tail first with little luck. Hopefully he can figure out a way to get it all down.

[Dabonus]

Problem solved! He gave up on the tail first method after a while. After just laying on top of it for a bit he figured it was best to go head first, and he's safely back in his hide how.

Thanks again for all the help.