Okay to feed 2 small rats to an adult BP?

[Chakajo]

I accidentally thawed two rats. I don't want the other to go to waste. The snake is about 42" +/-. His previous owner had him on mediums, but after a feeding incident I was advised here to switch to smalls, so I've been giving him one every 5 days. He has been on the thin side since we got him, not unhealthy, but he could use some more flesh on his bones.

Thanks for any advice. I don't know what answers I'll get at 1am my time. I'll err on the side of caution and toss the rat if I must. I don't want to give him a meal too large to handle.

[Vypyrz]

He should be able to handle 2 small rats at that size. I am only assuming the small rats weigh somewhere between 50-80 grams. That would give somewhere between 100-160 grams of prey and medium rats generally fall within that weight range. It just depends on whether or not the snake will want the second one and even try for it.

Another option would be to just re-freeze the rat. I don't usually do this, but some people do if it hasn't been thawed for too long...

[jfreels]

I'm not a fan of re-freezing. I'd offer the second.

[kellysballs]

Refreezing is not harmful to the snake(per the Barkers Ball Python book). If you haven't already done so offer the second prey item and if you snake refuses it refreeze it. I would not however freeze a prey item 3 times. If it is refused after the 2nd thaw toss it.

[Chakajo]

Thanks for the advice. I feel better about my decision to go ahead and give it to him. He gobbled it right down more furiously than the first

[Flatheadhunter33]

I was actually going to post something something similar! Tonight was the first time that my BP ever took a rat. I moved her up to small rats and was worried that she would not take it after I thawed it. She struck at it but dropped it so I got worried. I left her to it for a while and by the time I came back she had it down! When I went to put her back in her cage, she curled back and looked like she was still in the mood for more so I thawed a med mouse and she took that also right away! Now she's kicking back in her cage with a full belly.