feeder size: rat VS mouse

[thomasK]

Hey guy's

First some good news: i've got my first BP switched from live to FT , hope the next one will also follow but she is really stubborn

But leaves the question:
I've read that rats are much more nutriciant for BP's then mice, is this true?
If so then i'd want my baby pastel switched over as soon as possible, because everybody knows: health and size matters
But my lack of experience leaves me with this: wich size rat is just a bit bigger than an adult mouse?

The BP i'm talking about now weighs about 223g, do you guys think its to soon to switch or it's good to switch?
When do you switch??

Thnx in advance

[hops523]

You can pretty much feed rats their entire life. I know some breeders will feed mice for the snakes first few meals, but then switch to rats. The sooner you switch to rats, the better in my opinion. At 223 grams you can feed a rat pup each feeding.

[anatess]

Check out this link:
http://www.frozenfeeder.com/sizing.html

The general rule of thumb is a feeder around 10-15% of the weight of the snake. So yeah, at your snake's weight, he'll be on rat pups.

[Jared2608]

This is exactly what I was wondering. I've read that babies can pretty much eat adult mice straight away, but what type of rat is suitable for new born up to 2 month olds. Could someone maybe give a general guideline as to age of BP vs Rat type?

I know it varies snake to snake but a general starting point would be really helpful!

[anatess]

This is exactly what I was wondering. I've read that babies can pretty much eat adult mice straight away, but what type of rat is suitable for new born up to 2 month olds. Could someone maybe give a general guideline as to age of BP vs Rat type?

I know it varies snake to snake but a general starting point would be really helpful!

I already answered this question. It is not the age - it is the size. A snake can hatch as a 35 grammer or a 75 grammer! Big difference in appropriate prey size for the same age bp!

10-15% of the snake's weight - that's the guideline. Look at the link I provided above for the weight classification of rat sizes. If the smallest rat is too big for your hatchling, then you go with a mouse.