Over feeding?

[M&H]

Sorry doing too many things at once

Small Rats (4-6 weeks) and Medium Rats (6-8 weeks) are a size where you would be feeding multiple mice if you have a mouser.

[Lazarus1437]

This is one thing that I stumbled across for sizes http://www.frozenfeeder.com/sizing.html

[dart]

Check out Rodent Pro's website. They have nutritional info on there. It isn't a MAJOR difference, but they are still a bit more nutritious than mice. Actually, a quick google search should turn up several results if you want further proof. Also rats are a more substantial meal and switching an adult that has imprinted on mice can be a real pain. Anyone who has ever had an adult mouser knows what a pain in the butt it is feeding 3-5+ mice at a time vs. one appropriate sized rat.

If the prey is the same size, how would rats be more substantial? I only ask because you're more educated in this subject than I am. As far as that graph goes, it looks like Mice are higher in Gross energy kcal/g up to 10g+ size.

[Brion99]

If the prey is the same size, how would rats be more substantial? I only ask because you're more educated in this subject than I am. As far as that graph goes, it looks like Mice are higher in Gross energy kcal/g up to 10g+ size.

I think the main thing to consider is that eventually the snake will need substantial meals, and that can either be 4-5 mice or 1 med rat, which do you think is better for both you and (more importantly) the snake??

None of the local shops around here sell anything smaller than small rats, so I've had to raise my 2 on mice until they can handle a small rat (my Enchi just switched). I've been pretty lucky so far in switching them, but my Lesser wouldn't take rats this winter, only mice (when he ate)...likely because he was started on rats so late.

Starting on fuzzy rats would be my preference by a LONG shot.

[Royal Chick]

Definitely not over feeding. Don't worry, if they're full they'll just refuse. Try getting your BP on a feeding schedule, every Wed after noon, Fri night after work, something like that, keep it simple and convienient for you. If it takes food every five days that means it's a healthy BP and it's a growing baby relax, have fun with him/her, and enjoy the experience. Ask questions whenever you need we're here for ya.