Originally Posted by ~Osiris~
Thank you all for your help!!
I am definitely switching to cage feeding, and going to try live prey. She is about 150 grams and I think if I de-fang the small rodent I should have a happy lil' active and plump breeder ufo python!!
Thanks in advance for all of the friendly forum answers in advance too my next question.
Do any of you have advice on when to know when not to handle the snake?I dont want to stress her and I out while we bond, but need to know signs of aggressive behavior. Defensive behaviors, etc.
You can handle the snake 24-48 hours after they have eaten. Aggressive strike is striking in and out of the enclosure. They are literally attacking you. Defensive strike is striking when you come too close and they don't want to be bothered and will shy away. But most balls won't do this. They would rather ball up than fight. (Hence the name ball python)
Either way, getting bitten is no big deal. A paper cut hurts more.
Do not defang the feeder. Instead, be proactive about being responsible about feeding live.
Some responsible live feeding tips:
1) Feed the appropriate size food. I like smaller and more frequent meals than larger and less often. Weanlings and small rats are safe and harmless(to some extent). They're also not as conscious to danger as an adult would be. Adult rats can pack a nasty bite and are much stronger at fighting back, which is why "smaller and more frequent" is the way to go. I feed all of my adults weaned/small rats once a week. And multiple smalls for the big girls. A medium size would be the max appropriate size for a ball python.
2) Keep the feeder well fed and hydrated. They're less likely to see your snake as food. Hungry rats are dangerous rats. They will eat your snake if left unattended for extended periods of time. This is the reason for most snake killing incidences.
3) Don't dangle the live feeder. This puts them in panic mode. A freaked out feeder is a dangerous feeder. Gently place the feeder into your enclosure. Calm feeders are good.
4) Monitor your feedings and keep a tool, such as tongs, on hand to assist your snake in case the feeder tries to bite down. I use a chop stick to stick in the feeder's mouth if its in a bad position.
5) Don't keep the feeder in with your snake longer than 30 mins max or so. Some people have a shorter time frame. If he doesn't eat within that time frame, take out the feeder and save it for next week.
If your snake is only 150 grams, rat pups are harmless. Think toddler age. Mice of the equivalent size may pack more of a punch since they are older in age. Just be aware and vigilant.
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