New to Ball Pythons, Feeding Question.

[Kwings3]

This is my new Ball Python. I got him from the only pet store we have available (petsmart) and the girl there said that they were being fed pinkies on Tuesdays and on Fridays Most of what I've read says to feed about once a week or so and I'm wondering if he should be eating something bigger than a pinkie. I added a picture for size comparison, he's only like a foot and a half give or take. Should I keep him on the feeding schedule petsmart had him on or should I be doing something totally different? I've become very attached to this fella, I want to make sure I do everything right.

[Greekinese]

Pinkies seem too little by the looks of him. Get yourself a digital food scale and get his weight to determine appropriate food for him.

10-15% of his body weight every 5-7 days up to 500g is what most people will say...

The problem is that Petco has pretty limited frozen food options. You might have to research to find a rodent supplier near you.
A lot of suppliers have pretty steep shipping costs to get frozen rodents to you.

[Rawbbeh]

Usually hatchling/baby BP's are eating Pinky Rats as their first meals. That definitely makes sense...

but definitely not pinkie mice...that's what you feed a baby corn snake or hog nose or kingsnake etc.

[Capray]

Looks to me like rat pups would be good for him. The ones that have just opened their eyes. Feed him something thats no bigger than the widest point of his body. Could you weigh him for us?

Congratulations on your first bp!


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[Flikky]

If you can't find rats, I'd feed him adult mice. Pinkies are shockingly small for him. But do get rat pups if possible. Once a week is perfect

[Luciferskeeper]

Mouse pinks are much too small even for a hatchling. A rat pup once a week should be suitable for him. What's his current weight?

[Steve-o M]

Here are two web sites that might help you out http://www.frozenfeeder.com/ http://www.bhbreptiles.com/main.aspx?Page=feedchart

[Gerardo]

He can definately eat rat pups. Mice pinkies are a snack not a meal.