Ball python growth

[Leoxander]

I bought my first ball python almost two months ago and I've noticed he's been growing, which makes me very happy I bought him from a pet store that had other ball pythons as well... they didn't know the exact age of them, but from their size they all looked about a couple months old. I just went to the same pet store today to buy more food; due to my snake's growth, I decided to go from fuzzies to hoppers since it seemed a lot more appropriate for his current size.

I also stopped to look at the other ball pythons that were there (the same ones that were with my boy when I got him), but I noticed that all of them are slimmer than mine (even the females). I couldn't judge the length since they were moving around, but my snake was definitely thicker. I haven't been overfeeding my snake (the first two weeks I had him he wouldn't eat, and after that I've been keeping it at one fuzzie per week, like they said they did for theirs). I also buy all his food from them, so really the only change in his diet is that I've switched from live to frozen (hence why he didn't eat at first). For about 2-3 feedings I dipped the rats in tuna juice to entice him with the scent, but now he'll eat without the tuna.

So I'm just wondering why my ball python is noticeably bigger than his brothers and sisters back at the pet store? Is it because of the tuna scenting I've used a few times? Or is it just his genetics making him a naturally faster growing snake? I'm hoping it's a sign he'll become big for a male ball python, but I want to make sure it's not something else going on.

He's otherwise very healthy looking... had a great shed in one piece (unlike the pet store unfortunately... theirs were coming off in pieces and had some stuck around the head) and eats readily now when offered. He hides all the time and moves around actively when I hold him with his tongue flicking around.

[CptJack]

I promise you he is less stressed and probably getting fed more often in a home than in a PetStore.

[satomi325]

All snakes grow at their own rate. They have different metabolisms. Two snakes that are the same age could be totally different sizes.

Also the snakes at the pet store are probably not eating as consistently since being in a petstore is stressful. Stress will make a snake go off feed. As will incorrect husbandry, which pet stores are known for.

Also pet stores aren't looking to bulk their animals fast and feed the bare minimum to be more economic.

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[Slim]

I can promise you that no matter what the pet store people tell you, they are doing maintenance feeding for the Ball Pythons still at the pet store. Are you feeding mice or rats?

[Leoxander]

I can promise you that no matter what the pet store people tell you, they are doing maintenance feeding for the Ball Pythons still at the pet store. Are you feeding mice or rats?

I'm feeding him rats since they're more nutritious.

[Slim]

I'm feeding him rats since they're more nutritious.

That's great!

[satomi325]

Rats and mice of equal size have the same nutrition. Its just more convenient to feed 1 rat vs multiple mice when he is larger.

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[Leoxander]

Hm, I've heard a few times that rats have a lot more protein in them than mice. Perhaps I am mistaken?

[Slim]

Hm, I've heard a few times that rats have a lot more protein in them than mice.

Voodoo Science...

[satomi325]

The only real difference between rats and mice is that rats have 1-2% more fat content. Other than that, everything is the same if you measure out feeders of equal size.

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