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  1. #1
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    Could I feed my Ball Python two of these rats?

    I have an approximately 16 month old ball python, and I usually just feed him one appropriately sized rat once a week.
    There's always a noticeable lump in his body after he eats, but it's not too prominent.
    I'm wondering if I should start feeding him two rats, since he often acts hungry the day after he eats.
    He's a very healthy snake and he has everything he needs, but I'm just worried that I might not be feeding him enough. Would two rats be too much?

    Any advice is appreciated!

  2. #2
    BPnet Lifer Skittles1101's Avatar
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    If it's appropriately sized, why would you want to feed two? Is there a reason why you can't go to the next size up?
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  3. #3
    BPnet Lifer sho220's Avatar
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    I would think if there's a noticeable lump he would be good with what you're feeding him now. Do you have a scale to weigh him and the rats?
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    I don't have a scale.

    And it just feels to me that he's not getting enough, since he's acting hungry 99% of the time. I'd go the next size up, but I have tons of rats left and I'd hate to waste them.

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    BPnet Lifer sho220's Avatar
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    If there's a visible lump after feeding, and he's acting hungry the next day, I think you may be mis-interpreting how he's acting. If a feeding leaves a visible lump, he should hide for a few days while digesting.

    What do you have him in? Temps? Hides? All that stuff...

    And there's no need to waste the rats. You can feed multiple prey items per feeding, or just shorten up the time between feedings...i.e...feed every 4-5 days insted of every 7 days...
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    Re: Could I feed my Ball Python two of these rats?

    Quote Originally Posted by Skep View Post
    I don't have a scale.

    And it just feels to me that he's not getting enough, since he's acting hungry 99% of the time. I'd go the next size up, but I have tons of rats left and I'd hate to waste them.
    If there is a noticeable lump he is being fed enough already. No need to add more or feed more often.

    Look at you post here. "just feels to me", "he's acting hungry". These are just thoughts you are having. You have no idea what the snake is thinking or feeling. Like the other poster said you are just misinterpreting your snake. You stated you are feeding him an appropriate sized prey and he has a noticeable lump after. If you are feeding him weekly that means he is eating enough. Just because he might move around, or what ever it is you are reading off him, doesn't mean he is hungry and you should start to over feed him.

    You are doing great already. Just stop trying to assume what you feel is the same as your snake.

    Keep up what you are doing and the snake will be good.
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  7. #7
    Telling it like it is! Stewart_Reptiles's Avatar
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    Who said there should be a prominent lump?

    There is no lump when I feed animals that age and they are far from starving.
    Deborah Stewart


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