Mice a few times a week instead of rats?

[200xth]

Hi there!

So I have a question regarding my ball python's meals. Would it be safe to feed ball pythons jumbo mice a few times a week rather than one rat once a week? Perhaps adding a chick here and there? I'm not new to ball pythons, but I am highly allergic to rats (long story) and before I sell my loved and gorgeous animals, I want to explore all areas before doing so.

My rat allergy has gotten to the point where my throat will close up with exposure to rats. YES hairless rats have the same effect on me (I am allergic to skin, pee, and saliva). ASF's are too expensive to feed, and I do not want to breed my own. I tried it. I do feed frozen thawed and it still has an effect on me.

I heard people suggesting chicks but I feel like it's more of a "treat" than anything else. They aren't made to live on birds alone.

I thought I would ask considering in the wild Ball pythons invade ASF's nest and gobble them down before moving to the next nest. These rats are actually smaller than regular rats (less "fat" than regular rats). Hence why I thought of JUMBO mice, but a few a week. Also I have read Ball pythons do better having smaller meals more often instead of a regular sized rat once a week. Also why I thought jumbo mice a few times a week would be a decent idea.

I understand it would probably cost more, and That the fat might now be high enough, and the nutrition might not meet the needs. However I am considering trying this experiemnt for a month or so, keeping a close eye on their weights and growth.

Is this worth a try? Any other suggestions regarding possible food items that they could eat instead?

Thank you in advance!

Both mice and chicks are both nutritionally adequate for a BP to live on. You'll have to feed multiples of either, but they are fine as far as nutritional content goes.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20626504

You can also look at trying quails and maybe gerbils if you want.