Ball python feeding

[LittleTreeGuy]

I just got a ball last week and petco was having issues feeding him I just got a mouse today took him maybe 60 sec before latching and strangling him I was so happy such a big releife for me I thought maybe he was gonna give me issues too so I'm very happy there but my question is how do I judge or know when to stop feeding him 1 mouse a week and bump him up to 2 mice and I've herd both ways that mice are better than rats and rats are better than mice I'm not sure if my petco carrys rats but in your guys opinion mice or rats for a ball python hes only about 20 inches in length if that helps? But more concerened with knowing when I can bump him up to 2 mice I want him to grow quickly I like bigger snakes lol but I dont want to over feed him or underfeed him either you know...Thanks guys.
~Q-Ball~

A general rule of thumb is that a ball python should eat 10%-15% of it's body weight per meal. If your snake weighs 100g, then a mouse 10-15g would be enough for it's weekly meal. If you search the internet for mice/rat feeder sizes, it will give you approximate weights of different size mice and rats. A scale that measures in grams is a handy tool to have around.

Also, You said you moved him back to his cage after feeding... there is no reason to move him out of his cage to feed him. Just offer the food right in his cage. He'll be happier.

As for him being active... generally, mine will go into her hide after eating and will stay there maybe a day. You should have two identical hides, one on the hot spot of the tank, and another on the cool side of the tank. What are your cage/surface temperatures? If he's moving around a lot, maybe it's too hot.