How Often to Feed?

[butterballpython]

I've had my bp for 5 days now and fed him once. The smallest rat fuzzies are the right size, and his hides are cut in half coconut shells with a little door cut out that I got at the pet store. He fits completely inside them. He's still small. I was told he weighed about 150 grams last week.

His first meal here was on Monday morning because he had a lump inside him when he came that looked like he had a meal already. By Sunday night it was gone. I'm just glad he likes f/t, because if a rat were ever to get loose in the house, I would be one very unhappy person. It would be waaaaay worse than when crickets escape.

Is there some sort of guide as to how often you feed them, maybe so many days apart for a snake that's so many grams? I've heard of snakes going a week, two weeks, and even a month between feedings, but that has to be for older adults.

He struck at me once, but didn't bite. He just bopped me with his nose. Maybe he just wanted to be left alone, but I want him to become hand tame.

Thank you for your time and patience with my newbie questions.

[bcr229]

At this age once every 5-7 days is appropriate. When my males hit 700-800 grams I push them out to a 10-14 day schedule, sooner if they start fasting on their own or exhibit behaviors like "killing" the feeder but not eating it.

[Slim]

I feed them about 10% ish of their body weight until they hit about 500 grams. After that I offer a small rat every 7 days.

[butterballpython]

Thank you. I'll offer him another rat fuzzy on Sunday. It'll be a while before he hits that weight. I just took him out, and he didn't even offer to strike.

[LittleTreeGuy]

Thank you. I'll offer him another rat fuzzy on Sunday. It'll be a while before he hits that weight. I just took him out, and he didn't even offer to strike.

That's good if you mean striking at you...

If you meant to eat, just know that it's better for the BP to feed them in the same enclosure that they live in. They'll be less stressed and likely eat better in their own home.

[JoshSloane]

One appropriately sized rodent once a week. That's it. For all ages. Don't make this too difficult.

[butterballpython]

Thanks, everybody! This forum is great for help.

Yes, by striking I was referring to striking at me. He seems to want to avoid trouble and doesn't seem to want to be aggressive toward me. When I got bopped by his nose (not struck) I'd just lifted the cover off his cage and startled him. He was probably asleep. When he struck at the rat, he moved so fast it startled me. I'm going to need larger feeding tongs when he grows a bit, LOL. Talk about moving fast!