I want my BP to put on some weight

[Tiger]

To me my BP Spazz is lookin a bit thin She eats large mice do I go rats or just give her a mice or two more?

[led4urhead]

If he/she is big enough ... it might be time to switch to rats. Feeding one prey at a time is better than multiple.

[Tiger]

Thanks

[Blink]

If he/she is big enough ... it might be time to switch to rats. Feeding one prey at a time is better than multiple.

I agree with you that feeding one prey at a time seems better.
I've heard from others on this forum that multiple prey items are better, because thats what they do in the wild. :?

Also, when picking out Mice/rats ... pick one a little bigger than the widest part of your snake.

[Tiger]

Is the whole picking the prey a lil bigger supposed to do somethin

[Cody]

Yes, your bp will do a little breakdance after it eats it.

Usually you gauge your prey size by matching it to the size of the thickest part of your snake. It doesn't necessarily have to be a bit bigger. As long as the rodent you get it the same size as your snakes thickest part, it's perfect. A litle bigger just means you'll see a noticable lump and it's a bit more filling I guess.

[Tiger]

Cool

[Tigergenesis]

I agree with you that feeding one prey at a time seems better.
I've heard from others on this forum that multiple prey items are better, because thats what they do in the wild.

No...that's not the reason. Not that I wan't to start the discussion again, but here's a link for more info:
http://www.ball-pythons.net/index.ph...ghlight=#50541

I just wonder though, what's the reasoning behind when people say it's better to feed one prey item? I only ask because it's one of those things people say but never include the reason - so I wonder if it's one of those 'rules' that someone stated and just continues to be repeated w/o any facts/proof behind it.

[Marla]

A former regular of this forum was emphatic in encouraging that position, if you recall TigerG. His theory was that it wasn't as hard on the digestive system. My thought is, as long as the snake is getting enough to eat of nutritious prey items (not pinkies or wild-caught rodents, etc.), then the only really important factor left is whether the prey is offered live. I don't think an adult ball python who eats 5 mice every 10 days is 'suffering' any more than one who eats 1 large rat every 10 days.

[Smulkin]

Just a lot more fur to move through the digestive system. Rat bran all the way, baby!