What size rat to feed?

[littlej]

I'm planning on getting a ball python, my first snake, in January from the Cin City Reptile Show. I visited it in October, just to see if any in particular caught my eye, and I talked to a breeder for a bit, who I anticipate that I will buy from in January. I can't recall the age she usually sells them at, but most of them were around an inch and a half at the largest part of their body. I'm unaware of weight, but I know people usually buy food about the same size of the snake's girth. So, can anyone tell me what rat size would be best upon buying the snake, and how much should I get before buying a bigger rat size? Weaned, small?

[tttaylorrr]

this should help you get started.
you should be able to ask what the snake is eating and buy the appropriate size at the show. i'd guess most baby beeps at the show would be eating small mice.

[Sunnieskys]

It goes by weight of the snake not girth. 10% of the snakes body weight so up to 200 g either a rat fuzzy or small mouse then at about 200g switch up to rat pups. Always ask the breeder what size they are feeding, when was the last feeding, what is their last weight, live or f/t and birthdate. I also got the sire and damns info as well.

[Craiga 01453]

^^^ what tttaylorrr said ^^^

[Sunnieskys]

Oh, and start setting up your tank now to get the husbandry correct. The more you are prepared and set before your beep comes home the less stress and they will eat better too.

[Craiga 01453]

Oh, and start setting up your tank now to get the husbandry correct. The more you are prepared and set before your beep comes home the less stress and they will eat better too.

Great advice!

[SDA]

If you are concerned with what type of scale to get.. Any food scale that can weigh up to 5000 grams will do just fine. Get a tub or bowl and use that to contain them while you weigh them. Online at Amazon, in store at Walmart, Target, or Bed Bath and Beyond should have one for not too much. Weighing your snake is an important part of your husbandry routine.

[littlej]

Wow. Thank you all for your quick responses! Sunnieskys, thank you for the tip! Right now, I'm seeing what I have that I can use from my leopard gecko, and will soon be buying supplies.