Hello and progress thread

[Homebody]

[Bogertophis]

Hooray! First feed was a success! He snapped up the mouse right away. It was my first ever feed, what a cool experience

[ROSIEonFIRE]

Um so about feeds, the previous keeper was feeding a large mouse every 2 weeks. He’s 420g right now. Whadya guys think? Should I stick to that routine? It seems like he maybe should be eating a bit more to me.


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[Homebody]

Um so about feeds, the previous keeper was feeding a large mouse every 2 weeks. He’s 420g right now. Whadya guys think? Should I stick to that routine? It seems like he maybe should be eating a bit more to me.

The chart in my A New Keeper's Guide to Ball Pythons suggests every 7 days until he's 500 g. Then, switch over to a small rats every 7-9 days. That said, you're BP looks fine to me, and you just got him. So, I suggest that you maintain his feeding regimen for now.

[dakski]

If I missed it, I am sorry, but how long have had him? If you just had your first feed on 4-21-25, then feed him every 10-14 days for 3-4 consecutive feedings of whatever he was and is happily eating.

Once he is established and doing great with eating then I would switch to weaned rats every two weeks. When growing I would aim for 7-10% of body weight +/- every 2 weeks or so if that schedule works for you. Weaned rats fall right into that weight range. Do not feed a prey item bigger than the width of your snake. Always better to go a little smaller than bigger.

I would get him on rats when you can because as he grows he will need bigger meals than mice can offer. Easier to switch now.

Are you feeding Frozen/Thawed?

Good luck and keep us posted.

[ROSIEonFIRE]

If I missed it, I am sorry, but how long have had him? If you just had your first feed on 4-21-25, then feed him every 10-14 days for 3-4 consecutive feedings of whatever he was and is happily eating.

Once he is established and doing great with eating then I would switch to weaned rats every two weeks. When growing I would aim for 7-10% of body weight +/- every 2 weeks or so if that schedule works for you. Weaned rats fall right into that weight range. Do not feed a prey item bigger than the width of your snake. Always better to go a little smaller than bigger.

I would get him on rats when you can because as he grows he will need bigger meals than mice can offer. Easier to switch now.

Are you feeding Frozen/Thawed?

Good luck and keep us posted.

I got him on the 18th so brand new. Feeding FT.


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[KingPythons]

I agree, rats would be a better choice. Eventually you’ll find your self feeding 3 mice.


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[ROSIEonFIRE]

So glad it’s starting to warm up! I think he might be starting to go blue. Here comes the first shed!


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[dakski]

Nice. He looks great.

I would keep humidity up a little and let him shed. Then offer food after.

Also, how often are you handling him? I would not be handling until he has eaten 3 meals for you. Let him settle in. You have years to enjoy him. BP's can get stressed easily.

Really nice looking guy!

Good luck and keep us posted.

[ROSIEonFIRE]

Omg the little turd escaped. I thought this thing was fort k Knox! The only thing I can think might have happened is that the grommet wasn’t popped in all the way and he managed to climb a literal WIRE and escape. I came to check and see if he’d shed yet to find a piece of skin and NO SNAKE!! It took me 45 minutes to find him he’d climbed up into the upholstery in one of my easy chairs omg


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