Congrats on getting him, and congrats on a successful first feeding. They often don't eat right after changing homes.


They don't get "full" in the sense that mammals do. In the wild, if they come upon a nest of rodents, they may gorge themselves...and then not eat again for months. If you feed your snake too much at one time, he may eat it all, but then you may have trouble getting him to eat again later.

Your best bet is to provide the proper sized prey item (the size of your bp, by your description, I think a small or med rat would be perfect) just once a week. Feed on the same day each week, with the same routine. If he skips a meal, just wait until his next scheduled feeding to try again.

Anyhow...steady, regular, conservative meals will keep your snake healthy and "happy." Don't worry about trying to fill him up.

OH, and by the way....when he struck at your hand, it was very likely that he was just still in hunt/feed mode and saw something warm come into his field of view...either that, or you scared him...feeding time is very vulnerable for them. Next time, wait until he's all done "hunting" and goes back into his hide to sleep, before trying to mess around in the enclosure...but hopefully you shouldn't have to mess around at all anyhow, on feeding day.