I don't know if it helps at all, but from 1995-2001 I was routinely feeding my adult ball pythons large and jumbo F/T rats ... based on the advice of several friends that were maintaining large collections of ball pythons, for the last 6 years I've fed live and nothing larger than a small rat ... I personally feel that my collection is doing much better now than before. I have a little over 10 years worth of data to base my opinions on (as well as practical experience of getting to see 700+ ball pythons day in and day out) and I'm quite happy with the switch. And with the success that I've been having the last several years raising and breeding my animals I'm quite sure that they are thriving.

I'm not telling anyone how to feed their own snakes, nor am I suggesting that anyone doing things differently is wrong ... I'm only sharing the way I do things and what works for me ... take it for what it's worth.

The good news is that there is no ONE WAY to care for these animals ... some people use paper, some use mulch ... some feed at night, some feed during the day ... some feed large, and some feed small ... the important thing is that the animals are being cared for and that we all share this common bond ... we love these magnificent creatures!

However you choose to care for your snakes ... good for you … enjoy them … there are people out there that would love to see you not own a single one!!!

humbly,
-adam