Questions...feeding and housing

[pitbulls4me]

First, tonight when I was feeding my ball python his f/t rat, when he constricted it, the rats stomach came open revealing its intestines and such. The snake was still interested in the food but then later he let go of it. I took it out thinking maybe it wasn't good for him to eat the rat when it was completely open like that. Am I right or would it have been ok for him to eat it anyways?

Second, I was watching him move all around his tank tonight and was wondering if a 20 gallon long tank was too small for him? He is as long as the tank now. Would a 40 gallon be too big if I could get my temps right? Or is he fine in the 20 gallon?

[blackcrystal22]

First, tonight when I was feeding my ball python his f/t rat, when he constricted it, the rats stomach came open revealing its intestines and such. The snake was still interested in the food but then later he let go of it. I took it out thinking maybe it wasn't good for him to eat the rat when it was completely open like that. Am I right or would it have been ok for him to eat it anyways?

Second, I was watching him move all around his tank tonight and was wondering if a 20 gallon long tank was too small for him? He is as long as the tank now. Would a 40 gallon be too big if I could get my temps right? Or is he fine in the 20 gallon?

Backwards. If he's moving around, he's stressed and looking for a hiding place.
Depending on his age and size a 20 gallon may or may not be too large for him. I recommend 20 gallons for adults or large juveniles only. If your snake is a baby, it could be stressed for being in too large of an enclosure. Make sure the cage is cramped with plants and nice tight non-log hides.

The rat would be fine for him to continue eating if he eats it.

[Slim]

I feed F/T and about once a month or so, one of my BP's will pop a rat. I just let them go ahead and eat it. Haven't had a problem with it yet.

[llovelace]

First, tonight when I was feeding my ball python his f/t rat, when he constricted it, the rats stomach came open revealing its intestines and such. The snake was still interested in the food but then later he let go of it. I took it out thinking maybe it wasn't good for him to eat the rat when it was completely open like that. Am I right or would it have been ok for him to eat it anyways?

Second, I was watching him move all around his tank tonight and was wondering if a 20 gallon long tank was too small for him? He is as long as the tank now. Would a 40 gallon be too big if I could get my temps right? Or is he fine in the 20 gallon?

Was he wandering b4 or after you fed him?

[llovelace]

I feed F/T and about once a month or so, one of my BP's will pop a rat. I just let them go ahead and eat it. Haven't had a problem with it yet.

Why do they pop? I only feed live, tried f/t they want no parts of it.

[pitbulls4me]

He was moving around after I fed him. I think he wasn't too happy that I took the rat away. He eventually settled down into one of his hides. He normally doesnt move around much other than switching hides. We are in the middle of redoing his tank so there is only 2 hides and a water dish right now. I am not sure how old the snake is or how much he weighs... I am waiting on my tax money and that will change. He will go to a vet to get checked out and everything.

Thanks for the info... I feel bad now for taking the rat!

[blackcrystal22]

He was moving around after I fed him. I think he wasn't too happy that I took the rat away. He eventually settled down into one of his hides. He normally doesnt move around much other than switching hides. We are in the middle of redoing his tank so there is only 2 hides and a water dish right now. I am not sure how old the snake is or how much he weighs... I am waiting on my tax money and that will change. He will go to a vet to get checked out and everything.

Thanks for the info... I feel bad now for taking the rat!

Give him another one!

[blackcrystal22]

Why do they pop? I only feed live, tried f/t they want no parts of it.

I've never had it happen, but oh has it come close.
The pressure in f/t is greater, especially if you soak them to thaw them. They absorb water and when the snake constricts, sometimes the old dead skin will just give.

[JeffJ]

He was moving around after I fed him. I think he wasn't too happy that I took the rat away. He eventually settled down into one of his hides. He normally doesnt move around much other than switching hides. We are in the middle of redoing his tank so there is only 2 hides and a water dish right now. I am not sure how old the snake is or how much he weighs... I am waiting on my tax money and that will change. He will go to a vet to get checked out and everything.

Thanks for the info... I feel bad now for taking the rat!

yah he was hungry and looking for his food, he wasnt happy he got robbed

on a side note i have had my bp pop a live hopper and squeeze its guys out its rear. i just let him heat it. some times he balls up on it like a freaking knot in a blink of an eye so i know he is healthy and he is a strong feeder. since i usually feed on news paper there is no chance of him eating substrate so i never worry.

[Kaorte]

Why do they pop? I only feed live, tried f/t they want no parts of it.

If you heat up the prey item too fast, they will explode. This is why we never microwave mice!!