How much and how often should I feed my 3 year old Ball Python?

Question

I was thinking about feeding it rats but I'm not sure what size and how often. She is fairly large and has been on the two mice per week diet for sometime and has recently started coming out more looking for food. SoI know it's time to move up but I'm not sure how far up...

Answer 1

a three year old ball python should be eating one large if not jumbo rat every 7 to 10 days. and just because the snake is out looking for food don't feed it. snakes can go months without food if they need to so every week to two weeks will be just fine.

2 ball pythons

1 red tail boa

2 bearded dragons

1 leopard gecko  

Answer 2

I agree with jake a rat that is around 175-275 grams every 7-10 days should be good for a 3 year old ball python.

Answer 3

If you are going to feed it bigger prey I'd feed it one big rat per week. U don't want to overfeed it!

Answer 4

Well if she is three years old then a small to medium rat is perfectly fine for her. Just feed her once a week on a certain day(time doesn't matter, I usually feed my snakes once every Saturday of every week) A snake can eat a feeder that is about the same size(or a bit larger) as the thickest part her body(usually the middle) So(example) if your ball python is like the size of a nickle around then she could eat a rat/mouse that is about the size of a nickle or a quarter(though I don't think your ball python is that small(example =]

When she reachs full length then you can probably move her up to a medium to large rat, no need for a jumbo(that's more of a red tail boa size) Plus jumbo cost much more and there isn't to much of a difference between the two.

But when a snake comes out and is more active, it doesn't mean that they are hungry, it could just means that they want to explore the cage or just wants to get out. Remember that a ball python can go up to a year without eating and would still be fine. But anyways, a small to medium rat is perfect for her for a while.

I am currently feeding my adult ball pythons one adult mouse every week and they seems to be happy(the two biggest ball pythons I have right now are only 5 feet(females) and they are about 4 years old) So your ball python should be fine and healthly =]

Hope this could help and if you need anything at all, feel free to email me!  =]

Answer 5

Prey shouldn't be more than 1.5 times the size of the widest part of the snake.  If they prey lump is gone within 24 hours, a larger rodent may be needed.  Feeding every 7-10 days is fine.  Fave site:

http://www.kingsnake.com/ballpythonguide...