Ball Python Feeding Chart
| Snake Age | Snake Weight | Prey Size | Frequency |
| Hatchling | 50 – 100 g | Hopper mouse or pinky rat (8-12 g) | Every five days |
| 3 months | 120 – 200 g | Small mouse or fuzzy rat (13-19 g) | Once week |
| 6 months | 300 – 370 g | Adult mouse or rat pup (20-30g) | Every 7 – 10 days |
| 1 year | 500 – 900 g | 1-3 adult mice or 1 small rat (45-80 g) | Every 10 – 14 days |
What to know about ball python diet and feeding?
When learning about ball python diet and feeding, it’s important to know which food and prey items to feed, what size foods to feed, how often to feed a baby and adult ball python, and other things such as how to tell when a ball python is hungry.
Can you feed baby ball pythons mice?
You should feed a baby ball python, which is under a year old, smaller mice or rats. As your ball python grows and gains weight, switch to larger sized rodents. That will make sure that your ball python perceives and accepts what you offer as food. If feeding frozen mice or rats, make sure to thaw them properly before offering.
How often should I Feed my baby pythons?
The prey should be just smaller than the size of your snake’s widest point. Larger snakes need larger prey, but less often. Pythons at this age frequently become overweight because their owner continues to use a juvenile feeding schedule ( i.e. feeding every 5-7 days ). Make sure you are only feeding every two or three weeks.
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How often should you feed a 4 month old ball python?
Ball Python feeding frequency tableAge/circumstanceHow often should they eat?3 months to 1 year oldevery 7 days1 to 10 years oldevery 7 to 10 days, reduce to every 14 – 20 if necessaryover 10 years oldonce a month or twice if giving small preywhile building folliclestwice a week3 more rows•Dec 13, 2021
What should I feed my baby ball python?
Despite the fact that baby ball pythons eat nothing but animal protein, they ingest it in a similar way as adult ball pythons do. The most essential thing to note is that the prey must be the appropriate size. Pinky mice and fuzzy rats are the typical diet of baby ball pythons, as well as large crickets.
How long can a 4 month old ball python go without eating?
Ball pythons specifically can easily survive up to 6 months without food—but they shouldn't ever skip that many meals, as it can have dire consequences to their overall health.
What should a 3 month old ball python eat?
3 Months Old Pythons under one-year-old are considered to be juveniles. Juveniles are still growing at a tremendous rate. To sustain this growth, they need to eat a small mouse or fuzzy rat every week. During this growth period, you may need to increase the size of your snake's prey regularly.
What can you feed a ball python besides mice?
Ball pythons can eat only rats or mice for an entire lifetime, but they also love to spice up their diet in captivity and feed on other rodent species such as hamsters, gerbils, and other exotic breeds. Young ball pythons should only be fed with large crickets, fuzzy mice, and pinky mice until they grow into adults.
How do I know if my ball python is hungry?
Snakes will let you know when they're hungry. They will start prowling their enclosure and their tongue flicks will increase in frequency and number.
How do you know a snake is hungry?
You can tell a snake is hungry when it exhibits specific behaviors such as: Prowling the front of the tank, being more active, focussing on you whenever you are near the enclosure, flicking its tongue more often, and hunting at a similar time each day or night.
Will my ball python starve itself?
While adult ball pythons can fast for many months without starving, young ball pythons lack the fat reserves to last as long as their mature counterparts. They can still survive for longer than a human, dog or cat could without eating, but they will not last as long as adult ball pythons will.
Do ball pythons need water bowl?
The only time you should have two snakes together is during breeding. Water Dish: Water is very important for your Ball python and should be in their enclosure at all times. Make sure to NOT use distilled water for your reptile.
What can I feed my snake besides mice?
The most popular pet snakes usually eat prey such as mice, rats, gerbils, and hamsters. Larger pet snakes also eat whole rabbits.
How often should a 6 month old ball python eat?
As hatchlings, I feed every five to seven days for a good six or seven months. And I feed rat pups or fuzzy mice (these are slightly bigger that the mice pinkies). Then I change it to once every seven to ten days, once the snake is at six or seven months old. This schedule last for a couple of years.
How old is a 20 inch ball python?
Six MonthsSize By AgeAgeMale LengthFemale LengthHatchling10 to 17 inchesSix Months20 to 27 inchesNine Months25 to 30 inches25 to 35 inchesOne year1.5 to 2 feet2 feet4 more rows
How often should you feed a baby ball python?
Royal python hatchling refusing to eat After its first shed, you can wait up to two weeks for your hatchling to feed. You should try every 5 or 6 days to feed your snake in that time.
How do you feed a ball python for the first time?
4:2711:23Feeding Ball Python Hatchlings (First Time After Hatching)! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then once they shed i usually give them maybe three or four days up to a week. Before i actuallyMoreAnd then once they shed i usually give them maybe three or four days up to a week. Before i actually offer them food and it's pretty easy all you have to do is just kind of open the tub.
Should I feed My ball python in its tank?
0:276:45Should You Feed Your Snake in its Cage? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo go feed it if you're defeated. And as usual enclosure. Then it would associate that enclose yourMoreTo go feed it if you're defeated. And as usual enclosure. Then it would associate that enclose your opening.
What can I feed my snake instead of mice?
While rats are a popular food source for some snakes, snakes will eat what's available to them.Insects. Smaller snakes, such as the garter snake, will eat a variety of insects, including crickets, cockroaches and insect larva, such as mealworms. ... Small Rodents. ... Eggs. ... Birds and Fish. ... Snakes and Lizards. ... Larger Mammals.
How to feed a ball Python?
You will need to feed your ball python by offering a mouse/rat with feeding hemostat/tongs like this. Wiggle the prey item, to spike your ball python’s interest. Grasp a prey rodent on the back and wiggle until your ball python constricts. Once it constricts, keep wiggling a bit longer so it can constrict harder.
How many prey do baby Pythons eat?
Baby ball pythons will get full from 1 small sized prey, but an adult might need 1-2. Most ball pythons do not eat more than 1-3 prey items per feeding. That’s why you would have to offer something larger, such as rats.
How to stop a ball Python from eating rats?
Gradually reduce scenting as your ball python is eating rats for few times in a row. #2: Make sure to warm rat prey in warm water/under the lamp to elicit feeding response. #3: Experiment with rat colors, ball pythons might have preferences. Stick to same color when switching, or try to experiment if needed.
How much does a mouse weigh in Python?
Weaned and then small rats (up to 60 grams, when ball python reaches 450-500 grams), or Jumbo mouse. 500-750 grams. Small rat (60-70 grams) or 2 adult mice, or up to 10-15% of your ball python’s weight if under 2 years of age, 750-1500 grams. Small-medium rat or 2-3 adult mice (60-100 grams).
How old do mice need to be to eat Python?
Larger mice will be around 1-1.5 months old. However, as your ball python gets larger (up to a year old or so), you will need to either feed 2-3 mice, or switch to small adult rats. Please use a digital kitchen scales like this to measure prey’s weight and your ball pythons weight (monthly).
What happens if a Python ball is hungry?
If a ball python is hungry, it will often start wandering around or start seeming more alert and watching its surroundings (testing cage limits) at night. Some ball pythons become more active day before and on the day of feeding, especially if you have a feeding schedule.
How long does it take for a Python ball to digest?
Leave your ball python in its cage so it feels safe, and don’t handle for at least 3 days to let it digest a meal.
What is the prey of a ball Python?
Ball Python Prey Selection: Prey Species. In the wild, ball pythons primarily subsist on rodents, but they may also consume birds or lizards on occasion. In captivity, commercially reared feeder rodents are the best choice, but you’ll still need to decide whether rats or mice make more sense.
What questions do new keepers have about feeding their snakes?
One of the most common questions new keepers have relates to the frequency with which they should feed their snake.
How to feed a snake a frozen rodent?
If you intend to feed your snake a frozen rodent, you’ll need to begin by thawing it out. The best way to do so is by simply setting the rodent out on a few paper towels or newspaper sheets in a warm room. Wait to offer the rodent to your snake until it is completely thawed and no longer rigid.
How long to wait to offer a rodent to a snake?
Wait to offer the rodent to your snake until it is completely thawed and no longer rigid.
How big should a snake be for prey?
In rare circumstances, it may even cause injuries to his digestive tract. As a rule of thumb, you’ll want any prey item you offer to be about 1 to 1.25 times the size of your snake at mid-body (although advanced keepers may be comfortable feeding rodents approaching 1.5 times the snake’s mid-body diameter).
What is the most interesting aspect of snake care?
Feeding is one of the most interesting aspects of snake care. Many keepers enjoy this aspect of snake husbandry, but others – particularly beginners – often feel intimidated by the entire process.
When to switch to rats for Python?
However, you’ll likely want to switch to rats once your snake reaches maturity (if not before), as it may take several mice to satiate a large ball python.
What is the best food for baby ball Python?
The most common choice for baby ball python food is pinky mice.
What do baby ball Pythons eat?
This is why you need to know what to feed a baby ball python. Baby ball pythons still eat only protein-based animals just like adult ball pythons do. The main thing to watch for is the prey is of the correct size. Pinky mice or fuzzy rats (babies of these forms) and large crickets are the typical diets for baby ball pythons.
How Long Can A Baby Ball Python Go Without Eating?
While adult ball pythons may go 3-4 months without eating and up to 6 months (though they shouldn’t), the baby ball python has no reason to go anywhere near this long.
How often do Python balls eat?
Adult ball pythons only eat every 10-14 days. The python will bite and wrap itself around the food, then proceed to swallow the prey whole. Over the next 48 hours, it will work on digesting the food, and you’ll see the lump in its body. During this time, don’t handle the ball python.
How to feed a ball Python?
How To Feed Ball Python. Feeding ball pythons is surprisingly simple. In most cases, all you need to do is put the prey in the cage and watch it go to town . Young ball pythons may struggle more to find the food. Make sure you place it near the ball python’s head, so it senses the food is nearby.
Why do you put live prey near a ball Python?
Make sure you place it near the ball python’s head, so it senses the food is nearby. Live prey is always better and will be easier to feed to the snake. When live prey moves, it attracts the attention of the python and activates its hunting instincts. Live prey also has a powerful scent.
How often do you need to offer ball Python food?
Every 5-7 days, you need to offer the ball python food.
What Do Ball Pythons Eat?
Ball pythons are carnivores that hunt and eat small mammals and birds. In their native range in West and Central Africa, they prefer African giant rats, black rats, grass mice, weaver birds, and rufous-nosed rats. However, their prey is not limited to these animals, they will feed on any bird or mammal small enough to be swallowed.
How does a feeding chart for ball Python change?
A feeding chart for ball pythons will change as they grow and age.
How old are Python balls?
5 Years Old. Both male and female ball pythons are fully mature at five years old. Interestingly, they will continue to grow gradually for the rest of their lives. Your ball python should now be a consistent weight (unless it is being used for breeding) and your feeding schedule should not need to change.
How many rats can you feed a Python program?
4-5 adult mice, 1 medium rat, or 2 small rats ( 90-150 g) Every 21 – 50 days. The size of your python determines what size prey you should feed. A good rule of thumb is to feed prey that are is wider than the largest part of your python’s midsection.
How fast do Python hatchlings grow?
Hatchling pythons grow very fast! Females can grow up to 12 inches within a year and males can grow eight inches per year. To keep up with their growth hatchlings need to eat a lot. They should be fed a hopper mouse every five days for the first four weeks of their life.
How big should a six month old Python be?
At six months old your python should be between 20 and 27 inches and have a good appetite. You can now offer a larger prey item over longer periods of time. One rat pup or adult mouse every ten days works well for most individuals.
Why is it important to keep a feeding schedule for Python?
Sticking to a feeding schedule is important to accurately regulate your ball python’s weight. Schedules will help to make sure that your python will not go hungry, but also lets you easily keep track of and adjust the amount you are feeding to prevent overfeeding.
How Often Should I Feed My Ball Python?
Ball pythons can grow surprisingly quickly when they are well fed. At the same time, ball pythons can be lazy, and some specimens do seem to get a little overweight.
What Size Food Should I Give My Ball Python?
This should be no larger than the fattest part of your snake. Thus a hatchling may need tiny mice, while larger adults may eat adult rats.
What Do Ball Pythons Eat?
Ball pythons are carnivores, and need to be fed meat on a regular basis.
How to assess ball python health?
Keep records of what food was offered on what dates, and whether it was accepted. Combine this with regular health checks and weigh-ins and you’ll be in the perfect place to assess your ball pythons health and appetite.
How often should I feed my keeper?
While each keeper has their own routine, personally I feed my youngsters twice a week initially, slowly increasing the time between feedings to roughly once a week for my adults.
Can Python eat mice?
The problem is that some ball pythons can become fixated on mice if fed them for long periods of time, and seem to find rats far less appealing. If you’re not careful you can end up with a large python that is eating you out of house-and-home each month, downing armfuls of adult mice while turning it’s nose up at the cheaper and more practical option of rats.
Do baby Pythons start off on small rodents?
Baby pythons will probably start off on very small rodents.
How long does it take for a baby Python to settle in?
What we recommend after bringing home a baby ball python is giving them time to settle in. Sometimes it can take more than seven days. Try not to mess with them, especially during the feeding day. If you stress them out, they may reject the food.
What do snakes eat?
Depending upon the species, this can be insects, bird eggs, frogs, small or large mammals. In captivity, the basic diet will consist of young frozen mice called “pinkies.” These come in different sizes at the pet store. Choose one about the size of the snake’s head. This will provide a meal without stressing the snake’.
Do snakes eat rodents?
It’s a common knowledge that snakes eat rodents; however, sometimes bringing them the food is not enough to encourage them to eat. Especially when it comes to baby snakes, you need to have few essentials in mind. Below we pointed out how baby ball pythons are likely to behave and how to feed them successfully.
Can you feed a baby ball Python?
That is the question…There are different opinions about this. If your baby ball python hasn’t eaten for a while, it’s easier to feed it with pre-kill, even cut it a little so the pupil can sense the meat. Most of the snakes do not mind the frozen pinkies; however, some snakes require the living rodents. I recommend you try it both ways and see the preferences of your baby snake.
Can you use Python as a snake?
Having a ball python as a snake can be an excellent experience for both a beginner and an advanced reptile lover. However, taking care of them requires a lot of knowledge. Even though some species are well known for their specific behavior in the wild, snakes in captivity act totally different, especially the newborn ones.
Do baby Pythons eat?
Around 80% of the newly purchased baby ball pythons won’t eat right away from you. And that’s ok. The adaption to the new environment is a part of the settling process. On the other hand, the baby needs to eat. Around a week after bringing a new pupil to your place, you should start feeding trials.
Can you pet a baby Python?
Remember not to pet your baby ball python right away. Time to settle in is crucial for its further development. If, after a while, your baby ball python isn’t still up for food, you should go to the specialist and ask for help. There may be some issues you’re not able to notice.
How many rodents should you feed a ball Python?
You should feed a ball python 1 rodent in stead of 2.
How long can a ball python go without eating?
Ball pythons can go a maximum of 5 months without eating. If it is just a baby, mine had the same issue just offer a meal once a week and sooner or later it’ll strick and consume the mouse. Mine literally took 4 months before it decided to eat and now it eats perfectly every time, also is it a new snake in a new tank, or is the snake stressed in any way?
How long does a ball python snake fast?
It’s fairly common for ball pythons to fast for several months at a time. As long as the snake is not losing a significant amount of body weight (and is otherwise healthy), it’s usually not a big deal.
How often should I feed my Python?
So I usually tell people to feed their ball pythons as often as possible, but never any more than once a week. There may be times when your snake refuses several meals in a row, so you’ll be lucky to get one meal in for the whole month. It happens. And most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about. If a ball python is healthy, and it’s kept in the proper conditions, it will resume eating again.
How to get a rat to eat?
Try cracking the skull of the rat, sometimes the smell from the fluids inside will entice them to eat.
Can you use pre-killed mice to freeze a snake?
you should try pre-killed mice which helps them convert to frozen .Converting to frozen is good because they digest it better and live rats could possibly harm your snake
Can a ball Python eat again?
And most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about. If a ball python is healthy, and it’s kept in the proper conditions, it will resume eating again. How often to feed a ball python is the easiest question to answer. In fact, I just answered it above.
Question: The normal weight of a 4 months old ball python
This is the first time I own a snake as pet. She's a three to four months old pastel ball python that my daughter bonded with at a reptile exhibition. TBH, I would've never got one if it wasn't because of my daughter.
Re: Question: The normal weight of a 4 months old ball python
Balls grow at their own rate some grow faster than others. Its best to feed them 10-15% of their body weight. So a 120gram snake should be eating a 12-18 gram rodent. I would recommend weekly weighing at the least while their young just so you have a good estimate of how fast their growing.
The Following User Says Thank You to Vipera Berus For This Useful Post
Once a week is all you need and your snake looks good to me. My 4 month old is 178Grams but hasn't pooped in 3 weeks.. So it has 3 mice in it.. Your doing good, you can judge what size rodent to feed by the thickest part of the snakes body.. Thats a easy way to do it, My 4 moth old is still on Small mice/med.
