How much to feed a ball python? Feeding chart
| Ball python age and weight | Example of rodent weight and size |
| Hatchling ball python, 70-90 grams, firs ... | Mouse hopper or pinky rat (around 7-12 g ... |
| 100-150 grams | Mouse hopper and then change to small we ... |
| 150-200 grams | Small/weaned mouse/fuzzy rat (15-20 gram ... |
| 200-250 grams | Large/adult mouse or rat pup (20-25 gram ... |
What are the best tips for feeding a ball python?
The Best way to feed Ball Pythons in 6 steps
- Get out a frozen prey item (mouse, rat, soft-furred rat or other) in the morning. ...
- Leave the prey item to defrost until 8 or 9PM, or until you see your snake waiting with its head poking out of its hiding place. ...
- Put the prey item in a ziplock bag and put it in warm water to warm up for ten minutes. ...
What's the best time of day to feed a ball python?
Key points from this article:
- In many cases, the best time of day to feed a ball python is after sunset.
- These snakes are nocturnal and crepuscular in the wild, so they tend to have a better feeding response at night.
- But every snake-keeping scenario is different. So might have to do some trial and error.
How much should I Feed my ball python?
If you want to give your ball python a greater variety of prey, you can consider the following:
- Large crickets – this is usually reserved for smaller, baby ball pythons, and not adults.
- Chicks – they offer some variety and a more interesting form of prey for ball pythons. ...
- Quails – fowl is a good option to provide variety in a snake’s diet and quail makes a good-sized alternative to mice.
What are the essentials for a ball python?
What Supplies Are Needed To Care For A Ball Python?
- Appropriately sized front opening reptile tank like the Exo Terra tank with a mesh to secure the top. ...
- 22″ T5 HO D3 6% Forest UVB bulb.
- 90 to 100w halogen flood heat lights or emitters.Including a ceramic heat emitter, heat pad, heat mat or heat tape are also other options to maintain the heat inside the ...
See more
How often does a juvenile ball python eat?
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.
What should I feed my 2 month old ball python?
Smaller and younger snakes may eat large crickets, but should ideally be eating pinkies and fuzzies until they grow larger. Adult ball pythons will eat adult mice and rats when they get big enough.
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.
What do baby ball pythons eat in captivity?
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 old is a juvenile ball python?
between two-six monthsJuvenile ball pythons are also between two-six months in age.
How big is a 3 month old ball python?
Ball Python Size & Weight ChartAgeWeightLength1 Month50-150 Grams10-12 Inches2 Months70-170 Grams10-12 Inches3 Months90-180 Grams10-12 Inches4 Months140-280 Grams12-18 Inches12 more rows•Feb 10, 2021
How long should I wait to handle my new ball python?
After bringing home your new ball python, do not handle for the first two weeks or until it is eating regularly. Handle your snake at least 1-2x weekly, but no more than once daily.
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 long should you wait to hold your snake after getting it?
Leave your new pet snake alone for at least seven days since the transport to its new home is very stressful. After that, feed your snake its first meal. To ensure that your snake doesn't regurgitate its meal due to stress, wait for another two days before you finally handle your new snake.
What can I feed my ball python besides mice?
What else can you feed a Ball python besides mice?Rats.Mice.Chicks.Hamster.Gerbil.Quail.Multimammate mice.Guinea pigs.
Can ball pythons eat fruit?
Can Snakes Eat Fruits And Vegetables? Snakes are carnivorous so they rely on meat to survive. Therefore, it is unnatural for them to feed on fruits and vegetables even as a source of moisture and water.
Can I feed my ball python fish?
While these snakes can and do consume birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles from time to time in the wild, for the most part, the majority of their prey items come from the rodent family. Boas and pythons will not eat crickets or eggs.
How often should a 2 month old ball python eat?
Ball Python feeding frequency tableAge/circumstanceHow often should they eat?hatchling to 3 months oldevery 5 days3 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 prey3 more rows•Dec 13, 2021
How do you feed a 2 month old snake?
1:543:02How to Feed a Baby Snake | Pet Snakes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMost of the time your baby snakes will be more interested in eating. Present the bait headfirst.MoreMost of the time your baby snakes will be more interested in eating. Present the bait headfirst.
What do baby python snakes eat?
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.
Can I feed my ball python once a month?
You should try every 5 or 6 days to feed your snake in that time. If it still doesn't eat you should then seek vet advice. They'll be able to help you and assist if needed. It's not uncommon for newly hatched snakes to not eat – I've had them go more than 10 weeks before they eventually willingly took food.
What do Python snakes eat?
Besides, they also eat other prey like large crickets, gerbils, chicks, and shrews, among other things. Ideally, it’s best if you feed mice and rats to your pet snake in the different stages of their lives. The size of the prey you feed your ball python mainly depends on a couple of things.
How to feed a live snake?
When feeding a live rodent, open the tank’s lid and drop it gently inside and let your snake do the rest. But make sure you don’t risk a bite from your snake, so don’t wave your hands in front of it. If you do, it might strike your hand first.
How to feed a thawed rodent to a snake?
If you’re feeding a thawed rodent to your snake, then you’ll want to place it inside with a pair of long tongs. Here’s how to feed frozen mice. Place the head directly in your snake’s line of sight. Ensure enough room between the pair of tongs and the rodent so that the snake has sufficient space to bite the prey.
How to prepare a snake for a live prey?
Once you’ve chosen a suitable prey of the appropriate size, it’s time to prepare it. If you’ve decided on feeding live prey, there isn’t much to do. You’ll only have to make sure that your snake eats it. Ensure that there aren’t any bedding issues and that the prey’s fur is clean.
How to grip a thawed snake?
Once you’ve determined the appropriate size, you’ll want to use a pair of tongs to grip the prey if you’re feeding a thawed prey. Make sure you’re using a long pair of tongs. Before presenting the prey to your snake, it’s best if you’ve warmed it. Then wave the prey in front of your snake’s face.
What happens if a snake eats too much?
If it’s too large, your snake will refuse to eat. Even if it does manage to consume large prey, it’ll probably vomit it back. Though this doesn’t often happen, feeding a large prey might cause harm to its digestive tract. Select a prey that’s 1 – 1.25 times the size of your snakes mid area diameter.
Why is my snake not eating?
Illness is usually the most common reason why your snake might not be eating. They might not want to eat if they’re having problems with passing out their last meal. These constipation issues depend on meal size, the enclosed space’s temperature, or issues in the intestines such as intestinal parasites.
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.
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 to feed a frozen thawed snake?
On the other hand, if you intend to feed a frozen-thawed rodent to your snake, you’ll need to start by gripping the rodent with a pair of long feeding tongs. Grip the back half of the rodent, so that you can present the rodent’s head directly to your snake.
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.
Can you feed a ball python a frozen python?
Frozen-thawed rodents are easier to store and handle. Some ball pythons may refuse frozen-tha wed rodents, but you should usually attempt to transition them over time. If you do have to feed your snake live prey, be sure to monitor your pet closely and be ready to intervene if the rodent begins biting your snake.
Can you use rats as a snake keeper?
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. There are a number of other prey species available to snake keepers, including hatchling chicks and ducks, as well as gerbils, hamsters and other common rodent pets.
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.
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 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 long can a baby 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. Every 5-7 days, you need to offer the ball python food. There are only two main reasons a baby ball python won’t eat.
How often do baby Pythons shed?
Baby ball pythons may shed up to once per week or more if they’re hitting a growth spurt. If your plan to feed them falls one of these days, they just won’t eat. Look for signs of shedding, which include whitening skin, glassed over eyes, and cranky behavior. Don’t help along in the shedding process.
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.
Can a baby python handle large food?
They can’t handle large food as well as adults can. It’s much more likely for a baby to choke and regurgitate than it is an adult. The size rule applies to baby and adult ball pythons alike, but for babies, this is a hard and fast rule with little wiggle room.
How many grams of mice can you feed a ball Python?
As your ball python grows, so too will the size of the mice you feed it. You can start by moving to small mice, which are usually between seven to twelve grams.
How do you know if a snake is sick?
One the first signs of a sick snake is that they stop eating. So, while refusing to eat might be something as simple as them not be hungry, it could also be something more serious.
Do snakes have the same metabolism as humans?
Your snake does not have the same metabolism that you do. And, the older they get the slower it gets. You can offer food, but it just might not be hungry.
Is it scary to feed a baby ball?
If you have a cute new baby ball, feeding it will be both a bit scary as you want to know you’re doing it correctly, and fun to watch your new baby eat .
Can a stressed ball Python eat?
A stressed ball python is not going to eat even if it’s hungry. They can feel vulnerable right after they get ahold of some prey, so if they feel stressed or in danger, they won’t even consider trying to digest food.
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 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).
How to get a ball Python to wiggle?
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. Wash your hands after handling prey items, before you start feeding your ball python.
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 long does it take for a Python ball to switch?
Most ball pythons don’t have any issues switching, and accept rats straight away. Others might have an issue switching, and it can take weeks to months to get back on track. Please be patient and monitor your ball python’s weight.
Can you heat up a ball python?
Most ball pythons won’t accept food unless it’s warm, as they have heat sensing pits that help detect prey. Thaw frozen rodents in a fridge overnight, and then you can heat them in a bag by inserting in hot water/under a lamp. Heating a thawed rodent to 100-105 F (37.7-40.5 C) is ideal for your ball python.
Can Python eat rats?
You should transition your young ball pythons of over 200-300 grams to eating rats, as they are bigger in size. Please note, that most ball pythons get used to eating only one type of prey, and will have issues switching to something else. That’s especially true once your ball python gets older.
What Do Ball Pythons Eat?
Ball pythons are carnivores, and need to be fed meat on a regular basis.
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?
When selecting a prey item for your snake, the easiest process is to think of the circumeference of the item. 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.
Should I Feed Rats or Mice?
Whether to feed rats or mice is a contentious issue in ball python circles. In truth, for small pythons it can be easier to feed very small mice.
Frozen Vs Live Food for Ball Pythons
There are two traditional ways to feed a ball python; either giving them live rodents to catch and kill, or providing dead animals that are bought frozen.
What About Uneaten Food?
Uneaten food is bad news. A live rodent, as discussed, can bite and nip at your snake. But even frozen food left in the cage for long periods isn’t good news; it can quickly go off in the warmth of a ball python cages and smalls rancid!
How Should I Actually Feed My Ball Python?
Once you’ve selected a suitable prey item, next you need to actually feed it to your ball python. Here’s the process I use…
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 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 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 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.
Why are there so many ball Python morphs?
They use their unique and irregular color patterns to help them blend in with their environment, this is one of the reasons why there are many natural ball python morphs. Their ambush-style hunting strategy and slow metabolism let these snakes go for weeks or even months between meals.