How Often To Feed Ball Python Chart
| Ball Python’s Age | Ball Python’s Weight | Amount of Prey | Feeding Frequency |
| Hatchling | 50-100 grams | 1 small mouse or pinky rat (8-12 grams) | Every 5 days |
| 3 months | 120-200 grams | 1 small mouse or fuzzy rat (13-19 grams) | Every 7 days |
| 6 months | 300-370 grams | 1 adult mouse or rat pup (20-30 grams) | Every 7-10 days |
| 1 year | 500-900 grams | 1-3 adult mice, or 1 small rat (45-80 gr ... | Every 10-14 days |
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 ...
What is best to feed ball pythons on?
Larger ball pythons typically eat larger mice or rats. Selecting prey for a ball python. As a general rule, you should select a rodent that is 1 to 1.25 times the size of the midsection of your snake. Smaller prey is fine, but avoid getting food that's too large.
What should I feed my 2 year old ball python?
Pet ball pythons are mostly fed domestic mice, rats and chicks. Just as wild pythons eat a variety of prey, it is important for your pet snake to have variety too. Mice and rats are the staple of a ball python's diet, but adding the occasional chick, quail, or young rabbit can provide enrichment.
What else can you feed a ball python besides mice?
What else can you feed a Ball python besides mice?Rats.Mice.Chicks.Hamster.Gerbil.Quail.Multimammate mice.Guinea pigs.
What are pythons favorite food?
If you have a ball python as a pet, here are the list of foods that these carnivorous reptiles love to eat:Rodents.Birds.Grass Mice.Black Rats.Giant Rats.Weaver Birds.Rufous-nosed Rats.Domestic Rats.More items...•
Should you feed ball pythons cage?
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.
How long can a 1 year 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.
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.
What can I feed my snake if I don't have 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.
What do snakes like to play with?
Snakes don't enjoy many toys, but they do like having a long object, like a stick or branch, to wrap themselves around. If your snake seems uncomfortable or strikes out at you during playtime, give it some space or put it back into its cage.
Can ball pythons eat mealworms?
Feeders: Crickets, roaches, mealworms, waxworms, superworms, or other invertebrates. They can also eat small rodents of appropriate size, but offer these sparingly, if at all.
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.
Can you feed pythons chicken?
Snakes can consume human food like eggs, poultry, fish, pork, and beef when they are unprocessed. This means that the food should be given in its basic and raw form. You cannot give fried or saucy food to your snake as there are already other ingredients in the food that may make your snake sick.
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 many mice should I feed my ball python?
Adult ball pythons should be fed 2-5 adult feeder mice every two weeks. Hatchlings or small ball pythons should be fed 1-4 pinkies every 5 to 7 days, while juvenile snakes (less than 1-year-old) should be offered one adult mouse per week.
How often should you feed a 1 year 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
Can I feed my ball python 2 mice?
5:356:53Can You Feed Snakes more than 1 Mouse / Rat at a Time? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou really don't have total control it is up to your snake. They kind of own you when it comes toMoreYou really don't have total control it is up to your snake. They kind of own you when it comes to what they will and won't eat.
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 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.
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.
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 to feed a ball Python?
If your ball python continues to grow and reaches above 500 grams, you’ll need to start feeding it a diet primarily consisting of small rats as mice will no longer be large enough to satisfy its nutritional needs.
What do ball Pythons eat?
We’ll also explore a few other common questions pet owners have about feeding ball pythons. Let’s get started. Ball pythons primarily eat a diet of mice and rats, although they will sometimes enjoy eating other feeder prey like chicks, hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs.
Why is it important to stay away from ball Python?
First, ball pythons swallow their prey whole, so baby ball pythons can’t physically handle eating anything wider than their midsection.
How much food should a ball Python eat?
At this point, you’ll want to offer food every seven to 10 days.
How many grams of Python do you need to feed a ball?
Ball Pythons Around 350 to 500 Grams. When your ball python grows as large as 350 to 500 gram s, it’s time to graduate it to weaned rats and jumbo mice. At this stage, you’ll most likely only need to feed it every 10 to 14 days.
How long does a ball python live off the yolk?
When a ball python hatches from its egg, it can live off the nutrients from the absorbed yolk for the first few weeks.
How long does it take for a Python baby to shed?
It’s important to let your baby ball python shed its skin (usually, this happens within the first five to seven days) before trying to feed it. Once it sheds completely, give it the first feeding.
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.
What else will ball pythons eat?
Offering a variety of prey items (as well as a variety of sizes) is a good way to make sure that your BP is getting a spectrum of nutrition:
What to use to help ball Python?
So it helps to lightly dust prey items occasionally with a 50/50 mix of calcium and vitamin supplement to help fill in the gaps in your ball python’s diet. Use a calcium supplement that contains vitamin D if you are not using UVB lighting.
How do you know if a ball python is eating too much?
A prominent spine means that the snake isn’t eating enough, and an invisible spine means that the snake needs to eat less.
How much should a ball python feeder weigh?
So for example, if your ball python weighs 400g, then you would buy feeders that weigh between 40-60g.
How much weight can a snake lose?
As long as your snake isn’t losing too much weight (more than 10% of body weight) and appears otherwise healthy, there’s no reason to freak out. You can monitor his/her weight with a digital kitchen scale. Weigh weekly for best results.
Is a ball python a carnivore?
Ball pythons are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat whole animals in order to get the right nutrition. Frozen prey is generally considered optimal — learn how to properly thaw frozen prey items here.
Do wild animals eat?
Wild animals rarely eat consistently, and they have evolved to survive this. However there is a significant gap between “surviving” and “thriving,” and so as snake keepers we must find a happy medium between respecting the way an animal’s body has evolved and providing adequate nutrition. I believe consistent, reliable access to prey ...
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.
Ball python feeding schedule
Although there is no standard size of prey for each age of the snake, you should always strive to feed the ball python a rodent that is as big as its body’s largest width. The rule of thumb is to slowly increase the food your python eats as it grows larger. Frozen prey is the ideal meal for your snake.
Can I handle Ball python handling before feeding?
When you bring the snake to your home for the first time, you should make sure it settles in first before you handle it. A new environment is quite stressful for the ball python. Ball pythons are generally shy and secretive pets, and exposure to a new environment can disturb them.
Ball python feeding tips
When it comes to feeding ball pythons, you must understand your pet’s unique feeding habits. Ball pythons come in several morphs, and their feeding habits can be highly individualized.
Ball python handling after feeding
After feeding your ball python, it is essential to wait 24 to 72 hours before holding him. In warm temperature, the snake may digest a small mouse in two to three days. If the ball python still exhibits a huge food bulge after the three days has lapsed, give it more time before handling.
Ball python feeding during the breeding
The breeding season may bring on a fast in female ball pythons when nearing the laying time. On the other hand, when the male pythons smell an ovulating female, they may take a fast that lasts for over six months. However, you should only assist feed the ball pythons if their fasting hiatus goes past six months.
Obesity problems in ball pythons
Just like other animals, snakes that eat too much can experience health problems.
Frequently Asked Questions on Ball Python Feeding
When you are buying a pet snake for the first time, it is crucial to ask your breeder the following questions:
What is the best food for a baby ball Python?
The common choice for baby ball python food is pinky mice. These are newborn mice who haven’t grown out all their fur yet. These will often meet the size requirement and are readily available through online and in-person pet retailers. Learn more about what to feed baby ball pythons.
How often do Python ball pythons eat?
Ball pythons also only eat one prey item during this single meal every 10-14 days. This is just the way their digestive systems have evolved to work. The important part as an owner is to make sure the prey item is appropriately-sized. Too small, and the snake won’t get enough nutrition and become malnourished.
How long does it take for a Python baby to eat?
When you see this, wait. If your ball python doesn’t end up eating for 16 days, it’s OK. If your baby python ends up going to 10 days, it’s OK. Watch for signs of shedding and be patient. It will typically finish shedding within 48 hours. Don’t hurry along the process by bathing, spraying, or rubbing the snake.
How long does it take for a ball python to bruminate?
This is an area of small debate for ball python owners. The best answer is 2-3 days beyond their normal feeding timeline. This means up to 17 days for adults and 10 days for babies. However, ball pythons can technically go into a state of brumation.
Why do Python balls shed?
You may be wondering why there’s a section on ball python shedding in an article about their diets. Shedding impacts diet in a big way. Younger ball pythons frequently shed (some as often as a week or more) as they grow faster than in adulthood.
What is the best prey for Python?
The prey items need to be either a large mouse or rat. Rats are generally considered better as they are more in line with what the python eats in the wild. Rats also come in larger sizes and are more likely to satisfy the larger ball pythons.
Why doesn't my ball python eat?
Because of a ball python’s slow digestive system, the reptile does not need to eat every day.
