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 |
- Babies they should eat pinky mice.
- Juveniles they should be eating several mice, large rats, or small rabbits.
- Adults can eat a large rabbit or a whole chicken.
Can you keep a Burmese python as a pet?
The most common pythons kept as pets are: Reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) Burmese python (Python bivittatus) Blood python (Python brongersmai) Royal python or ball python ; While individual python species will have specific care needs, there are a lot of fundamental concerns we need to consider for all pet pythons.
How long can a Burmese python go without eatting?
With a 30-to-40-year lifespan, you can expect your adult ball python to go on hunger strikes every now and then for various reasons. Adult ball pythons can go as long as six to seven months without eating any food and not suffer any major damage to their bodies. Most ball pythons will eventually eat at the six-month mark if they’ve been on a ...
How often should I feed an albino Burmese python?
Your Burmese python should eat every other week (if not more infrequently) and their food should be about the same width as themselves: Juveniles they should be eating several mice, large rats, or small rabbits Their food should be freshly thawed and generally 30%-50% of the snake’s own bodyweight.
Do Burmese pythons eat humans?
There has never been a case of a Burmese python eating a human in the USA. It has happened on rare occasions overseas, though. Although Burmese pythons may not eat humans, they will bite. Their bite may not be venomous, but it will bleed. Even more dangerous is the threat of asphyxiation. Most adult Burmese pythons will ignore humans unless ...
What do you feed a full grown Burmese python?
Wild Burmese pythons feed on a variety of vertebrates including birds, mammals and other reptiles but in captivity they can be easily maintained on a diet of rats and rabbits. An adult will need feeding every 2-3 weeks. Do not feed anything wider than the widest part of the snake.
How often should you feed an adult Burmese python?
Usually feeding every 5-7 days is recommended until they are a year old, then every 2-4 weeks for several years. When they are adults, they are often fed every other month.
What is a Burmese pythons favorite food?
Burmese pythons are carnivores, eating mostly small mammals and birds. But exceptionally large pythons may search for larger food items like pigs or goats. Pythons have even been known to have attacked and eaten alligators!
What do you feed Burmese?
Burmese pythons are usually good eaters. Hatchlings can be fed one to two times per week with mice or fuzzy rats. As the snake grows, you will gradually increase the prey size to rats and eventually, rabbits. The prey should be no larger than the width of the snake.
How long can Burmese pythons go without eating?
Generally speaking, snakes can go a long time without being fed or eating. Nearly all snakes can last a few weeks, no problem. Similarly, most snakes can even last a few months. After the two-month mark, certain snakes will begin to starve.
Can Burmese pythons eat fish?
Python's ability to digest large prey. Like deep sea fish whom consume extremely large prey relative to their body size, the Burmese python has an amazing ability to consume very large prey.
How often do Burmese pythons eat?
every two weeksBurmese pythons are carnivores that primarily feed on small mammals and birds. Growing hatchling pythons need to be fed one to two times per week with mice or rats. Adult pythons are fed less often, every two weeks, with larger pray that is the width of the snake.
How long does it take for a Burmese python to grow to full size?
two to three yearsThe Animal Diversity Web, maintained by the University of Michigan, cites an older publication by the American Museum of Natural History, which states that Burmese pythons mature in two to three years.
What time of day are Burmese pythons most active?
Snakes were most active in midday or early-night depending on individual and time of year, but all snakes were least likely to be active in the early mornings (0400–0700 h local time).
How much should a Burmese cat eat?
Do Burmese kittens need a special diet?AgeWeight (in kilos)Daily intake (wet food)3 weeks to 4 months0.5–1.520–48 grams4–9 months1.5–348–180 grams9–12 months3–4.2180–300 grams12–18 months and up4–6180–250 gramsApr 23, 2022
How often should you handle a Burmese python?
Common Pet Snakes And How Often They Can Be HandledType of SnakeHow Often They Can Be HandledApproximately How Long Can They Be Handled At A Time?Carpet PythonEvery other or every day20 minutes at a timeDekay's Brown Snake1-3 times per week15 minutes at a time18 more rows
What is the best bedding for a Burmese python?
Substrate. A Burmese Python will do well on a wide range of substrates. It is very difficult to provide a naturalistic vivarium for these snakes due to their size. But if you choose for a natural looking substrate, aspen shavings or Beech chippings are a good option.
How long does it take for a Burmese python to grow to full size?
two to three yearsThe Animal Diversity Web, maintained by the University of Michigan, cites an older publication by the American Museum of Natural History, which states that Burmese pythons mature in two to three years.
Do Burmese pythons need heat lamps?
Burmese Pythons have no special lighting requirements but if you do use a basking bulb,ensure the light has a bulb guard to avoid your snake from being burned. Temperatures & Humidity: Provide a basking spot of 31-33°C with a thermal gradient fading to about 28°C at the cooler end of the enclosure.
How big should an adult Burmese python enclosure be?
A 75-gallon (284-liter) enclosure is suitable to house a 6-8 foot (1.8-2.4 meter) Burmese. Adult female Burmese pythons require enclosures of at least 72 x 36 inches (181 X 91 cm), and up to 96 inches (244 cm) long for extra-large specimens.
Is Cypress mulch good for Burmese pythons?
To provide your snake with a humidity level of 50% – 60%, you have a couple of options. Use cypress mulch or a similar substrate that can be misted & is mold-resistant. Cypress is good for this as it turns a tan color when dry & a rich brown when wet, giving a visual cue as to when it needs to be dampened again.
Temperament
Burmese Pythons are typically very docile and relaxed but can be slightly skittish when they're young. As adults they can become very aggressive feeders which can easily injure their handlers. It's recommended that you always have to people when feeding or handling these snakes as they get larger.
Where To Purchase?
Burmese Pythons aren't recommended for anyone who hasn't prepared for their massive size an enclosure requirements along with the amount of food they require. They can be purchased from some reputable breeders online.
Feeder Sizing
Burmese Pythons can generally eat 1 - 1.5x the widest part of there body. However if your feeding 1.5x it's girth it's recommended that you make your feedings less frequent. Be careful of what you feed your snake as certain rodents can have green belly, mites and other diseases if they weren't properly raised & euthanized before packaging.
Feeding Frozen Vs Feeding Live
Feeding a Burmese Pythons live rodents can be dangerous and is not recommended. Captive bred snakes specifically, don't gain the instincts that they normally do in the wild and are much more susceptible to injury. If you leave live rodents in an enclosure with a snake that isn't hungry it may even get eaten by the rodents themselves.
What is the mouth rot of a Burmese Python?
2 A snake with a respiratory infection will breathe with its mouth open or wheeze. Mouth rot will show as a reddish discoloration around and in the animal's mouth.
Where did Burmese snakes originate?
Burmese originated from Southeast Asia, although they have become an invasive species in Florida. These snakes are magnificent animals with beautiful brown and black markings. They make fascinating pets for the right owner. However, they are not suitable for beginners and are generally best left in the wild.
Why do snakes starve?
Many snakes with this disease starve to death because they can't digest any new food, even if force-fed.
How do reptiles regulate temperature?
Reptiles are cold-blooded creatures that need to self-regulate their body temperature by moving between warmer and cooler spots in their habitat. Native to the rainforest, Burmese pythons need a daytime temperature of 85 to 88 F with a basking area at 90 to 93 F. The temperature can drop to 78 to 80 F at night. Use spotlights, ceramic heat elements, and heating pads to maintain temperatures, but shield or engage the lights to prevent burns. For large snakes, a pig heating blanket is a good option for maintaining temperature.
How long do snakes need light?
These snakes need a 10- to 12-hour cycle of light (10 hours in winter, 12 in summer). If lighting is sufficient from the sunlight streaming in through your windows, that should suffice. If not, switch on an incandescent lamp for 10 to 12 hours and account for the heat it adds to the enclosure. You can automate lights on a timer. Most nocturnal animals or animals that live beneath the rainforest canopy do not need ultraviolet light, although it cannot hurt to use a UVB (5.0) fluorescent light in the enclosure to provide vitamin D3, which aids in calcium absorption.
How to keep snakes moist?
Maintain a 50 to 60 percent humidity level in the enclosure. To add moisture, you can spray or mist the cage several times a day. A hygrometer or humidity gauge will help you check moisture levels. As long as there is a water bowl large enough for the snake to submerge completely, the humidity should be adequate. If you notice that your snake is about to shed, you can provide a humidity retreat by placing damp sphagnum moss in a plastic container with a lid and cut a hole large enough for the snake to climb in and out.
What temperature should snakes be at night?
The temperature can drop to 78 to 80 F at night. Use spotlights, ceramic heat elements, and heating pads to maintain temperatures, but shield or engage the lights to prevent burns. For large snakes, a pig heating blanket is a good option for maintaining temperature.
What do burmese pythons eat?
In the wild Burmese Pythons often eat deer, monitor lizards, large rodents, and ground-dwelling birds. Like many snakes, they are a sit-and-wait type of predator.
How much humidity does a burmese python need?
Burmese Pythons need a tank that is between 80℉-86℉ with a high humidity of around 60%. The tank should have 14 hours of light and 10 hours of darkness. Under tank heating may work well for younger snakes, but adults should be warmed using ceramic or infrared bulbs. They also need a basking area of around 90℉.
How big can a Python snake get?
This large Python can grow to a giant 21 feet long and weigh nearly 200 pounds. Commonly found with light and dark patterns of leopard-like spots, although recently albinos and banana-yellow Burmese Pythons have been discovered. This snake is unique in the reptile-world for how infrequently they eat.
How long do burmese pythons live?
Like most reptiles, Burmese Pythons are healthy in captivity. Providing they have good husbandry, some can live up to 30 years, however, they are prone to a couple conditions. Some exhibit various cardiovascular lesions and diseases. Symptoms include listlessness, swelling near the heart and mouth, and a bluish-color in their mouth.
How long does it take for a burmese python to defecate?
Spot clean the cage and provide fresh water daily. Don’t let the large size of the tank keep you from cleaning! Burmese Pythons typically defecate 8-14 days after a meal, their feces should be brown and relatively solid.
What does it mean when a Python is wheezing?
If your python is wheezing, or they have nasal discharge, this may be indicative of respiratory distress.
What is the difference between Burmese Python and a rattlesnake?
One of the few recognizable differences is their more rectangular shaped head when compared with rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and water snakes.
Housing
The goal of housing any reptile is to provide everything your pet needs to be happy and healthy. Poor enclosure design or husbandry will weaken your snake’s immune system and may even kill it.
Feeding
In south east asia, their wild habitat, Burmese pythons – python molurus – are ambush predators that target any vertebrate that comes by.
Shedding
Snakes shed their skin in order to grow. The outer layer of their skin does not grow with them. This means that they need to shed the old layer in order to grow larger.
Hibernation
Hibernation is called brumation in reptiles. They will sleep through cold temperatures. During this state, they will cease to eat but will still drink water occasionally.
Handling
Most Burms have a docile and quiet temperament, but it is absolutely essential that you get your burmese python used to handling when it is a baby. This will help reduce your chance of injury once your snake is an adult.
Conclusion
We hope this burmese python care sheet has helped you learn how to take care of these wonderful snakes.
What to feed a Burmese Python snake?
As the snake grows to lengths exceeding 6′ it may be wise to feed the snake only dead rodents by placing prey items in the enclosure for the snake to discover, as this may encourage more gentle food acquisition. You will eventually have to feed your Burmese python very large prey items – i.e. big rabbits.
What is the best cage accessory for a Burmese Python?
The one cage accessory that is beneficial to a happy Burmese python is a good hide box; maybe even a couple of them. These are secretive snakes that appreciate & utilize a hide spot. Provide one on each end of your python’s enclosure so that it does not have to choose between temperature & security.
What is the most popular snake?
Burmese pythons are one of the tamest large constrictors known, making them extremely popular pet snakes. Sadly, many people purchase cute little baby Burms as an “impulse buy” before taking into consideration the care and maintenance requirements for such a large, powerful animal.
How to keep snakes moist?
To provide your snake with a humidity level of 50% – 60%, you have a couple of options. Use cypress mulch or a similar substrate that can be misted & is mold-resistant.
Can Burmese eat rats?
They can eat rats from the time they are young – starting off with rat pups or “crawlers” for younger snakes & moving up in size as the animal grows. At 3′, the snake is large enough for weanling rats.
Do snakes defecate in water?
Snakes of many species will defecate in their water bowls from time to time, so be prepared for cleaning, disinfecting & a water change when necessary. It is often beneficial to have a spare water bowl for such occasions, so that one may be used while the other is being cleaned.
Do Burmese snakes need a thermal gradient?
Remember that ALL enclosures must allow for a proper thermal gradient that the snake can utilize, with a hot spot on one end and a cooler spot on the other.
What do Python ball pythons eat?
What ball pythons eat. In general, the youngest, smallest ones eat small frozen feeder mice or rats. 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.
What to do if your Python ball isn't hungry?
Maintain a comfortable temperature, avoid disturbances, and watch for signs of shedding and illnesses. If your ball python isn’t hungry, they won’t eat. You can remove the food and try again later. How to encourage your ball python to eat.
Can you feed a ball python?
Common Concerns Feeding Ball Pythons. Ball pythons are excellent pets for people who like snakes. They’re relatively low-maintenance, they’re small, and they’re clean. But they have dietary needs that are very different from a cat or dog. As a new ball python owner you’ll need to know what to feed your snake, how often to feed it, ...
Can snakes eat prey?
Snakes are predators, and in the wild they’re used to catching their own food. Your pet snake, though, will be fine with fresh pre-killed or even frozen rodents (you’ll need to thaw them first.) It’s safer not to feed your snake live prey. Live rodents will be scared and can bite your snake.
Can a ball Python eat?
And if your snake is new, know that snakes — and especially ball pythons — are sometimes too stressed to eat in their new home environment for weeks or even months. If your ball python won’t eat, understanding why can help you know how to encourage your snake to eat again.
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.
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 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 can a Python ball go without eating?
This means there is no need for them to last so long without eating. If you notice your ball python stretching beyond the 17-day mark for eating, call the vet for advice. While it may just be brumation, this isn’t a norm for the ball python, and it may be an illness.
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.
Why is it important to keep a snake's prey small?
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. Too large, and the python may choke or regurgitate its 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.
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.
Housing
Feeding
- In south east asia, their wild habitat, Burmese pythons – python molurus– are ambush predators that target any vertebrate that comes by. They will eat deer, water monitors, and even birds in the wild. They can swallow very large prey, which they will take since they have no idea when their next meal might be.
Shedding
- Snakes shed their skin in order to grow. The outer layer of their skin does not grow with them. This means that they need to shed the old layer in order to grow larger. This shedding also allows them to heal any injuries to their skin or scales. Young snakes shed more frequently than adults, but you should expect this to happen a few times a year for an adult snake. You should be sure t…
Hibernation
- Hibernation is called brumation in reptiles. They will sleep through cold temperatures. During this state, they will cease to eat but will still drink water occasionally. Burmese pythons will go into brumation in the northern parts of their range, but they do not need to do so in captivity. It is generally used in captivity to help with breeding, so your average pet owner does not need to wo…
Handling
- Since they are so long, an adult can cause serious damage with teeth or constriction. Never handle or feed an adult without a helper present. Handling a baby works much like any other snake. Start with short sessions that you end when the snake is comfortable. You can extend the time as the snake gets more comfortable. Aim for once a week. Adults can be handled, but be v…
FAQ
- This short section will answer any questions you may have. If you do not see yours answered here, leave it in the comment section below.
Resources
- Burmese Pythons in the Florida Everglades – Berkeley
- Smith, S.N., Jones, M.D., Marshall, B.M. et al. Native Burmese pythons exhibit site fidelity and preference for aquatic habitats in an agricultural mosaic. Sci Rep 11, 7014 (2021). https://doi.org/...
- Python bivittatus (Burmese python) – Invasive Species Compendium
Conclusion
- We hope this burmese python care sheet has helped you learn how to take care of these wonderful snakes. Whether you choose a granite, albino, patternless morph or a classic dark brown patches, burms are truly special and beautiful snakes and caring for these giant pythons is a unique experience. Check out my list of burmese python morphsif you are interested in differe…