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 is the Diet of a ball python?
How Do You Feed a Pet Ball Python?
- Ensure that your snake is healthy and that his habitat is set up ideally. ...
- Obtain a frozen rodent of the appropriate size. The best things to feed your ball python are frozen-thawed rodents (the rodents will be sold to you in frozen form, ...
- Gently open the enclosure and present the rodent to your snake via a pair of long tongs or forceps. ...
How often should ball pythons eat?
The most common reasons for a ball python’s lack of appetite include:
- Poor enclosure conditions
- Inability to recognize its food
- Breeding season
- Being stressed or sick
- The shedding process
What to feed ball python?
- Rats
- Mice
- African soft-furred rats
- Gerbils
- Hamsters
- Young guinea pigs
- Young rabbits
- Chicks
- Quail chicks
What kind of fish can ball pythons eat?
You must know how to prepare food and how to feed it to your Ball Python:
- Thaw the frozen rodent using warm water. One way to check that the rodent has thawed is to poke the belly, and if you can’t feel any hard ...
- Walk over to the enclosure and make sure your snake is aware of your presence. Open the enclosure. ...
- Encourage your snake to eat the rodent by gently wiggling it. ...
See more
.JPG)
What do you feed a newborn 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 often do you feed a hatchling ball python?
How often should a Ball python be fed?As hatchlings, I feed every five to seven days for a good six or seven months. ... Then I change it to once every seven to ten days, once the snake is at six or seven months old. ... It's also vital you are going up in prey size with the snake's growth.More items...•
What do you feed hatchling snakes?
The diet of a newborn snake is not too different from that of its parents. In fact, babies snakes consume the same food as their folks, with size being the most important consideration. They generally eat tiny insects, small creatures, eggs, and as long as they can fit in their mouth.
When should I first feed my new ball python?
First Feeding. Five to seven days after you get the snake home, regardless of if you are able to handle it or not, you need to feed it. I like to give it the same thing it has been eating before I brought the animal home because I find it to be much less of a hassle.
How long can a hatchling ball pythons go without eating?
one monthOnce again, it is difficult to give precise estimates of the length of time a hatchling ball python can go without eating, but it is likely at least one month. So, don't worry if your baby ball python refuses food for a week or two – he'll likely resume eating quickly enough.
What age is a hatchling ball python?
Size 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 do you take care of a ball python hatchling?
0:287:33Basics of Hatchling ball python care! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou need to some kind of substrate newspaper towel is pretty much the easiest thing to do becauseMoreYou need to some kind of substrate newspaper towel is pretty much the easiest thing to do because you just switch it out whenever they poop in their pee in there. And.
How do you take care of a hatchling snake?
0:193:25How to Take Care of a Baby Snake | Pet Snakes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAre young snakes is a plastic container about the size of a shoebox a little bit more and what weMoreAre young snakes is a plastic container about the size of a shoebox a little bit more and what we have to do is we have to set up a small heat gradient remember that snakes are ectothermic.
How long can a hatchling snake go without eating?
A baby snake will begin to seriously starve after roughly a week without food — and once that baby grows into an adult, members of most snake species can comfortably get by for at least two to three weeks.
How do I get my baby ball python to eat?
3:044:11My #1 Tip for Getting Ball Pythons to Eat! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSituation. Even if it's the same tub if it's completely scrub clean that is a unique opportunity toMoreSituation. Even if it's the same tub if it's completely scrub clean that is a unique opportunity to get the snake to eat again. So that's my number one tip is to kind of change the environment.
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 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 often should I feed my baby snake?
Smaller or younger snakes usually eat twice each week, while larger, more mature snakes typically eat once every week or two. Female snakes approaching breeding season can be fed more frequently.
Can you overfeed a baby ball python?
This is also the time when you should make sure their feeding response is strong and that they are able to strike at prey accurately. Overfeeding hatchling ball pythons is not an issue because of their extremely high metabolisms.
How do I know if my baby 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 baby ball python?
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.
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 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 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 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 snake?
Here is a bunch of feeding tricks. They all work some of the time: 1 Try switching between rats and mice 2 Try feeding later at night (some ball pythons don’t care if its light or not, others will only feed at night) 3 Try a live smaller rodent* 4 Try a smaller food item. The correct sized rodent should leave a small bump in the snake’s stomach, and not make it look like a stuffed sausage. 5 Try a new hide box or add another hide 6 Try covering the cage with a towel so the snake is not disturbed 7 Try scenting or rubbing mouse, hamster or gerbil bedding on your food item 8 Try a different colour mouse (I haven’t tried this myself but have had other breeders tell me it worked for them) 9 Try warming up the cage if the temps are on the cool side (I highly recommend a contactless temp gun to check the temps on all your cages). Likewise, if the cage is too hot, try dropping the temps. (see section on cage temps above) 10 If it’s a pinkie, try splitting its head so the brains come out (only with dead food !!!) 11 Try putting some rodent shavings/ bedding in your snake cage about an hour before feeding them so they know food is on the way
Why is my ball python not feeding?
Ball pythons if kept at the incorrect temperature or in a too dry environment can develop a respiratory infection. Most snakes will stop feeding if they are unwell. If you notice any symptoms of sickness in your ball python, take it to an exotic pet or herp vet to get checked out.
What to do if your snake doesn't recognize your food?
Offering a food type your snake doesn’t recognize will result in it not feeding. If you have to switch from one type of food to another, try scenting to fool your snake. If you want to switch say from to rats and your ball python is fixed on mice, try rubbing a dead mouse or mouse bedding on the rat before offering it.
What to do if your snake is not feeding?
Snakes, like people are individuals and have slightly particular feeding habits. If you have more than one snake, it’s important to understand their individual feeding preferences, behaviors and habits. So if your snake is not feeding, don’t stress. Force or assist feeding should always be a last resort.
How long can a Python ball go without food?
As has been mentioned, ball pythons can go without food for weeks or months at a time. This has given them a reputation as picky eaters. In some cases this can be true. If however, all the environmental factors are correct, they are then mostly doing what many ball python do, binge feeding and fasting.
How do you keep a ball Python in captivity?
In captivity it’s important to provide a hide box ( or multiplehides) so your ball python will feel secure. As ball pythons are nocturnal it’s also a good idea not to disturb them too much during the day. Just as you don’t like to be pulled out of bed in the middle of he night, they don’t like to be pulled out of their cages in the middle of the day. Yes, of course you canhandle them during the day but just don’t do it all the time, especially if they are a picky feeder.
What temperature should a ball python be?
Ball pythons do very well with an ambient temperature of 82 – 84F (27 – 28C) and with a hot spot of 86 -88F (30-32C). A common problem with captive ball pythons is that they are kept too cold.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
How to get a rat to dangle in front of your head?
Pick a rat that is smaller than your python’s widest girth. Check to make sure the rat is free from injuries and parasite. Use soft tongs to lift the rat by the tail. Open your python’s en closure or the lid of its feeding tub and dangle the rat in front of its head.
How to get baby pigs to lay eggs?
This seems like an obvious thing, but honestly, don't freak out until they are actually out of the egg. 2) Rinse the babies off individually, as when they hat ch out, they tend to be covered in goo. You don't need soap, just water. 3) Set up the tubs.
How to get a baby to swallow a dead food item?
Take the back of the head of the baby, open up the jaws slightly, and gently force the DEAD small food item (mouse pink, usually) into the jaws to the point where the baby cannot push it out. Put it back in the tub and wait to see if the baby attempts to swallow it or not.
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.
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.
