I started with a colony of 2.5 just weaned ASFs about 3-4 months ago and now they are more than 70 rats with more on the way. They do grow slowly, but I have used that to my advantage to feed my smaller balls an occasional live rat. I prefer to mix f/t with live for diet diversity and the ball pythons seem to have a higher feed efficiency when fed live.

I haven't had really any problems with chewing. I have mine in a 50 gal tank with a lock top. I gave them two large nest boxes I made out of peg board and that seems to have stopped the baby-eating problem. They also have a ceramic pot, two wheels and some pieces of cardboard to hide in. I just started a second colony in a 20 gal tall and began separating out the weaned ones into yet another tank to take the population pressure off of the breeders.

I feed mine a medium grade dog food with no more than 20% protein and at least 6% fiber. I also supplement their diet with corn, oats, bird seed (sans sunflower seeds to prevent allergic reactions) and puppy milk bones (for higher protein occasionally).

Yes they like to bite, but I've never had them break the skin. They also like to "spin" when you are holding them by the tail, which can lead to it popping off. I have had good luck taming some babies to be friendly though.
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3.4 ball pythons
1.1 kingsnakes
0.1 crazy cat
?!.?! ASFs
1.0 husband

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