Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know this is a very basic question, but I could not find an answer to this in the forums:

How much AND how often to feed a 2.5 month old black rat snake?

I have heard many recommendations, some contradicting each other. One source says 2 pinkies once a week, another says feed every 4-6 days until satisfied, and a third says 2 pinkies a week is way too much.

Please help!!! I don't want to overfeed or underfeed my new baby. Thanks!

P.S. I assume whatever answer I get that I can just increase the size of the feeders as it grows (to no more than 1.5 times the largest diameter of the snake)? Thanks again!

P.P.S. I am currently feeding 2 pinkies every 4-6 days, and she's eating with gusto except before a shed. She's eaten 3 times now since I purchased her at a show a little over two weeks ago.

Sounds like you and your snake are doing fine.

As long as your snake continues to grow without becoming obese, there's no need to worry. As it grows, you can increase the size and/or number of food items, and decrease the frequency.

As you noticed, there are many opinions on feeding snakes. Remember that opinions are just that - opinions. Ultimately, it is your decision.

Regards,

John D
-----
I am so not lesdysxic!

0.1 Creamsicle Cornsake "Yolanda"
1.0 Bairds Ratsnake "Steely Dan"
0.1 Desert Kingsnake "FATTY"
0.1 Black Rat (WV Rescue) "Roberta"

This is one of those questions with 100 right answers, but not one of which everyone will agree with.

I do everything on a weekly schedule. A five day schedule is nice but it is too much work for me to remember when to feed them. I feed my snakes every Sunday, with my adult boas getting feed every other Sunday. My babies get 2 food items, yearlings get 1-2 depending on what they eat, adults get 1 food item unless there are left overs.

Feeding is a lot of times just a judgement call. If a snake is looking heavy, I cut back on feeding a little. If a snake is growing fast but looking thin, I feed a little more. Some snakes will eat and then go curl up and hide. Others will eat and then cruise the cage and look very alert to movement, I'll feed more if it looks like they want it.

...really helped. I guess I'll just keep feeding 2 pinkies every 4-6 days or once a week and look for hunger/ obesity.