I got my balls in March and they are averaging 2 to 3 rats a week each with the larger ones weghing around 1100 grams each eating 3. I have been feeding them a mix of small and medium rats. So my question is am I overfeeding them or should I feed them as much as they will eat to get them up to size for breeding. Also is feeding them that much considered "Power Feeding"? My understanding of power feedinf is placing an aditional rat in the mouth of the snake why it is eating another.
Thank you
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Can I overfeed my Balls?
insomthegreat
Apr 20, 2007 03:12 AM
Replies (1)
ginebig
Apr 20, 2007 05:33 AM
Yes, they can be overfed, and no it's not healthy. However you understand it, power feeding is just feeding more than it needs in order to bulk it up for whatever reason. Usually in order to get them to size for breeding.
I believe they are hardwired to eat whenever the opertunity presents itself in the wild. The "feast or famine" thing. They never know when the next meal will present itself. In captivity they're in a controled enviornment, you pick when it gets to eat. Overfeeding will eventually cause obesity and/or internal organ damage leading to a shortened lifespan.
Young ball pythons can eat an appropriate sized meal every 4-5 days, or even twice a week. They need this for growth. Cutting back to one every 7-10 days as they age. Take care of the little guys and they may well outlive you 
.
Just my thoughts on the matter.
Quig
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