Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hey guys i got a ball python that i am currently feeding frozen rats once a week.when can i start feed her ever other week?

You can feed them twice a year if thats what you want. I wouldnt recommend that, but if feeding is not a priority...? I am not being smart, its just that it depends on many things. Is it summer time or winter? Whats the size of the snake? Whats the size of the rats you feed it? Are you trying to get her bigger for breeding? I would say to weigh the snake and the give her a nice rat every 7-14 days. I prefer prey items that are not too big as it seems much easier for them to consume and digest. I wouldnt recommend feeding the biggest rat she can fit down, just so she wont have to eat again for awhile. If she is not losing weight and is gaining, you are good to go. I feel the snakes belly and I can tell if its empty and I wait until after she goes to the bathroom before I feed again most times. Also, you can tell by the way the snake acts if its hungry.

Once a week is standard proceedure for balls when they are feeding. It puts weight on them that they'll need when they go off feed in the winter time. Why would you want to go less?

Quig

A lot of my adult snakes have not eaten since last fall. When they do start eating, I feed every 5-7 days till they catch up and then weekly till they quit eating again.