Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok stupid question time. I have seen this one more and more, but am still going to ask...

I have hatchlings and am wondering about size of the food item. I know it is supposed to be equal to the width of the snake, but I am so afraid I wont give something small enough, or big enough. I was checking out hoppers and they just seem so small, but rat pups look way to big.

What is the norm for hatchlings?

Stephanie

I start all of my hatchling ball pythons on pinkie rats. From there you can go to larger rats as the snake grows. If you are considering breeding a female ball python the last thing you want to do is get her started on mice. The thing I like about feeding rats is the larger the snake the larger the rat. With mice you would have to feed four to seven mice per week to give the same calorie intake as a medium rat.

Just my $.02
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Brian Gundy

www.for-goodness-snakes.com

Hi Brian,

This question was in regards to the two I bought from you over the weekend. Every other ball I have purchased has already been feeding, so I was just unsure, and to tell you the truth I am very afraid I am going to screw up! : ) I will definitely start them on pinky rats then. Should I even try f/t the first time or should I go with live? My others have all been easy to switch over, so I am not opposed to trying live first. Actually I eventually will probably start breeding rats so live might be a good choice to go with.

Thank you for your help and if I cant get these guys to eat this weekend I will be calling you next week for those tips and tricks you were telling me about.

Stephanie

Stephanie:

One way to stimulate your babies to eat is to give them a small hide box. Let them get used to hiding in them for about a week then place a pinky rat in the hide with the snake. Ideally this method works best if you can somehow keep the snake from leaving the box.

When you get a chance give me a call at (408)981-6694 and we'll talk.

Try not to worry too much. I'm very confident they will be eating like crazy before too long, but give me a call so we can talk.

Where do you live, I live in Campbell.

I breed my own rats so if you have a hard time finding small pinky rats give me a call and I'll set you up.

It's all about you and the well being of your snakes.

If you get too concerned I will take them back until I get them eating for you. I'm not going anywhere and I want nothing more than for you to feel good about your little guys.

Best of luck.

Brian

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Brian Gundy

www.for-goodness-snakes.com