Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi All,

I was wondering, if the prey was too big (rat)would a ball python eat it or leave it alone? Or would they eat it anyway?

A while back, during the winter, when I put a small rat for feeding, he just bit it and threw it up against the cage and did'nt want it. So then I got him a mouse and he ate that. But now I gave him a small rat and he eats it with no problem. But seemed his belly was a little too large. Could it be he is just out of his winter hibernation?

Also, I fed him a couple of gerbels throughout the winter, he ate those and now he seems like he has no problems with the rats. It is amazing when they come of their hibernation how their eating habits change and eat whatever is put in front of them. Each week I become more and more impressed with this guy or girl. I still don't know. I think I need a few more. (Is there a snake anonymous hotline for this addiction?)

Your friendly neighborhood
Clownloach

My male is the same way with rats. He will only strike them if they are too big but gorge himself on the smaller prey items that I put in with him. Try feeding yours items that are the right size until it gets bigger then give it the bigger prey items but try to stay away from gerbils and only use them as prey items when it won't eat for a couple months.