Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know this has been discussed before, but what size rat do you think my bp could take? His girth on the biggest part of his body is about 3 1/2 inches. Right now I am feeding him rat pups but don't know if I should step up to weaned or small rats because i'm not really sure what the girth of them are. They only give the length and weight of them on the feeder sites.

-Troy

I currently own two Heterozygous Piebald females (500 /600 g) that only eat frozen-thawed small rats. They're normally pretty good feeders, but lately the smallest has been a bit selective about eating. I decided yesterday to visit the local pet store for live rats. Although they looked absolutely huge, I purchased two medium feeder rats. These guys were only 118 and 121 grams, but they looked like giants. I wasn't sure if my smallest girl could handle one, but she surprised me. It's incredible how big of prey the can actually eat. She doesn't even seem to be bulging too much, either. (I'm hoping my larger girl will take the other rat tonight. She didn't seem too interested last night, but she did have a small meal Friday night.)

SIDE NOTE: Although I'm frightened each time I feed live, I figure if all the big breeders are trusting live with their $50,000 animals, I might as well trust live with my two hets. =?

Anyway...go for around 20-25% of your yearling snake's empty body weight. That's the advice that was given to me a few days ago, and it seems to be working.

Good Luck,
Chris
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"I don't know about you...but I find comfort in that." -- Cowboy

When my rat eaters hit the 500 - 600g mark I offer 200g rats, haven't had any problems with them so far.
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Nita Hamilton
4.9 Normal BP's, 1.0 Het Orange Ghost BP
On the way 1.0 Het Pied 0.4 Normal BP's

I went ahead and ordered the next 2 sizes of rats. I figured he will eventually eat the bigger ones anyway plus it will save me $$ on shipping in the long run. Right now he is approx 175 grams and the pups I am feeding him now are listed as 20-29 grams the weaned are 30-44 grams and the small are 45-84. Thanks for the input!!

-Troy

Wow! Once again...I'm amazed. That's one big rat! How often are they eating the 200g rats?

Thanks,
Chris
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"I don't know about you...but I find comfort in that." -- Cowboy

They eat every week except when shedding. My next largest girl 416g eats 40g rats but she will eat a rat and a mouse on tuesday and then another rat on friday!! She is an 04 hatchling and I'm waiting till she can be offered the 200G rats, shouldn't be long I'm guessing! My largest female Briseas is 2000g and will gladly eat a 500g rat. I have learned that they can eat more than I think they can and will offer a large enough item. Funny my males will eat a 500g rat too but they generally only take every other week, oh well the girls need the weight more anyway! I will get a pic and try to get it posted on tuesday when I feed Medusa.
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Nita Hamilton
4.9 Normal BP's, 1.0 Het Orange Ghost BP
On the way 1.0 Het Pied 0.4 Normal BP's

Great! I'd love to see a photo of a 500g-600g Ball Python eating a 200g rat. =)

Chris =)
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"I don't know about you...but I find comfort in that." -- Cowboy

I have a couple of 2004 Ghana babies that are over 1000 grams. These have been fed only once per week. I do however, make the meal a large one. It seems a meal of 25% the snakes' body weight per week seems good. None of my snakes are obese. Just growing fast with excellent body proportions.

Of nine females 2 are over 1000 grams 3 are 850-1000 and four are 600-850 grams. All are fed once per week on large food. The smaller ones have missed a few meals for shedding, wont eat prekilled or too much handling.

FWIW, I now feed live to all my balls. They tend to not miss meals this way and are all pretty proficient at killing them too. Further, I feel the exercise does them good.

Happy Holidays
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AMAZON REPTILE CENTER

NAMED BEST REPTILE STORE IN LOS ANGELES

I've only fed my girls once on live, and gosh does it scare me. But...if it means they'll eat more regularly, I guess I'm all for it.

And 25% body weight sounds good. I'll keep them on that schedule for a while and see how it works out.

Thanks Again,
Chris
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"I don't know about you...but I find comfort in that." -- Cowboy

And 25% body weight sounds good. I'll keep them on that schedule for a while and see how it works out.

Keep in mind this is a large food item and may or may not suit your needs. Smaller food (10-15%) is great for a 'maintenence' diet

All the best!
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AMAZON REPTILE CENTER

NAMED BEST REPTILE STORE IN LOS ANGELES