Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a CB 05 female weighing 195g and approx 22 inches. She is an extremely aggressive feeder. Currently eat a f/k mouse every 5 days. It takes her about 3 minutes to get the mouse down after she is done constricting. Is that about right or do I need to feed a bigger meal? If so, what should I feed?
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0.1 CB '05 Ball Python
Chlorhexidine

You should feed a prey item the same width as the widest part of her body. She should look "full" but not have a visible lump when she's finished.

I would say try feeding two mice, and if she's still not looking "full" then try a small rat, about the same width as the widest part of her body.

we asked a that qustion too and got the same responce.
we have 2 bp's at that same weight as yours and we feed them 2 mice every 7-10 days and they seem to do fine with that. we were going to try just weined rats but our local pet store dosnt have them in (f/t) that sise. or live in that sise. we are going to order them soon but not right now. hope this helps

brian n chrissy

I'm feeding my 14", 105 gram ball python two mouse fuzzies every week. From what you people are saying, I'm underestimating how big she is in comparison to the food and underfeeding her. I have a six-pack of hoppers and may start her on those next week.

Bill
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It's not how many snakes you have. It's how happy and healthy you can keep them.

The best way to tell is to match girths your feeder should be about as big around as the snake at the fattest point - or if you are feeding several small items 10-20% of the body weight.

For a 100 gram ball I would feed wean/small adult mice or small rat pup once every 5-7 days.
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Tosha

"Nihil facimus sed id bene facimus"

7.33.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and gang)
1.0.0 Angolan Python (Anakin Skywalker)
0.0.1 Green Tree Python (Verdi - yeah I know but my kids love the book)
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Desert Tortoise (Pope John Paul aka JP )
2.2.1 Fish (1,2,3,4)
0.0.2 frogs rescued from pool skimmer

Once again, thank you very much.

I just put two thawed mouse fuzzies in a paper bag in her cage. I pulled her off the aquarium rim where she was hanging out and put her in the entrance to the bag. I heard her strike almost immediately. She likes to eat in the dark, so I won't shine a light in the bag to see how she's doing until she's had time to dine, but the quick strike is encouraging.

I'll use your formula for feeding next week. When I read your post, I immediately thought to myself, "Hmmm, how am I going to figure out how much these fuzzies really weigh?" I sat contemplating the question for about five seconds before I realized that I was staring at the scale that I use to weigh her. Knowing that I should shoot for 10 to 20% of her weight will give me a nice guideline.

Thanks,

Bill

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It's not how many snakes you have. It's how happy and healthy you can keep them.

10 to 20% is of the bp weight. sounds good to me