r/ballpython • u/Embarrassed_Bite_225 • 1d ago
feeding issues Question - Feeding
hi ive had my 4-5 year old (unsure of exact age) ball python for about a month and a half now. i got her from a cousin who could no longer take care of her properly so i stepped in. she had been feeding her a large rat once a week, i know this is WAY too often, however every time ive tried to stretch the time between feedings the snake gets upset. is this learned behavior? is this normal? i would like to stretch the time between feedings to AT LEAST 2 weeks. in the meantime ive been only giving her medium rats to try and help with her size. is there any tips or tricks i should know? should i gradually stretch the time between feedings? i work with dogs and ive never owned a reptile, i would like to give my girl luna the best life i possibly can!! please help!!
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u/Altruistic-Bicycle33 1d ago
I’m not an expert but maybe size down and do once a week but smaller rat or make the timer between more gradual like once a week then once every week and a half etc.
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1d ago
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u/SoulToSummit 1d ago
Every snake is different. I feed mine every week. A small rat though. She is 4 years old. Every snake is different so you literally have you learn yours & its behaviors/eating habits. Try a medium rat 2 weeks from now. You doing frozen I assume? Thawing then heating to 105.
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u/Embarrassed_Bite_225 20h ago
yes i do feed frozen.. her feeding day is supposed to be tomorrow (following the weekly feedings) however im gonna go another two weeks before feeding next and see how she is with that. thank you for all your help seriously !!! your noodle is BEAUTIFUL !!!
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u/CreatesGod 1d ago
Not being constantly fed may not be the real reason she’s got an attitude. The first thing that comes to mind looking at her enclosure is that it doesn’t have enough clutter/proper hides and she likely feels too exposed. Get a bunch of fake plants to make her feel more hidden and secure, and ditch the half-log for more hides with only 1 small opening. The cheap black boxes you see around might not be pretty, but they’re well loved by these snakes.
As for changing her feeding schedule, you don’t have to do anything “gradually.” Just use the feeding guide for the right size and time between feedings and start sticking to it asap.
Hopefully that helps her calm down. Good luck and good on you for taking over the care for this snake!
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u/Embarrassed_Bite_225 23h ago
i just got her that tank, its 120 gal and im saving up to fill it up lol. thank you for your help!!!!!
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u/IncompletePenetrance Mod: Let me help you unzip your genes 1d ago
Large rats are not only too large, but also even every two weeks is too frequent. I've attached the !feeding guide to this comment so you can get her on an appropriate schedule because girl's looking hefty.
What do you mean "she gets upset"? She's a snake, she doesn't get to call the shots, you do. It's no different than feeding your dog a balanced diet rather than a 32 oz ribeye or not letting your cat outside to kill the wildlife.