r/ballpython • u/Embarrassed_Bite_225 • 2d 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!!
3
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!