- Juveniles (4 months to 3 years old): Increase the size to fuzzy mice or small rats gradually. Adults (over 3 years old): Offer appropriately sized adult mice or rats. The ball python feeding schedule depends on the snakes age and growth stage.
- This is not justification for starvation. Will erratic feeding make your snake more aggressive? If you are concerned that changing your ball pythons schedule will make it more likely to bite or otherwise treat you like food, train it to associate a light touch from a paper towel roll or snake hook with handling time not food time. Ball pythons are smart enough to know the difference and act accordingly. PRO TIP: When buying your ball python, ask the breeder if its a good eater!
Most adults will maintain their weight by being fed every 2 weeks, or even every 3 weeks. If you prefer to feed more often, offer smaller prey to avoid obesity. Fat snakes can have health problems or are more prone to illness. Being shy, crepuscular smaller snakes, Ball Pythons prefer dark, ...
- Growth, age, and season affect feeding. Hatchlings grow fast and need more food. Adults need less frequent meals. Breeding pythons may refuse food. Adjust as needed. Watch for weight gain or loss. Use a kitchen scale to monitor. Stay flexible and alert. Each ball python morph may behave a little differently.
- Adult ball pythons will eat adult mice and rats when they get big enough. Some ball python enthusiasts feel strongly that you should only feed various life stages of rats throughout your ball python's life and never offer any insects or mice.
- Young pythons typically eat adult mice, while full-grown adults need small to medium rats. Youll feed juveniles every 5-7 days, adults every 2-3 weeks. Watch for that telltale bulge after feedingit should be noticeable but not extreme.
