HOW TO FEED
A BALL PYTHON
Ball pythons are beautiful and fascinating creatures that make excellent pets. Like all animals, they need to be fed properly in order to thrive. Feeding a ball python may seem daunting at first, but it’s actually quite simple once you know what to do.
In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about feeding your ball python, including how often to feed them, what to feed them, and how to do it safely.
How often to feed a ball python
The frequency at which you should feed your ball python depends on their age and size. Young ball pythons should be fed once every five to seven days, while adult ball pythons can be fed once every seven to 10 days.
It’s important not to overfeed your ball python, as this can lead to obesity and other health problems. Similarly, you should avoid underfeeding your ball python, as this can lead to malnutrition and stunted growth.
What to feed a ball python
In the wild, ball pythons primarily eat small rodents such as mice and rats. In captivity, you can feed your ball python pre-killed or frozen/thawed mice or rats. Live prey should be avoided, as they can injure or kill your snake.
When choosing a mouse or rat to feed your ball python, make sure it is an appropriate size. A good rule of thumb is to choose a prey item that is about the same width as your snake at its widest point. This will ensure that your snake is able to swallow the prey item without any problems.
How to feed a ball python
Feeding your ball python can be a bit intimidating at first, but it’s actually quite simple. The most important thing is to make sure that you do it safely.
Thaw the prey item: If you’re feeding your ball python a frozen/thawed mouse or rat, you’ll need to thaw it out first. Place the prey item in a plastic bag and soak it in warm water for about 30 minutes until it is completely thawed.
Use tongs to offer the prey item: Once the prey item is thawed, use a pair of tongs to offer it to your ball python. Make sure to offer it head first, as this is the natural way that snakes would eat in the wild.
Monitor your snake: While your ball python is eating, make sure to keep an eye on them. They may take a little while to swallow the prey item, and it’s important not to disturb them during this time.
Remove any uneaten prey: If your ball python doesn’t eat the prey item, remove it from their enclosure. Leaving uneaten prey in the enclosure can attract pests and lead to health problems for your snake.
Conclusion
In conclusion, feeding a ball python is a simple and straightforward process. Just make sure to feed them the appropriate prey items at the appropriate frequency, and do it safely to ensure the health and well-being of your pet snake.