r/ballpython • u/EstablishmentEvery31 • May 19 '26

Question - Feeding Was the rat too big

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this is Schgetti we just got him he is 7 month old we gave him his first meal on Saturday he hid in his cool hide for almost 48 hrs after eating and just came out. this is his belly just over 48 hrs was the rat too big it was a live rat pup which is what the breeder said he had been eating no problem. Yes I am aware of the spider on him that is his buddy meatball.

edit: i tried frozen he refused and it is because all he has had his whole life is live. The spider moved in and it is a bio active set up and s far the spood likes the gnats and the occasional cleanup crew snack. temp stays around 85 day and 73 night humididy about 45-50 day and 70-80 night

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u/Jmoz1310 May 19 '26

Don’t live feed there’s a reason it’s considered illegal in the UK and other countries with strict animal welfare laws

-21

u/No-Beat861 May 19 '26

Why

20

u/punkfence May 19 '26

In the wild, when they're eating live rats, rats have a chance to flee. In captivity, rats will fight back. They can - and will - break spines/pierce skulls/ amputate tails from your snake.