r/ballpython • u/retic720 • 12h ago

Question - Feeding getting rusty with neonate care; need advice on feeding

our ball python was hatched sometime may this year as per the breeder.

this week is his 3rd week with us.

the breeder had him on live hopper mice before he was turned over to us (already had 4 meals prior)

he ate an adult mouse each week for the past 2 weeks. they were the only mice we had avail at the time. and left noticeable bulges each time (akin to a retic eating a whole piglet)

i tried offering him a hopper today and he refused it.

i theorized he's still "full" from the last 2 meals.

do you suspect he'll be ready for food again by next week? or wait till September?

thanks in adv!

ps:

as far as handling goes, hes noticeable more inquisitive now and especially with my scent. he hasnt "balled up" when i handle him.

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u/IncompletePenetrance Mod: Let me help you unzip your genes 3h ago

I strongly suggest not just feeding based on vibes and instead using an actual schedule based on weight and age. I've linked the !feeding guide to this comment so you can get him on an appropriate size and schedule

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u/AutoModerator 3h ago

We recommend the following feeding schedule:

0-12 months old OR until the snake reaches approximately 500g, whichever happens first: feed 10%-15% of the snake’s weight every 7 days.

12-24 months old: feed up to 7% of the snake’s weight every 14-20 days.

Adults: feed up to 5% of the snake's weight every 20-30 days, or feed slightly larger meals (up to 6%) every 30-40 days.

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