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Anonymous
Greetings, /an/.

I have recently rescued a 4 year old Ball Python. I hear they can be very finicky eaters, however, that is not the case with this one.

I've just fed him a mouse 1.5x the diameter of his head, but he's still "hunting" for more. He does this every 3-5 days and won't stop unless I've given him two mice. Is this natural? Healthy?

Pic not mine, maybe someday if I'm really lucky.
>> Anonymous
well, how often does he poop? he might just digest his food really quickly for some reason
>> Anonymous
>>262305

One to two days after.

Could it be that he's still growing? He's about 4.5 feet. Even then, I've only read of babies eating once a week.
>> Anonymous
Also, what is /an/'s opinion on live vs. frozen?

It would probably be cheaper to buy frozen in bulk, but I don't know if he'd go for that. Since he likes to eat so much, he might...
>> Anonymous
>>262314
Live VS Frozen is an interesting argument that boils down to what the snake's preference is. If a snake has always been fed live, then it is likely that it will not eat frozen.

Live also stimulates a snake to eat, however there's the chance that the snake will be injured from the mouse trying desperately to escape being eaten.

Frozen can be stored in bulk, however it's the equivalent of frozen food vs fresh steak. Plus, you have to be absolutely certain that the mouse is completely 100% de-thawed without hotspots before you can give it to the snake, which takes alot of time (best method so far is put it in a non-meltable bag, and put that into hot (but not boiling) water for 20 or so minutes)
>> Anonymous
>>262325

I see.

The whole "he could get an eye scratched out" deal is why I was curious. I don't want him to get hurt. He's a very efficient killer, though, so he probably does a better job than I could on my first try.

Maybe I could see if he wants a dead one before I try frozen.

Thank you.

Also, do you know of any good breeders? Is the breeding community of snakes somewhat like that of cats and dogs?
>> Anonymous
My sister's ball python has two mice at a time per week. Live.
>> Anonymous
>>262468
My ball python has two sisters per week
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
He just got finished eating two full-grown mice. He gets somewhat aggressive if you don't feed him as often as he asks.

I'm getting some frozen next time I go out, though.

Should I switch to rats? I know snakes can eat things significantly larger than their head, but I'm afraid a rat may suffocate him.

Also, while this thread is up, what sort of substrate is best? I've heard of something called...Forest floor? It comes in blocks. But what does Anon use for his ball python?
>> Anonymous
>>262954
they can eat things significantly larger than the widest part of their bodies. we have a ball python that likes the occasional guinea pig..
a lot of people make the mistake of keeping their ball pythons on mice when they should be eating rats.
I've never heard of a snake suffocating before..
>> Anonymous
Can snakes suffocate due to eating prey items that are too large? I was under the impression that they could extend that little bit to their windpipe and have no trouble breathing.
>> Anonymous
close your mouth and chew.

from where are you breathing?
>> Anonymous
>>262985
no.
they can put their windpipe off to the side while they eat.
>> Anonymous
>>262964
>>262972

I see. I just read about it and was a little worried.

The rat will definitely be dead before I try, though.