Snakes can be great pets. They don't require a lot of space, and they are fairly easy to maintain. Ball pythons are especially popular among snake owners because of their docile nature.
If you are thinking of getting a ball python, you will need to learn how to feed your snake properly. Captive snakes aren't able to hunt their own prey, so they rely on their owners to provide the right food source on a regular basis. A snake that doesn't eat properly could be at risk of falling ill.
Learn all you can about feeding your ball python so that you can keep your snake happy and healthy over time.
What to Feed Your Ball Python
The first decision you will need to make when it comes to feeding your ball python is what food items you will provide. Most snake owners rely on feeder mice to sustain their ball pythons. A feeder mouse is bred specifically for the purpose of providing reptiles with a healthy meal.
The size of the mice will vary depending on the size of your snake. Look for mice that are roughly the same size as the diameter of your snake. This ensures that your ball python will be able to easily consume and digest the mouse.
Live feeder mice can be used to allow your ball python to hunt as it would in the wild. You can also invest in frozen mice — just be sure that you thaw them to room temperature before offering them to your ball python.
When to Feed Your Ball Python
Most domestic pets need to be fed at least once a day to remain healthy. Snakes are very different. Captive snakes don't expend a lot of energy, so they don't need to eat as often as other animals. Experts suggest feeding your ball python once every 10-14 days.
You should offer a food item to your snake right before going to bed. Captive ball pythons are often nocturnal, so feeding is more likely to occur during the night. If you feed your ball python the right food items and on a regular schedule, he or she should be able to maintain optimal physical health.
How to Feed Your Ball Python
It's not enough to simply toss a feeder mouse into your ball python's enclosure and walk away. You need to present the food in a way that stimulates your snake's natural hunting instinct.
Use a set of tongs to mimic live action using the food item. Move the item across the bottom of your snake's enclosure, stopping frequently to replicate the types of movements a mouse might make in the wild.
Once your snake has spotted the food, allow the snake to come to the item and constrict it. Shy snakes will often prefer to eat near their hide boxes. Be sure that you place the food item close enough to the hide box to allow your snake some protection if he or she is more timid.
Troubleshooting Meal Times
Most snakes will readily accept their meal without much fuss. In the event that your snake isn't eating when he or she should, you may have to do some troubleshooting to get the ball python back on schedule. Check the temperature in your snake's enclosure. If it's too warm or too cold, a snake won't eat.
You can also try scenting your feeder mice. Rub a piece of raw chicken all over the feeder mouse. This will provide a new scent for your snake, and variety may be what he or she needs to stimulate the appetite.
Contact a company that offers ball pythons for sale to learn more.
Share