Ball Python Feeding Chart



  • *Consider smaller medium rats (90-110 range, versus 120-150 range)
  • All rodent sizes are assuming you are using standardized feeder sizes based off of Frozen charts, such as those found on PerfectPrey.com.
  • When choosing African Soft Furs, consider the approximate weight of the soft fur in comparison to the more common prey items (IE, a small rat is usually between 50 and 90 grams, so feed appropriate size furs or combine as needed). ASF weights are harder to find.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Exempting fresh hatchlings, you can usually err a little larger for feeders. If the lump for your snake doesn’t go away within 48 hours, just extend feeding time by a day or two. You can also start offering multiple prey items as early as adult mice (2 medium mice = 1 jumbo mouse, for instance). Consider the combined weight of the prey item and feed accordingly.

Remember that adults are feeding to maintain their weight, not to continue gaining and growing the way younger animals do. The only time you feed more often is when your female is building follicles, to help them maintain weight while they are producing eggs.

These are also not exact. Should your snake start looking too lean, size up prey for a couple feeds. Should they start looking chunky, size down for a few meals. The rule of thumb is to judge by body condition, not necessarily by weight. Some snakes are ‘shorter’ and more stout than others, for instance. Use your gut and best judgment.

Ball Python Feeding Chart was last modified: June 9th, 2021 by Tom
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2 Responses to Ball Python Feeding Chart

  1. Kris says:

    Saying one small rat for all adult male ball Pythons for life over 600g is under feeding. Generally speaking even adult males should be getting a medium sized rat every 14 – 21 days…

    My proven male, who is large for his sex I’ll admit, needs at least medium rat to even have a slight food bulge. He is not obese and has the perfect manly figure.

    Even if it were only in rare circumstances your blanket statement is misinformation and will do someone a disservice.

    • Tom says:

      Consider this a starting place, not an absolute. We didn’t write the chart, but are sharing it to help others.
      If your snake is still too chubby or too slim, adjust accordingly. By your own admission yours is bigger than normal and you feed a little less often. Most adult males are too small to eat what most people consider medium rats on a regular basis. A few of mine sometimes get mediums.

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