feeding baby ball pythons

[Bree]

They are beauties!  With my 2nd and 3rd clutches I waited a full 6-7 days after they shed to feed them, and I honestly think that worked the best.  My first clutch was not in the slightest interested right after shed.

[coitussnakes]

Are "rat pups" ok for a 1st meal or should it be "pinkys" my rat suppleir has both not too sure what to start with

[Bree]

For hatchlings- Rat Pinkies

[Donnie_K]

correct, rat pinkies for hatchlings. Even ball pythons never need to see a mouse. Not to mention, once a ball is hooked on mice, it's a pain in the ass to get them to take anything else. Same thing with the Soft Furs, once they have them, they won't take anything else, so while some may suggest that, it's not a good idea to feed ASF's unless absolutely necessary.

[Bree]

correct, rat pinkies for hatchlings. Even ball pythons never need to see a mouse. Not to mention, once a ball is hooked on mice, it's a pain in the ass to get them to take anything else. Same thing with the Soft Furs, once they have them, they won't take anything else, so while some may suggest that, it's not a good idea to feed ASF's unless absolutely necessary.

I know that some people like the ASF's for many reasons.  However many states can't get these at all, and if you plan on selling/breeding snakes in the long run with hopes of interstate sales, think of your customer base.  I won't buy snakes from a certain breeder because they use asf's and gerbils to feed their snakes.   Both are illegal for me to have and it took me months to switch 2 females I bougth from this breeder.   Beautiful snakes, but not worth the worry and hassle on a larger scale.

[coitussnakes]

I wouldnt ever feed a bp a mouse. unless it was a absolute last resort