When it comes to feeding, Ball pythons can feed as often as every 5 to 7 days, but can also go months without eating (Obviously that is not something you want). Before they reach the 2 foot mark one or two small mice a week should keep them happy. As they get bigger, they should graduate to adult mice or small to medium size rats. Just judge it by the size of your snake. A general rule of thumb is...Try not to feed your snake any prey item that is bigger that the snakes girth.
Here are some tips for feeding that should help you avoid any mistakes during feeding time that could lead to an S.F.E. (Stupid Feeding Error).
1) ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS wash your hands before handling any of your snakes...Even if it is normally the most gentile snake in the world...The slightest scent of food on you, can transform even the most docile snake into a demon serpent, hell-bent on eating your hand.
2) Try to feed your snakes somewhere other than in their enclosure. There are two reasons for this...1)If you feed the snake in his enclosure, it will asscociate the opening of the cage, with feeding time. This can be a bad thing when you just want to reach in and pick the snake up. It may mistake your hand for food and strike. 2)Feeding your snake inside it's enclosure can also cause it to inadvertantly swallow some of it's substrate while it feeds, which is not good for it and can cause many problems...from mouth rot, to impaction, even death. For these reasons, I feed my snakes in large rubbermade tubs.
3) ALWAYS use hemostats or tongs to offer food to your snakes. NEVER hold the prey in your hand.
4) I always use a snake hook to move my snakes back to thier enclosures after feeding as they are sometimes still in hunting mode and will strike at hands thinking they are mice.
Snake hooks and a good long pair of hemostats are things no snake keeper should be without.
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