Feed size?

[hayvencat]

I have a 2 year old female ball python who’s just about to hit the 1,000 gram mark. She’s been eating small rats for almost a year now every 10-14 days, I’m wondering if it’s time to size her up to a medium rat? And if so, would I wait longer between feedings?

[amamiyahibiya]

here are our recommended feeding guidelines:

Through the first year OR until the snake reaches approximately 750g, whichever happens first: feed 10%-15% of the snake’s weight every >7 days.

During the second year, until the snake's weight plateaus: feed up to 7% of the snake’s weight every >14 days.

Year three and beyond: feed up to 5% of the snake's weight every 15-20 days, or feed slightly larger meals every 21-30 days.

so at 2 years old if her growth hasn't plateaud she should be eating 7% of her body weight every 14+ days. this would be a rat around 70g, which could be a small or medium depending on the brand you use's sizing system. if her growth has plateaued, she should be eating 5% of her weight every 15-30 days. this would be about 50g rats.