About feeding a ball python
Ball pythons are the most popular pet snake in the world, and also the most commonly overfed — a well-meaning keeper feeding 'because the snake looks hungry' can create an obese python within a year. Feeding is based on prey size relative to body weight and a schedule that slows dramatically as the snake matures.
How much should a ball python eat?
Snake feeding is based on prey size relative to body weight, matched to standard frozen prey. The chart below shows the right prey and frequency for each weight class — the calculator gives a specific recommendation for your snake's exact weight.
| Snake weight | Prey item | Prey weight | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| under 100 g | Pinky mouse or rat pinky (2–8g) | ~5 g | every 7 days |
| 100–250 g | Fuzzy mouse or rat fuzzy (8–20g) | ~15 g | every 7 days |
| 250–500 g | Hopper mouse or rat pup (20–45g) | ~30 g | every 7 days |
| 500–900 g | Adult mouse or weaned rat (30–60g) | ~50 g | every 10 days |
| 900–1,500 g | Small rat (45–80g) | ~65 g | every 14 days |
| 1,500–2,500 g | Medium rat (80–150g) | ~110 g | every 18 days |
| 2,500 g and up | Large rat (150–250g) | ~200 g | every 21 days |
What to feed
Ball pythons are strict carnivores that eat whole prey — appropriately-sized rats or mice. Prey should be roughly 10-15% of the snake's body weight, or about the width of the snake's widest point. Frozen-thawed prey is strongly recommended over live, which can bite and injure the snake.
How often to feed
Hatchlings eat every 5-7 days, juveniles every 7-10 days, sub-adults every 10-14 days, and adults only every 14-21 days or even less. Ball pythons are famous for voluntary fasts — a healthy adult can skip meals for weeks or months, especially in cooler months, with no cause for alarm.
Common feeding mistakes
- Feeding too often — adults fed weekly become obese; every 2-3 weeks is plenty.
- Prey that's too large, causing regurgitation or stress.
- Using live rodents, which can seriously injure or kill the snake.
- Panicking over a normal fast and force-feeding a healthy snake.
Weight & health
Obesity shows as visible skin folds, a triangular (rather than round) cross-section, and fat bulging around the vent. It stresses the organs and shortens life. Judge condition by body shape, not by weight alone, and size prey down if the snake looks chunky.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I feed a ball python?
Hatchlings every 5-7 days, juveniles every 7-10 days, and adults only every 14-21 days. Frequency slows as the snake grows — overfeeding an adult weekly is the most common husbandry mistake.
What size prey should a ball python eat?
Prey should weigh roughly 10-15% of the snake's body weight, or be about as wide as the widest part of the snake's body. The calculator above matches your snake's weight to a standard prey size.
Why won't my ball python eat?
Ball pythons commonly refuse food during cooler months, breeding season, shedding, or after a move. A healthy adult can safely fast for weeks or even months. Monitor weight and check husbandry (temperatures, humidity, security) before worrying.
Should I feed my ball python live or frozen prey?
Frozen-thawed is strongly recommended by reptile vets. Live rodents can bite and seriously injure a snake, and frozen prey is safer, easier to store, and nutritionally equivalent once the snake accepts it.