If you are keeping a ball python as a pet, you need to know how to feed it the right diet. This is important to keep your pet healthy and well. In addition, you need to know how to treat a sick snake.
Prey species available to snake keepers
If you are looking to buy a ball python, you have a number of different species to choose from. They can range in size from two to six feet long, but all have one thing in common – they are carnivores.
Ball pythons are primarily rodent hunters, but they also hunt birds and other reptiles. The species you choose depends on the age of your snake, and what kind of food you’re most interested in giving your pet.
Some snake keepers prefer to purchase pre-killed prey for their pets. This option is convenient, as it doesn’t require you to catch or rear the rodent yourself. However, this can be expensive, and you may encounter a salmonella outbreak if you purchase from a chain pet store.
Another option is to purchase frozen prey. These can be stored for a few weeks, but you should still thaw them before feeding. Frozen-thawed prey is safer for your pet, because it’s less likely to get caught in your snare and get injured during the feeding process.
Many pet stores carry small mice and rats. Keeping your snake stocked with these can help avoid nutrient deficiencies. You can also breed your own mice or rats to provide your snake with a variety of foods.
If you buy live prey, be sure to practice good hygiene. Don’t handle your snake with bare hands. Use a paper towel roll or a snake hook to alert the snake before removing the prey. It’s best to leave the prey in its enclosure for a couple hours before feeding.
Proper diet is essential
It’s important to give your ball python the right diet. The right food will give him the energy he needs to survive. And, it will also help you make sure he is healthy and happy.
Ball pythons can eat a wide variety of foods. This includes mice, rats, lizards, and even birds. However, their diet varies from location to location.
There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your ball python gets the most from its food. First, you should weigh him on a regular basis. You can do this using a digital kitchen scale. If your snake is gaining weight, you should increase the amount of food you feed him.
Next, you need to find the proper prey. A ball python’s primary source of nutrition is rodents. But, he may also eat other creatures such as birds, lizards, and insects. So, it’s best to choose a variety of rodents to serve as his meals.
Ideally, the prey should be a size that the snake can swallow. For example, if the python’s body is a tad over one inch, he should be able to swallow a mouse that is no larger than that.
If your snake has trouble eating, try enticing him with a scented treat. You can also entice him with a blood-scented prey.
Treating a sick snake
If your snake is exhibiting signs of illness, you’re going to want to get it to the vet as quickly as possible. While there are no guarantees, a quick diagnosis gives you the best chance of getting your pet back to health.
One of the easiest ways to tell if your pet is sick is by monitoring its temperature. This can be done by placing a thermometer under the cage or on a nearby surface.
Other signs your snake is ill include a loss of appetite. This is a big red flag. It can also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as stomatitis, which is an infection of the mouth, gums, and teeth.
Another common symptom is labored breathing. Ball pythons can have respiratory infections, and you may see bubbles or mucus coming from their nostrils. Some can also tilt their heads to drain their mucus.
Not all animals can cough, but if you notice your snake doing this, it’s a good indicator that something isn’t right. You’ll want to check with a vet, but you might be able to treat the problem yourself.
If you suspect that your snake is suffering from a disease, the first thing you should do is give it some liquid nutrition. In some cases, a chicken bouillon cube or a frozen rodent might help, but you should be able to give your pet the fluid it needs.
