Pet ball pythons eat whole rodents, usually mice for babies and rats for adults. Most keepers feed frozen-thawed prey rather than live, because live rodents can bite and seriously injure a snake. No other food, including dog food or eggs, replaces whole prey.
What Ball Pythons Eat
- Mice: Pinkies and fuzzies for hatchlings, then larger mice as they grow.
- Rats: Small to medium rats are the usual staple for adults.
- Other options: Some keepers offer African soft-furred rats for picky eaters. Ask a reptile vet before changing prey types.
Whole prey provides the protein, fat, calcium, and other nutrients a snake needs. Pet store meats and dog food do not. See Do Snakes Eat Dog Food? for why that is a bad idea.
Frozen-Thawed vs. Live
Frozen-thawed prey is safer for your snake. Thaw it in the refrigerator or in sealed bag placed in warm water, never in the microwave. Warm it to about body temperature, dry it off, and offer it with tongs. Throw out any prey that has been left in the enclosure for hours and never refreeze it.
Prey Size and Schedule
A good rule is to choose prey about as wide as the thickest part of the snake’s body. Common general guidelines:
- Hatchlings and juveniles: About once every 5 to 7 days.
- Adults: About once every 1 to 2 weeks.
Individual snakes vary, and ball pythons are known for going off food for weeks or months, often during breeding season or shed. A snake that is otherwise active with a healthy body weight is usually fine, but a snake that is losing weight needs a vet.
Feeding Tips
- Keep the enclosure warm. A proper warm spot and humidity support digestion.
- Do not handle your snake for at least 48 hours after a meal to reduce the chance of regurgitation.
- Feed in the enclosure with the lights low, or in a separate container if your snake is calm about it.
- Always provide clean water.
When to Call a Vet
Contact a reptile vet if your snake refuses food for a long period and is losing weight, regurgitates, has swelling, or shows breathing trouble.
Bottom Line
Feed a ball python appropriately sized frozen-thawed mice or rats on a regular schedule, and keep husbandry in good shape. For other snakes see What Can You Feed a Corn Snake Besides Mice?
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Ask a reptile vet about your snake’s specific needs.
