Burmese pythons eat whole rodents, birds and other warm-blooded prey. In the wild they hunt anything they can overpower, from rats and rabbits to deer. Pet Burmese pythons are fed whole mice, then rats, then larger prey as they grow, usually frozen and thawed, because it is safer for both the snake and the owner.
What Burmese pythons eat in the wild
Burmese pythons are ambush predators. They wait, strike, and constrict their prey. Their natural diet includes rodents, birds, rabbits and other small mammals, and large adults can take down animals as big as deer. In Florida, where they are an invasive species, they have been found eating a wide range of local wildlife.
What to feed a pet Burmese python
Captive pythons do best on whole prey of the right size. Whole prey provides protein, calcium and other nutrients that a snake needs. Typical prey by age:
- Hatchlings: pinky or fuzzy mice, or small mice
- Juveniles: adult mice, then small rats
- Subadults: medium to large rats, small rabbits
- Adults: large rats, rabbits and, for the largest females, bigger prey chosen with advice from a reptile vet
A common guide is to choose prey about as wide as the thickest part of the snake’s body. Prey that is much bigger can cause regurgitation or injury.
How often to feed
Young Burmese pythons grow fast and are usually fed about once a week. Adults are fed less often, commonly every one to three weeks depending on their size, weight and body condition. Let your reptile vet help you set a schedule, because overfeeding leads to obesity and health problems.
Frozen-thawed or live prey?
Frozen-thawed prey is the safer choice. Live rodents can bite and scratch a snake, and a hurt snake can get serious infections. To use frozen prey, thaw it fully in the fridge or in a sealed bag in warm water, dry it, and warm it to near body temperature before offering it with tongs. Never microwave prey.
Feeding safety
- Use tongs and keep your hands away from the snake’s head. Burmese pythons can mistake a hand for food.
- Do not handle the snake right after a meal, and give it a day or two to digest.
- Large pythons can be dangerous. Never handle a big snake alone, and always have another adult present.
- Check local and state laws. Burmese pythons are restricted or banned in many places.
Frequently asked questions
How big do Burmese pythons get?
Adults commonly reach 12 to 16 feet, and some grow longer, so they need a very large, secure enclosure.
Why is my Burmese python refusing food?
Common causes include shedding, stress, wrong temperatures or humidity, or illness. If it refuses several meals in a row, see a reptile vet.
Can I feed a Burmese python chicken from the grocery store?
That is not recommended. Whole prey is the safest, most balanced option.
Bottom Line
Feed a Burmese python whole, frozen-thawed prey that matches its size, weekly when young and less often as an adult. Use tongs, keep the enclosure properly heated and ask a reptile vet if appetite or weight changes.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from a reptile veterinarian.
Related reading: What Do Pet Spiders Eat?
