Feeding a royal python involves providing appropriately sized rodent prey, adjusting the size and frequency as the snake grows.
Royal pythons, also known as ball pythons, are strictly carnivores. Their diet in captivity primarily consists of rodents, mimicking their natural prey.
What Do Royal Pythons Eat?
Based on their carnivorous nature, the main diet items are:
- Hatchlings: Start with pink mice and progress to fuzzies.
- Growing Snakes: Move up to larger mice and then small to medium rats.
- Fully Grown Snakes: Typically eat large rats.
The prey size should be roughly the same diameter as the widest part of the snake's body.
Prey Size Progression
As a royal python grows, the size of the prey offered must increase accordingly. This ensures they receive adequate nutrition.
Here's a general progression:
- Hatchlings: Pinkie mice -> Fuzzies
- Juveniles: Hopper mice -> Adult mice -> Small rats
- Adults: Medium rats -> Large rats
Always feed prey that is humanely pre-killed and thawed, never live prey, to prevent injury to your snake.
Feeding Frequency and Amount
The frequency and amount of food a royal python needs increase as the snake grows.
- Hatchlings/Juveniles: May eat more frequently, perhaps every 5-7 days.
- Subadults/Adults: Typically eat less often, maybe every 7-14 days depending on size and feeding response.
A general guide for feeding frequency based on size/weight:
| Snake Size/Weight | Prey Type (Example) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchling | Pinkie Mouse | Every 5-7 days |
| 500 grams | Adult Mouse | Once per week |
| Adult (larger) | Medium/Large Rat | Every 10-14 days |
As a general guide one mouse per week is sufficient for a 500 gram snake. This illustrates that frequency decreases relative to size as the snake matures, though larger prey is offered. Monitor your snake's body condition to adjust feeding.
Ensure fresh water is always available in the enclosure.
