How often do they defecate?

[Karma]

I have had my Ball for 3 weeks now and she has only pooped once. I feed her every week. Should I be worried?

[BoidKeeper]

If you don't already have it the ball python manual is great and will help to answer a lot of the questions you've been asking and it has some great pics too!
I've found that young growing balls defficate when they shed about once a month. Some will also defficate about every 3 to 4 meals.
As for feeding it's best to go with one rat equal to the snakes girth once every 5-7days for the first year and then every 7 after that. Balls can take a pinky or even fuzzie mouse right out of the egg so they are always big enough for the right size rat.
Cheers,
Trevor

[Karma]

I do have a book. It's "The Guide to Owning a Ball Python" by John Coburn. The one you are talking about may be better than this one I have. I do know which one you are talking about. Maybe I should invest in it.



"Balls can take a pinky or even fuzzie mouse right out of the egg so they are always big enough for the right size rat."

So what justifies the right size rat?

[Edwin]

As big as the thickest part of the snake. Hope this helps.

[BoidKeeper]

Oops I meant to say Pinky or fuzzie rat right out of the egg, not mouse. Sorry I'm trying to help you not confuse you.lol The sooner you get on rats the better. And as for size, what Edwin said.
As for the books I have them both, the owners guide on is the pitts if you ask me. The Manual series is so much better.
Also if this is a new pet store ball you should take a stool sample to the vet to have it checked for paracites. Call them up and they will tell you how to collect etc.
Cheers,
Trevor

[Karma]

Originally posted by BoidKeeper
Oops I meant to say Pinky or fuzzie rat right out of the egg, not mouse. Sorry I'm trying to help you not confuse you.lol The sooner you get on rats the better. And as for size, what Edwin said.
As for the books I have them both, the owners guide on is the pitts if you ask me. The Manual series is so much better.
Also if this is a new pet store ball you should take a stool sample to the vet to have it checked for paracites. Call them up and they will tell you how to collect etc.
Cheers,
Trevor

I know about the right size rat to feed. I gave her her first rat Saturday and she did fine.

I knew what you meant in regards to the mouse and egg thing, lol. I got my snake from a foster home, not a pet store.

If what you say in your first post is true then my snake should be fine as far as defecation.