Feeding more less often

[MLMReptiles]

Hi,
Everything I read says to feed hatchlings a single pinky a couple of times a week, but the breeder I bought Dom said that regimen can make them grow to quickly causing fragile bones. He recommended feeding 3-4 pinkies at one time every 10 days. What is everyones regimen for hatchlings, juvies, adults, gravid females?

 

[Alicia P]

I would not feed 3-4 pinkies every 10 days to a hatchling. Check out this link for the Munson plan http://medusa-corns.webs.com/feedingchart.htm it is a chart for faster growing, so stretching the length of time your snake is on each prey item may be a good idea.

 

[MLMReptiles]

Thanks for the reply, that link won't open for me. :/

 

[Lennycorn]

Feeding Chart*

Snake Size in Grams
Feeder Size in Grams
Common Feeder Name**
Quantity of Feeders
Days Between Feedings
4-15 grams
2-3 grams
Pinkies
1
4
16-23 grams
3-4 grams
Pinkies
2
4-5
24-30 grams
5-7 grams
Sm. Fuzzies
1
5-6
31-50 grams
7-9 grams
Reg. Fuzzies
1
5-6

51-90 grams
9-12 grams
Hoppers
1
6-7
91-170 grams
13-20 grams
Weanling's

1
7
170-300 grams
20-30 grams
Young Adults
1
7-10

This section is recommended for Adults
Males and Non-Breeding Females
300+ grams

​

25+ grams

Adult

1

10-14
Breeding Females
300+ grams

25+ grams


Adult

1

5-11​

 

[Lennycorn]

Boy that did work right!

 

[MLMReptiles]

That's so helpful thank you!

 

[smigon]

This might be easier to read:

-When they're on single pinks (2-3g), I feed every 4-5 days. (Snake = 4-15g)
-Double pinks (3g x 2) every 4-5 days. (Snake = 16-23g)
-Small fuzzies (5-7g) every 5-6 days. (Snake = 24-30g)
-Regular fuzzies (7-9g) every 5-6 days (Snake = 30-50g)
-Hoppers (9-12g) every 5-6 days (Snake = 51-90g)
-Weaned (14-20g) every 7 days (Snake = 91-170g)
-Adult (24-30g) every 7-x days (Snake = 170+)
-Jumbo Adults (40-50g) every 7-x days (Snake = 400g+)

Note: Adult females are fed more frequently than adult males (especially following brumation). Females are fed every 6-8 days; males are fed every 7-14 days.

This is by no means scientific, and not all corns will cooperate 100% with the schedule. The weight ranges I gave for the prey and snakes are approximate. I'm very consistent in my feedings. Some people feed every Saturday, for example. If they get a refusal, the snake has to wait for the next Saturday to get another shot. I don't do this. If a snake refuses today, he'll get another shot in two days.