My ball just ate... is he still hungry?

[DangerShannon]

I've recently purchased my very first reptile; a baby ball python. I've yet to measure him or weigh him, but I estimate he's (not sure about gender, either) about 13 inches long. I got him at a Petco, and the entire store was very clean and well kept. All their pythons were happy and healthy. I chose mine because he was the most active and I held him for a good 10 minutes and he behaved the entire time (there was one there that was quite agitated and snapped 5 times).

I brought him home yesterday, and the guy in charge of the reptile department told me that they feed their snakes every Monday. I bought a frozen fuzzy rat, just in case the snake got hungry. Today, when I got home from school he was fairly active, flicking his little tongue around, and I wondered if he was hungry. In case he was, I decided to thaw the mouse and see if he'd take it.

Much to my surprise, he snatched it from the tongs and ate it rather quickly. I would have expected him to go into one of his hide boxes and digest his meal, but instead he is still searching around (his tongue isn't flickering anymore). Some juice from the mouse got on the paper towels I've been using as bedding, so could the smell be exciting him? Or do you think that he's still hungry? Since he is growing, should I be feeding him twice a week instead of once a week?

[Sleepy_FF]

a properly-sized meal item once a week should be fine

[dhonaker]

just b happy he ate the one time lol
but one meal a week is plenty

[Eric From Cincinnati]

Definately not twice a week on the feeding. He may be "searching" around in his cage but more likely he's just checking out his new surroundings, after all, when you move to a new house don't you walk through all the rooms? When he gets older you can slow down his feeding regimen, but for now once every 7-10 days will do. It sounds like you're doing a great job so far. There are some great caresheets in the caresheet section here. I'd advise you check them out and FWIW don't listen to anything a petco person tells you.
Welcome to RTB and good luck.

[robmarli]

Congrats on the first feed. Onse a week if fine, as long as the food is the right size. Welcome ot the site, and get us some pics!!

[DangerShannon]

Petco was my last resort. I intended to rescue one, or buy an adult, but my folks wanted me to start off with a baby for my first snake. All the non-chain pet stores around here are horrible; either the cages were dirty or the snakes had never been handled and weren't very friendly (most of the time it was both). It was a new Petco, all the animals looked happy, so I crossed my fingers and got the little guy. I've wanted one ever since I was 10, and believe me, I am absolutely tickled that the little guy ate. I was expecting some 6 month fasting session.

[dhonaker]

Originally Posted by DangerShannon

and believe me, I am absolutely tickled that the little guy ate. I was expecting some 6 month fasting session.

it will happen sooner or later congrats on the new snake thow balls are great snakes

[Trekkieforlife]

Congrats. Post some pics! And welcome to the wonderful world of snake-addiction.

[louise]

welcome to RTB and pics are a must.
yep, feed the little guy once a week, feed him prey the size of his gorth (widest part of the snake)
congrats on your new baby.