What Do Ball Pythons Eat? Expert Feeding Tips

Ball pythons are one of the most popular pet snakes, known for their calm temperament and manageable size. As fascinating creatures, they have specific dietary needs that pet owners must carefully consider. What do ball pythons eat? This question is essential for anyone looking to care for one, as understanding their diet helps ensure they stay healthy and thrive in captivity.

In their natural habitats, ball pythons primarily hunt small prey like rodents, but when kept as pets, their diet can be easily managed with proper feeding practices. These snakes typically eat once a week or so, depending on their age and size, and a balanced diet is key to maintaining their well-being.

What do I feed a ball python?

Feeding a ball python requires understanding their natural diet and how to replicate it in captivity. In the wild, ball pythons are constrictors that primarily hunt small mammals like rodents—especially rats and mice. When caring for a ball python as a pet, the diet typically consists of appropriately-sized prey, such as frozen-thawed rodents. The size of the prey should be roughly the size of the snake’s widest point—typically a mouse for smaller pythons and a rat for larger ones.

A ball python should be fed around once every 7 to 10 days, with frequency decreasing as they get older. Baby ball pythons may eat more often, while adults can manage longer intervals between meals. Some owners prefer to feed their snakes once a week, while others find that feeding every 10-14 days works best, especially for larger snakes.

It’s important to note that live prey should be avoided when possible, as it can pose a risk to your snake’s safety and stress levels. Instead, opt for frozen-thawed mice or rats, which are nutritionally complete and safer for feeding.

Hydration is also an essential aspect of their diet. Ensure your ball python has access to fresh water at all times, and provide a water dish large enough for them to soak in if they wish. Over time, you’ll learn your snake’s feeding preferences and habits, but as a general rule, consistency and careful attention to the size and frequency of meals will keep your ball python healthy and happy.

Ball Pythons’ Natural Diet

Ball pythons, in their natural habitat, follow a diet that’s primarily based on hunting small prey. These snakes are opportunistic feeders and, as ambush predators, they rely on their ability to blend into their surroundings while waiting for prey to come close. Below is a list of the types of food they consume in the wild:

Rodents

Primary Food Source: Ball pythons mostly hunt rodents like rats and mice. These animals are abundant in the wild and provide the necessary nutrition for the snake.

Birds

Occasional Prey: Ball pythons may also target small birds when available. Although not as common as rodents, birds offer additional protein and nutrients.

Other Small Mammals

Variety in Diet: Occasionally, ball pythons will prey on other small mammals, such as bats or even young rabbits, depending on what’s available in their environment.

Eggs

Rarely Consumed: While not a major part of their diet, ball pythons might also eat bird eggs if they come across them, providing a rich source of nutrients.

Amphibians and Reptiles (Occasionally)

Less Common: Though it’s not frequent, ball pythons may occasionally hunt amphibians or smaller reptiles if other food sources are scarce.

In the wild, ball pythons are opportunistic hunters that feed on a variety of small mammals, birds, and occasionally amphibians and eggs. Their diet primarily focuses on rodents, but they will adapt based on what’s available. Understanding their natural diet is essential for providing proper care in captivity, as it ensures they get the proper nutrients for healthy growth and development.

How Often Should You Feed Your Ball Python?

Feeding your ball python at the right intervals is crucial for its health and well-being. The frequency of feeding depends on factors such as the snake’s age, size, and overall health. Here’s a general guide on how often to feed a ball python:

Hatchlings (0-6 months)

Frequency: Every 5-7 days
Reason: Baby ball pythons are growing rapidly and need more frequent meals to support their development. They typically eat smaller prey, like pinky or fuzzy mice, and should be fed more often to meet their energy needs.

Juveniles (6 months – 2 years)

Frequency: Every 7-10 days
Reason: As ball pythons grow and become more established, their feeding schedule can be reduced to once a week or slightly longer. Juveniles are still growing but don’t require as frequent feedings as hatchlings.

Adults (2 years and older)

Frequency: Every 10-14 days
Reason: Adult ball pythons, particularly those who have reached their full size, can be fed less often. Once every 10 to 14 days is sufficient for maintaining their health. Adult snakes eat larger prey, such as adult mice or rats, which provide more nutrition per meal.

Overweight or Underweight Snakes

Frequency Adjustment: Depending on the body condition of your snake, you might need to adjust its feeding schedule. If your ball python is overweight, consider spacing out meals to every 14 days. Conversely, underweight snakes may need more frequent feedings or slightly larger meals to help them regain their strength.

General Guidelines:

Always monitor your ball python’s body condition to ensure it’s neither overweight nor underfed. Ball pythons should have a visible taper at the tail and should not appear excessively fat.
Post-feeding rest: After a meal, your ball python may become lethargic or hide away for a few days. This is normal as the snake digests its food.
Signs of hunger: If your ball python is consistently refusing food, it may not be hungry or could be stressed or unwell. It’s essential to evaluate their health and environment if this happens.

Ball pythons should be fed based on their life stage, with hatchlings eating more frequently and adults eating less often. Consistency is key, and understanding your snake’s specific needs will help you adjust the feeding schedule for optimal health.

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Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

Feeding a ball python might seem straightforward, but there are several common mistakes that pet owners often make. Avoiding these errors ensures your snake’s health and well-being, so below are some key feeding mistakes to steer clear of:

Feeding Live Prey

Mistake: Offering live prey, especially mice or rats, is a common mistake.
Why to Avoid: Live prey can injure your ball python by scratching or biting, leading to potential infections or stress. Live animals may also harm your snake during feeding attempts.
Solution: Always offer frozen-thawed prey. This is safer, and the snake doesn’t have to face the risk of injury. Thaw the prey properly before offering it to your python.

Feeding Too Often

Mistake: Feeding your ball python too frequently, especially if it’s an adult.
Why to Avoid: Overfeeding can lead to obesity and digestive issues. Snakes don’t need to eat every day, and feeding too often can cause them to become overweight.
Solution: Follow the appropriate feeding schedule for your snake’s age and size. Hatchlings eat more frequently, while adults only need to be fed every 10-14 days.

Feeding Prey That’s Too Large

Mistake: Offering prey that’s too large for your ball python to handle.
Why to Avoid: Feeding prey that is too large can cause digestive issues or even choke your snake. It’s important that the size of the prey corresponds to the snake’s size.
Solution: Ensure that the prey is no larger than the width of the snake’s body at its widest point.

Feeding Immediately After Handling

Mistake: Feeding your ball python right after handling it.
Why to Avoid: Snakes need time to settle after being handled, as handling can cause stress. Feeding immediately afterward can cause digestive issues and increase stress.
Solution: Always give your ball python at least an hour or two to calm down after handling before offering food.

Not Offering Water Regularly

Mistake: Failing to provide fresh water at all times.
Why to Avoid: Ball pythons need constant access to clean water for hydration and to aid digestion. Dehydration can lead to health issues and poor shedding.
Solution: Always provide a fresh water bowl that’s large enough for your ball python to soak in if it wishes.

Feeding in Dirty Environments

Mistake: Feeding your ball python in an unclean enclosure.
Why to Avoid: A dirty environment can lead to bacterial infections, parasites, or other health concerns for your snake.
Solution: Clean the feeding area and ensure that the enclosure is maintained properly. This includes cleaning the water bowl and removing waste regularly.

Not Monitoring Feeding Behavior

Mistake: Ignoring your snake’s feeding behavior, such as refusal to eat.
Why to Avoid: If your ball python refuses food, it may be a sign of stress, illness, or an improper environment (like incorrect temperatures).
Solution: Pay attention to changes in feeding habits and assess the snake’s health, habitat, and environment. If the refusal persists, consider consulting a vet.

Offering Food That’s Too Cold

Mistake: Giving prey that’s too cold or not properly thawed.
Why to Avoid: If the prey is too cold, your ball python may not recognize it as food, or it might cause digestive issues.
Solution: Always thaw frozen prey at room temperature, and never use a microwave to thaw it, as it can cause uneven heating. Make sure it’s warm, but not hot, before feeding.

Avoiding these common feeding mistakes helps keep your ball python healthy, stress-free, and well-nourished. Understanding the proper feeding techniques, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring an appropriate feeding schedule all contribute to a successful and happy pet snake.

How to Feed a Ball Python Safely

Feeding a ball python safely involves a few key steps to ensure the process is stress-free for both the snake and the owner. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to feed your ball python properly:

Choose the Right Prey

Size Matters: Select prey that is appropriately sized for your ball python. A general rule of thumb is that the prey should be no larger than the snake’s widest point. For hatchlings, pinky mice are a good choice, while adults may require larger rats or guinea pigs.
Frozen-Thawed Only: Always feed your ball python frozen-thawed prey. Never feed live prey, as it can injure your snake, cause stress, or create dangerous situations.

Thaw the Prey Properly

Avoid the Microwave: Thaw frozen prey by leaving it in the fridge overnight or letting it sit at room temperature for a few hours. Never use a microwave to thaw it, as it can heat unevenly and damage the prey.
Warm the Prey: Once thawed, heat the prey to a warm but not hot temperature, around 100°F (37.8°C), to make it more appealing to the snake. You can place the prey in a sealed plastic bag and warm it in warm water if necessary.

Prepare the Feeding Area

Clean Environment: Make sure the enclosure is clean and the feeding area is free from waste. This helps reduce the risk of contamination or health problems for your ball python.
Avoid Stress: Turn off any bright lights or disturbances in the area before feeding. Ball pythons prefer dim, calm environments when eating.

Offer the Food

Use Feeding Tongs or Forceps: Use long feeding tongs or forceps to offer the prey to your ball python. This prevents you from accidentally getting bitten and helps mimic the snake’s natural hunting behavior.
Present Prey Gently: Gently move the prey in front of the snake to stimulate its feeding response. Ball pythons are ambush predators, so they’ll usually strike when the prey is within reach.
Wait for the Strike: Be patient and allow the snake to strike and constrict the prey. Ball pythons often take their time in securing their meal, so avoid rushing the process.

Let Your Ball Python Eat in Peace

Minimize Disturbances: Once the snake has struck and is consuming its meal, leave it alone to eat. Handling or disturbing the snake while eating can cause stress and might result in the snake regurgitating the meal.
Allow Time to Digest: After a meal, your ball python may become lethargic or hide. This is normal as it digests its food, and you should give the snake several hours or even a day before handling it again.

Clean Up After Feeding

Remove Leftovers: If your snake refuses to eat or leaves part of the prey behind, remove any uneaten food from the enclosure after a few hours to prevent spoilage and potential pests.
Sanitize: Clean any feeding utensils, such as tongs or forceps, and ensure that the enclosure remains hygienic after each feeding.

Monitor Your Snake’s Health

Check for Signs of Hunger or Illness: Keep track of your ball python’s feeding habits. If it consistently refuses food, it could be a sign of stress, health issues, or improper environmental conditions, such as incorrect temperature or humidity.

Feeding a ball python safely requires attention to detail, including proper prey size, thawing and warming the food, and offering it in a calm, clean environment. Always avoid handling your snake during feeding and be patient as it consumes its meal. By following these steps, you can ensure that your ball python is fed in a way that promotes its health and well-being.

Signs of a Healthy Ball Python Diet

A healthy diet is crucial for the well-being of your ball python. Ensuring your snake receives the right food in the right amounts can lead to a long, healthy life. Here are the signs of a healthy ball python diet:

Consistent Feeding Behavior

Normal Appetite: A healthy ball python should eat regularly based on its age and size. Hatchlings typically eat every 5-7 days, juveniles every 7-10 days, and adults every 10-14 days.
Hunting or Feeding Response: A healthy ball python will show interest in food, especially when it’s offered during their natural feeding time (usually in the evening). If your snake strikes and constricts its prey, it indicates that it’s active and healthy.

Proper Weight and Body Condition

Not Overweight or Underweight: A healthy ball python will have a well-defined taper at the tail, and its body should not be excessively fat or too thin. If your snake is too fat, it could be a sign of overfeeding; if too thin, it might be underfed or ill.
Smooth, Rounded Body: A healthy ball python will have a smooth, cylindrical body with no visible lumps, which could indicate undigested food or health issues.

Good Shedding Patterns

Regular, Complete Shed: A healthy ball python sheds its skin regularly, usually every 4-6 weeks. Complete sheds, where the snake’s entire skin comes off in one piece, are a sign of proper hydration and diet.
No Retained Skin: If the snake is properly fed and hydrated, it should shed without retaining skin, particularly around the eyes, tail, or between the scales.

Healthy Feces

Firm, Normal-Color Feces: Healthy ball python feces should be well-formed, moist but not overly runny, and dark in color. It should resemble the size of the prey item the snake recently consumed (e.g., the size of the mouse or rat). Any abnormalities like watery or unusually foul-smelling feces could be a sign of digestive issues or parasites.

Consistent Energy Levels

Alert and Active After Feeding: While ball pythons are naturally somewhat lethargic, they should become active shortly after eating, especially when they are looking for a hiding spot. If your snake is sluggish and non-responsive for extended periods even when not digesting, it could be a sign of health problems, such as malnutrition or dehydration.

Proper Growth

Steady Growth Rate: Healthy ball pythons grow steadily, with their body length increasing as they mature. If you have a young snake, monitor its growth to ensure it is not too slow or too fast. Rapid growth can indicate overfeeding, while stunted growth could be a sign of an inadequate diet.

Normal Behavior Between Meals

No Excessive Hiding or Lethargy: While ball pythons are naturally secretive and enjoy hiding, a healthy snake should not be excessively hiding or lethargic in a way that’s uncharacteristic. If your snake seems unusually inactive or refuses food for extended periods, it could indicate stress, poor diet, or illness.

Hydration

Access to Fresh Water: A healthy ball python should always have access to fresh, clean water. Signs of dehydration, such as wrinkled skin or excessive shedding issues, indicate that the snake may not be getting enough water or its humidity levels are too low.

A healthy diet for your ball python leads to proper growth, regular shedding, consistent energy levels, and a normal appetite. Keep an eye on your snake’s body condition, behavior, and waste to ensure it’s thriving. Providing a balanced diet, appropriate prey size, and proper feeding intervals will help maintain your snake’s health and longevity. Regularly check your snake for signs of dehydration, weight loss, or digestive problems, as these can signal issues with its diet or environment.

How to Transition Ball Pythons to New Foods

Transitioning a ball python to new foods can be a delicate process, as these snakes can be quite particular about what they eat. If you need to change the type of prey or switch from live to frozen-thawed food, patience and careful handling are key. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to successfully transition a ball python to new foods:

Start Slowly

Gradual Introduction: If you’re switching from live prey to frozen-thawed, begin by offering the familiar food (live prey) alongside the new food (frozen-thawed). Make sure the prey items are similar in size and shape to avoid overwhelming the snake.
Give Time for Adjustment: Let your ball python get used to the new food gradually. Offer frozen-thawed prey in addition to live food, but try to wean it off live prey over a few feedings. This may take a few weeks, depending on your snake’s temperament.

Use Scent to Your Advantage

Warm the Prey: Ensure that the frozen-thawed prey is properly heated to 95-100°F (35-38°C). A cold or improperly thawed prey item may be rejected. You can even use the scent of the live prey to entice your snake by rubbing the frozen-thawed prey with a small piece of the live food before offering it.
Scent Masking: If you’re transitioning to a new type of prey (e.g., from rats to guinea pigs or birds), rubbing the new prey with a familiar scent, like that of a mouse or rat, can make it more recognizable to your snake.

Present the Food Properly

Use Tongs or Forceps: Offer the new food with tongs or forceps, gently moving it in front of your snake to simulate live prey movement. This often triggers the hunting instinct of the ball python.
Simulate Natural Behavior: You can also try dangling the prey in front of your ball python as you would live prey, or even wiggle it a bit to make it seem more lifelike. This encourages the snake to strike and constrict the food.

Offer Food During the Right Time

Feed at Night: Ball pythons are nocturnal and prefer to hunt at night. Try offering the new food during the evening or early night hours to match their natural feeding habits.
Create a Calm Environment: Ensure the feeding area is quiet and free of disturbances. This reduces stress and makes it more likely that your snake will feel comfortable enough to eat.

Patience Is Key

Avoid Force-Feeding: If your ball python refuses the new food, don’t force it. Instead, remove the uneaten food after a few hours, and try again in a few days. Ball pythons are notorious for fasting, especially when transitioning, and stress or forced feedings can make things worse.
Give It Time: Be patient—transitioning your ball python to new food can take some time. If your snake continues to refuse food, it may be worth checking if there are other underlying factors, such as stress or temperature issues, that are affecting its eating habits.

Consider Offering Variety

Introduce New Foods Gradually: If you’re changing the type of prey entirely, such as from mice to rats or from rodents to birds or rabbits, introduce the new prey in small quantities alongside the familiar food. This makes the transition smoother and allows your snake to get used to the new scent and taste.
Consistency Is Important: Offering the same type of prey consistently helps establish a routine, making the transition easier for your ball python. Once it accepts the new food, stick to it to avoid confusion.

Monitor Your Snake’s Health

Check for Signs of Hunger or Illness: If your ball python refuses food for long periods (weeks), it could be a sign of stress, illness, or environmental issues. In such cases, consult a veterinarian to rule out underlying health problems.
Weigh the Snake Regularly: Keep track of your snake’s weight and body condition during the transition. If the snake starts to lose too much weight or becomes visibly thin, seek professional advice to ensure it remains healthy.

Transitioning a ball python to new foods takes patience and a gentle approach. Use scent, present the food naturally, and provide a calm, nighttime feeding environment to help your snake feel comfortable with the change. With time and persistence, your ball python will adjust to its new diet successfully.

What to Do If Your Ball Python Won’t Eat

If your ball python refuses to eat, it can be concerning, but it’s not always a cause for alarm. Ball pythons may fast for a variety of reasons, including stress, environmental issues, or natural cycles like breeding season. Here are steps to take if your ball python won’t eat:

Check the Temperature and Humidity

Temperature: Ball pythons are very sensitive to temperature changes. Ensure that the temperature in the enclosure is within the correct range: a basking spot around 88-92°F (31-33°C) and a cooler side around 75-80°F (24-27°C). If the enclosure is too cold or too hot, your snake may refuse to eat.
Humidity: Ensure that the humidity levels are between 50-60% for normal conditions and increase it to around 60-70% during shedding. Low humidity can cause discomfort and affect feeding.

Check for Stress or Environmental Changes

Recent Moves or Handling: Ball pythons may refuse food if they are stressed by a recent change in environment, such as being moved to a new enclosure, having new smells, or excessive handling. Try to leave your snake alone and give it time to acclimate to its new surroundings.
Loud Noises or Disruptions: Stress from loud noises, other pets, or frequent disturbances can cause a feeding refusal. Ensure the environment is quiet, calm, and secure.

Ensure Proper Feeding Time and Conditions

Time of Feeding: Ball pythons are nocturnal, so offer food during the evening or night when your snake is more active. Feeding during the daytime might result in a lack of interest.
Feeding Method: Offer the food in a calm, dimly lit environment. Use tongs or forceps to mimic natural hunting behavior, as snakes are more likely to strike if the prey is moving. Ensure that the prey is the right size and thawed to the appropriate temperature (95-100°F or 35-38°C).

Consider the Snake’s Age and Health

Young Snakes (Hatchlings/Juveniles): Ball pythons may refuse food if they are still adjusting to their new home, particularly if they are very young. They may also be pickier when it comes to prey type or size. Try offering smaller prey like pinky mice if you’re not already doing so.
Health Issues: If your snake consistently refuses food and shows signs of illness (like lethargy, mucus around the nose, or weight loss), it may have an underlying health problem. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect an illness.

Breeding Season or Seasonal Fasting

Breeding Cycle: If your ball python is in its breeding cycle, it may naturally fast for weeks. This is normal behavior, particularly in adult males, but it’s important to monitor the snake’s condition to ensure it is not losing too much weight or becoming dehydrated.
Natural Fasting: Ball pythons also tend to fast during cooler months or due to changes in the environment (like daylight length). This is part of their natural behavior and shouldn’t be a cause for concern unless it lasts too long.

Offer a Variety of Prey

Prey Variety: If your ball python is consistently refusing food, it may be tired of the same type of prey. Try offering different types of prey (such as switching from rats to mice, or trying chicks or guinea pigs) to see if your snake shows more interest.
Scenting the Prey: Try rubbing the prey item with a small piece of the snake’s usual food (such as a piece of a mouse) or try using scenting techniques. This can entice the snake to strike at the new food.

Consider a Feeding Break or Fasting Period

No Need to Panic: Ball pythons are known to go through fasting periods, sometimes lasting several weeks, especially during the cooler months or when they’re stressed. If your snake is otherwise healthy, it might just be going through a natural fasting phase. Ensure it has access to water, and be patient. As long as it is not losing significant weight or showing signs of dehydration, fasting is usually not a problem.

Hydration Is Important

Ensure Access to Fresh Water: Make sure your ball python always has access to clean, fresh water. Dehydration can contribute to a lack of appetite. If your snake is not eating, it might be more inclined to drink water, especially if it’s feeling stressed or unwell.

Try a Feeding Response

Use Feeding Tongs: If your snake still refuses food after several attempts, try using tongs to wiggle the prey in front of it to simulate natural movement. This can sometimes trigger the hunting and feeding instinct.
Leave the Prey Overnight: If your snake doesn’t show interest in the food immediately, leave the prey in the enclosure overnight and check back in the morning to see if it has eaten.

Ball pythons are known for being occasionally picky eaters, and a refusal to eat is not always a cause for concern. Start by ruling out environmental issues, such as incorrect temperature, humidity, or stress. If your snake refuses food for a prolonged period and shows signs of illness, consult a reptile veterinarian to rule out any health concerns.

If the refusal is simply due to natural fasting, breeding cycles, or seasonal changes, your ball python should resume feeding when it feels comfortable. Patience and observation are key to helping your ball python get back on track with feeding.

Ball Python Feeding Myths

There are several myths about feeding ball pythons that can confuse new snake owners. It’s important to distinguish between fact and fiction to ensure your ball python stays healthy and properly cared for. Below are some common feeding myths and the truth behind them:

Myth: Ball Pythons Can Go Months Without Eating

Truth: While ball pythons can survive without food for extended periods, especially when they are stressed, sick, or entering a breeding cycle, this should not be seen as normal. In healthy conditions, a ball python should be fed regularly—typically every 7-14 days, depending on its age and size.

Myth: Ball Pythons Will Only Eat Live Prey

Truth: Ball pythons can be trained to eat frozen-thawed prey, which is much safer and more convenient. Feeding live prey can be dangerous for your snake, as the prey might injure the snake. Frozen-thawed mice or rats are typically preferred, and most ball pythons will accept them readily.

Myth: You Should Feed a Ball Python as Often as It Will Eat

Truth: Overfeeding is a common mistake. Ball pythons should not be fed more frequently than necessary. Baby ball pythons may need food every 5-7 days, but adults should be fed every 10-14 days. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues.

Myth: If a Ball Python Refuses Food, It’s Always a Sign of Illness

Truth: Ball pythons can refuse food for many reasons that are not related to illness, such as environmental stress, shedding, or seasonal changes. They may also fast during breeding season. If the refusal is persistent, however, it’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian to rule out underlying health problems.

Myth: Ball Pythons Only Eat Mice

Truth: While mice are a staple of their diet, ball pythons can also eat rats, guinea pigs, chicks, and occasionally rabbits. The variety depends on the snake’s size and what’s available. As they grow, ball pythons will require larger prey, such as rats, to meet their nutritional needs.

Myth: Ball Pythons Can Be Fed Only Once a Month

Truth: This is a dangerous myth. Ball pythons need a consistent feeding schedule to thrive, depending on their age and size. While adult ball pythons can go up to two weeks between meals, feeding them only once a month can result in malnutrition and weakened health.

Myth: Ball Pythons Don’t Need Water

Truth: Hydration is essential for ball pythons. They need access to fresh, clean water at all times. Water helps with digestion, shedding, and overall health. Ball pythons may also soak in their water dish to help with shedding, especially during a shed cycle.

Myth: Feeding During the Day Is Fine

Truth: Ball pythons are nocturnal creatures, meaning they hunt and eat at night. It’s best to feed them during the evening or early night, as their natural instincts are more likely to kick in at that time. Feeding them during the day might cause unnecessary stress and affect their feeding behavior.

Feeding a ball python requires a bit of knowledge to ensure it is done safely and effectively. Discarding these myths and following proper feeding practices will help keep your snake healthy and happy. Always make sure to consider your ball python’s age, size, and environment when determining its feeding schedule and diet.

Conclusion

Ball pythons are carnivorous snakes that primarily feed on small animals in the wild, such as rodents and birds. What do ball pythons eat? In captivity, their diet usually consists of appropriately sized mice or rats, either live or frozen-thawed. These snakes typically eat once every week or two, depending on their age and size. Providing them with a balanced and consistent diet is essential for maintaining their health, ensuring they remain active and strong.