I would do medium rats every 10 days. But you really should switch him to F/T. His life will be in danger with live. Ball pythons are just too easily hurt in my opinion...and rats can be very dangerous! Even if he strikes right away a rat can bite back and easily take out his eye!

If the small rat isn't even leaving a bulge, I'd do a 5 day feeding schedule on small rats for a few weeks, then switch to a larger prey item every 7 days. He should gain weight in no time.

Whatever size you decide to feed him, for sure switch him to F/T without a doubt!

Much better for him and easier for you.

You can buy bulk and save money and have a meal ready in no time.

If he's 6 years old, I would use start out with a small rat or a jumbo mouse, an feed once a week. If you do decide to go with a sm rat, I would definately recommend you switch to frozen/thawed, as they can be a bit more energetic in their attempts to avoid being eaten, and can do some nasty damage.

hey Brianna - I looked closely at all his photos. IMO, he's not very undersized...he actually looks pretty decent. many people let their BPs get fat.

that being said, I'm with Teresa - once a week, a small rat or a jumbo mouse. you never want a snake to gain weight too quickly, and he doesn't need to plump much (IMO) as he doesn't look ribby or emaciated, just leaner than most BPs.  

my adult BP eats one large mouse a week and fasts much of the winter besides, and stays nice and chunky.  once you get him plumped out a bit, keep an eye that he doesn't develop fat rolls, lol.

and +83,009,325 to FROZEN!

I just looked at his pictures too, he definiely does not look underweight. I'd resuggest an appropriate sized meal once a week.

Ok, that makes me feel so much better. i had a few people tell me he was too skinny or not big enough. I thought he was fine until i heard those comments. I am not an expert by any means. Thank you!

I will try the frozen. He has been fed only live for 6 years so we will see how it goes! If he doesn't take to it, i will just go with the jumbo live mouse. We will see if he will change! *fingers crossed*