Eating too much?

[fugymugy]

For the past week my female has been going mad for food, so far she's had 3 large rats, and a small rat. is this down to her being bred to my male or is she just being a fatty? Thanks! (Sorry if this is in the wrong place, but I get the feeling its something to do with her breeding)

[Eric Alan]

There's no reason ever to offer that much food in one week. Please stop.

She's not eating because she's hungry - she's eating because she's a hard-wired opportunistic feeder and has stayed in feed mode because you keep offering her food. In the wild they don't know when their next meal is coming so when a meal comes by, they grab it. In captivity, we know exactly when we're going to be offering them food again. Please don't succumb to her puppy dog eyes again, like you have way overdone this week. For your sake, this much food will lead to paying way too much for rats and a TON of cleanup because she won't be able to utilize it efficiently. For her sake, this much food will lead towards being an unhealthy, obese animal. Also, don't be surprised if she goes on an extended fast for several months now.

One medium rat per week, with the occasional skipped meal, is plenty for most adult females.

[fugymugy]

I'm not offering her this food, like, as a standard way of feeding her, which is why i said this has been happening for the last week. i'm basing it on her reaction when i walk past. she's actively searching for food, and has been doing so every day,the food hasn't all been offered in one go, its been roughly every few days. i've heard they go mad for food when they're being paired which is why i'm feeding her smaller meals from now until she re-establishes her regular feeding schedule, which is roughly one large rat every 12 days. also, sorry for the giant picture, i didnt realise it would come up that big.

[CD CONSTRICTORS]

Most all my females binge eat before they go off feed. It is quite normal for them to tank on weight right before they go off feed during breeding season.

[Eric Alan]

True, Corey. But, to be fair, there's eating like you're referring to and then there's packing in ~600 grams worth of rats in a single week.

Also, just cuz I'm curious, what does your chicken scratch say on the 6th and 7th?

[fugymugy]

ah so it is because of her breeding! i might have just gone into a massive panic thinking she was about to explode haha, thanks for putting my mind at ease!

[CD CONSTRICTORS]

True, Corey. But, to be fair, there's eating like you're referring to and then there's packing in ~600 grams worth of rats in a single week.

Also, just cuz I'm curious, what does your chicken scratch say on the 6th and 7th?

"MED"= medium rat, "SM"= small rat

[Eric Alan]

"MED"= medium rat, "SM"= small rat

Ah, med! I figured as much, but wasn't sure. Thanks.

[grcforce327]

Read your adult breeder females,let them tell you when to stop!