Doing the happy dance!!!

[lidjamay]

I needed to share this, last year i bought two ball pythons from a chain pet store (I know better now) but anyway they were TINY. Anyway I have noticed they have gotten bigger, but tonight I wanted to cry because I actually weighed and measured them. The smallest of the two, the one who didn't eat for two months that I thought was going to die for sure, and weighed 40 grams at her lowest weight is now 23" and 240 grams one year to the day later. And I know they may not sound so amazing but after all the problems we had with her this is a major accomplishment. I just needed to share but just a side note I know it varies snake to snake but what would you consider the average length and weight for a year old ball python?

[Dracoluna]

Congratulations on your babies growth! It's always nice to see an animal you've worked hard to keep alive, begin to thrive. As for averages, it seems they all grow at different rates. I'm sure there is an 'average' out there but it's probably such a broad range that it would be hard to tell if yours are on track. Personally, if they are eating, happy, and healthy, that's what matters.

[Quantum Constrictors]

Congrats on the accomplishment! I am not sure the average but I have 6 month old female is at the about 24" mark and weighs 384 grams.


Good luck!

[lidjamay]

Thanks, I figured there was no real average but thought I might throw that in there just in case. I had toyed with the idea of "power feeding" them but the risk of stressing them out and refusing food again is just too much of a risk. I feed every seven days and they seem very happy with that

[Dracoluna]

There is no reason to power feed any animal and though it will make them 'look' better in the short term, slow, steady gains are much better for them. I have a corn who looks like an escaped refugee because he wouldn't eat for the first 8 months of his life. Tube feeding kept him alive and let him gain length, but he still isn't fleshed out. He's eating on his own now but at his own pace. He's healthy, active, and a good feeder. No reason to fatten him up faster than he is doing naturally. Just keep your little guy on a steady schedule with good husbandry and he'll catch up.

[angllady2]

Big congratulations to you.

It's a wonderful feeling when one you worked so hard over starts to thrive.

I don't think you should change anything. If they are growing and eating and shedding, then let them. If it isn't broke, don't fix it. However, you could, if you wanted to make an experiment, try feeding on a 5 day schedule instead of 7 and see how it goes.

Gale

[Slim]

Kudos to you for getting her to thrive! Some of those CH petstore babies can be a real challange to get going. I'm glad your patience has been rewarded...for you and the snake

[lidjamay]

Big congratulations to you.

It's a wonderful feeling when one you worked so hard over starts to thrive.

I don't think you should change anything. If they are growing and eating and shedding, then let them. If it isn't broke, don't fix it. However, you could, if you wanted to make an experiment, try feeding on a 5 day schedule instead of 7 and see how it goes.

Gale

I thought about that but they will only take lives and the only store that carries live feeders around here is 45 minutes to an hour away so having the time during the week between work and family stuff is hard. They are happy and pretty active for ball pythons so I'm happy. It's a good idea though, just not going to work sadly

[MikeM75]

That is awesome to hear. Persistence definitely paid off, it probably wasn't easy but I am sure your little guy appreciates it.