What is a healthy weight for a female BP that is 11 months old?

[queenelvis82]

Hi all!
My 11 month female weighs in at 583 grams. Is this a healthy weight for her? Also, what are some physical characteristics to look for if a BP is overweight?
Thank you all!

[C2tcardin]

Seems a little small but each snake is different, how often do you feed and what & what size? I have a female Enchi who was born 5 months ago on July 3rd and she's already 541 grams.

[queenelvis82]

I feed her 1 small rat every 5 days. However, the last feeding I gave her one small rat and the next day she was out of her hide in her feeding response position. I thawed out another small rat and she took it without hesitating.

I just fed her tonight and she is still out of her hide looking like she is waiting for another. Not sure I want to give her another because I am worried of overfeeding her and causing health problems. I am also not sure how to physically tell if a snake is too fat. I can see her spine a little, but she has girth to her (widest part of her body is flabby when she is relaxed)

Please, let me know your thoughts!

[C2tcardin]

Ball Pythons are robust snakes so seeing the width versus the short length shocks some people. If you're concerned I would suggest getting a picture up for scrutiny. I would say based on your feeding schedule you're not over feeding her, I have read posts where the suggestion is to switch to a 7 day schedule at 500 grams but where each animal is different I don't think it has to be this definitive that at 500 you change. I say if she's taking what you're offering then I wouldn't change a thing yet. Also as far as activity I don't think I would assume this is hunger related, more likely just instincts to be out for a hunt or to explore. I spend every evening in my 3rd floor TV room usually feeding, cleaning, watching shows on the DVR or just online surfing and my 9 snakes are just a few feet away in their tubs and they all come out to explore and see whats going on. One thing to remember is in the wild they are opportunistic feeders, they have no idea when the next meal will come walking by so you don't pass up a chance. I wouldn't be surprised if mine would eat daily if I offered.

[Solarsoldier001]

I have a BP that was born in October/November of 2013, she is probably 600grams and another that is 500ish. Then I have another that is 700-800. I think It all depends on the snake. I wouldn't be too worry.


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[Eric Alan]

One of my girls was up to ~1500 grams by 11 months and I took in a "picky eater" at about that age that was only 400 grams (and in 4 months he's almost tripled in size). Weight can vary quite widely, which is why it's not really a good indicator of a BP's health or age.