Couple questions about a baby I just got.

[Deacon0722]

I now own 2 BPS(Im in love with keeping BPs now) Anyways...My big female is about 7 years old. Shes awesome, eats really well, super mellow and loves to be held and out and about on my floor exploring(with supervision of course). Now, last month I got a free BP and entire cage setup from a guy in my town who was being deployed and couldnt keep the little guy anymore. So I have had the little guy and so far he eats just fine and is becoming more social. So now with the quick and basic back story here are my questions about the little one....

"He" is approx 15 or so inches and at center is about as wide as quarter. I know I need to get a good scale to keep up on his weight but that will have to wait a little bit more. His enclosure is set up perfectly. Also being I live in the desert, my condo has a swamp cooler and the temps and humidity are spot on.

"He" seems to be a little under sized even though he eats pretty well. Im feeding him approx every 5-6 days 1 F/T hopper mouse. Being that he seems a little under weight is it something that he will fill out with time or should I maybe also feed him live for more nutrients? When I say seems a little under weight, he just doesnt look as filled out(kinda like loose skin). Is that common with babies? Since hes been with me he has 1 shed with no real problems. I helped get the eye caps off but other than it went well.

Any advise on raising youngsters would be greatly appreciated. I have combed over the forums and read everything I can get my hands on but nothing beats getting advise from real people who have also gone through this....

Thank you guys/gals

[stickyalvinroll]

No there is no real difference between f/t and live mice as regards to nutrients. The previous owner probably didn't feed the snake enough. The prey item should be the size of the biggest part of the snake.

[Deacon0722]

Yeah the Hopper mouse I have bee getting is about the same size as he is in the middle. Like I mentioned he eats well. Ill just be patient and keep taking good care of him.

[Jeanne]

Sounds like you got it covered. Feed him as you have been, he will fill out more eventually.

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[Deacon0722]

Thank you! I knew I could count on the people here for good advise!

[LittleTreeGuy]

I agree with Sticky and Jeanne.... just keep feeding him a good meal on a regular basis and in a month or two, you'll be surprised at how much weight he's put on. I definitely recommend a scale though. They're under $20. If you get one that measure up to 5000g or so, you'll be able to weigh both snakes.

[MattyN]

My general rule of thumb is to keep offering my animal every 5 to 7 days. Sometimes they feed every 5 days, sometimes they don't feed for a couple weeks or even months.