Worried about our little runt.

[Liannrn]

We purchased a 7 month old bp in March at the reptile show. He only weighed about 180g, half the size of another we own of similar age. He ate weekly for the first 2 weeks (f/t rat pups ) but then went almost 3 weeks between feeds for both of the next feedings. We contacted the breeder and they said he hadn't had issues for them but suggested adding an additional hide. He actually began eating better, every 7-8 days, for about 2 months. We got him up to 300g and were able to move him up to weaned rats. Now he has not eaten for the past 2 weeks. He actually grabs the rat, squeezes it for a while, then dumps it in the corner. We have never had any trouble with him striking at it. I wouldn't be worried if either of our others did this as they are good feeders and have plenty of reserve. This guy never completely got rid of the triangular body shape and now of course looks worse after 2 weeks not eating. He looks healthy as far as eyes, pits, vent, and had a good shed about 2 weeks ago, doesn't seem lethargic. I am just wondering if I need to intervene. Even when eating regularly he just hasn't put on weight like our others. He definitely has a softer feel and that triangular shape. Do I offer him smaller, more frequent feeds? When should I worry (more)? I just don't know how long to let him go without eating when he is so little to begin with.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

While there are exception BP tend to be voracious at that size, when they are not it's often a sign that husbandry is of so you may want to look into that. (Proper temps, smaller enclosure if you have not done so already etc)

The real concern is you feed him and he is not gaining weight when he does eat. Assuming you are indeed feeding him right if a BP is fed appropriately but not gaining weight a fecal should be done.

For the rest you just want to find what triggers him, feed smaller meals weekly or every 10 days and see if husbandry, handling etc need to be addressed.

[AKA Dave]

What she said ^^^^^^

I have some that will go off feed for no reason as well, besides the fact that they're Ball Pythons. I find that moving them to a smaller enclosure generally helps as long as the other husbandry needs are being met.

Dave

[Liannrn]

Thanks for the input. Yes, I am definitely concerned he did not gain well even when eating. He did put on about 100g in 2 months of regular feeding but never plumped up like I expected. I have him in an exo-Terra small low terrarium. He has 2 water dishes and 2 hides as well as a branch blocking the back corner for privacy. The ambient temp stays around 78 with around 60-70 humidity. There is an uth on one side and the tank is blocked by the wall on 2 sides and covered on the 3rd side and top. All my snakes have the same set up though his tank is a bit smaller. He was eating live before I got him but ate well for the past 2 months so I was really hoping he was on his way to gaining and growing. I weighed his prey and was feeding around 10% of body weight weekly.

[Liannrn]

Also, is it normal for a snake who isn't eating to still strike and constrict the prey? Could this mean there is something wrong with the size or freshness,etc? The rat last night actually split at the abdomen after he squeezed it a while but I never saw him try to swallow it. I did leave it for a bit with the tank covered but he just left it.

[JodanOrNoDan]

Also, is it normal for a snake who isn't eating to still strike and constrict the prey? Could this mean there is something wrong with the size or freshness,etc? The rat last night actually split at the abdomen after he squeezed it a while but I never saw him try to swallow it. I did leave it for a bit with the tank covered but he just left it.

This tends to happen when you thaw the prey too quickly. I have a couple pigs that will eat anything but most of mine will not touch something that has burst when they are constricting it. As to your original question you have gotten some good suggestions. I am leaning to dropping back down a prey size and then offering more frequently if the animal will take it. If this happens and it is still not gaining weight, a fecal is definitely in order.

[Liannrn]

Just an update...we have been thawing the prey more slowly and fed smaller prey every 6 days for the last 3 feedings. He has taken them all without difficulties and is actually up to 400 grams today, skin doesn't feel so soft and loose though he still has some triangular shape. Hopefully he will continue to improve!