Hungry Juvenile?

[Ibanez540r]

Purchased a Pastel Enchi female on 6/30/19 at 8 to 12 weeks old. First weigh-in was on 7/10 at 105 grams. I've been feeding once a week. My first feeding was a live hopper, then F/T mice hoppers, F/T medium (13g) & large (18g+) mice. Going up in size was not necessarily by choice, but by availability while I was figuring out from who and what to order. I have attempted to stick to the 10-15% rule, and I'm OCD so I have weighed the mice. A couple were over 15% but under 18%. First time seeing her take them down I was worried, but went without issue. She has been a great eater from day 1. The last mouse or two were 20g before receiving my F/T rat pups with some coming in low on weight at 17g.

She was weighed on 8/24 at 149 grams and fed a 17g rat (11.4%). Usually after eating she stays in her cool hide for up to about 3 days before coming out an being somewhat active. This week, it was only a day or two before she was out and very active seeming to be, to me, "on the hunt". Should I feed more often? Just feel like she's ready for more. Or Just sick to my once a week?

BTW, no husbandry issues. Herpstat 2 controlling UTH and CHE. Humidity is 50% - 60%.

(Also, I know the OCD and specific numbers mean nothing to her and she is an opportune eater. I just like to track for myself)

[Craiga 01453]

You're feeding on a good schedule. I definitely wouldn't increase prey size or how often you feed. I tend to feed on the conservative side because larger meals take longer to digest and can often lead to food strikes.

It's important to understand that a very large percentage of captive BPs are over fed and overweight.

[Joykoins]

Your gal probably just has a really strong food drive. Animals like her will eat as often as you let them and could feed themselves to death. You're doing the right thing not giving food everytime she wants it