Weight loss.

Peter has been on a fast since 30th December, I didn't have him at this time, he was in the reptile shop. I've had him for about 4 1/2 weeks now. I weighed him on Jan 30th and he was 1061 grams.

I weighed him yesterday and he was 1040 grams. I weighed him today and he was 1038 grams. This weight loss seems considerable to me! I am not sure if the 21 gram drop was due to me moving the scale from one location to another, possibly causing an anomaly, but I am worried about this.

He seems to be okay, is drinking occasionally, shed about a 2 weeks ago. Any ideas on what to do, if anything?

http://i.imgur.com/avt9LV4.jpg

Here he is!

20 grams isn't much weight loss for a snake that size. It might be just the breeding season fast. Just double check your husbandry and offer each week to see if he'll take it. What kind of prey item to you offer? Is it live or F/T?

My girl whose around the same weight as your guy hasn't eaten in two months as well. No biggie. Just keep monitoring his weight.

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Originally Posted by Misha

20 grams isn't much weight loss for a snake that size. It might be just the breeding season fast. Just double check your husbandry and offer each week to see if he'll take it. What kind of prey item to you offer? Is it live or F/T?

My girl whose around the same weight as your guy hasn't eaten in two months as well. No biggie. Just keep monitoring his weight.

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20 grams in a week? I think it is a breeding season fast, I am going to install a ceramic heat emitter in his viv this saturday so the temps will be perfect, it is slightly cold at the minute. I offer him F/T large weaner rats.

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Originally Posted by George1994

I weighed him on Jan 30th and he was 1061 grams.

I weighed him yesterday and he was 1040 grams. I weighed him today and he was 1038 grams. This weight loss seems considerable to me!

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23 grams is 2.2% of 1061. Your weight can vary that much in a week easily.

I wouldn't worry about it. 5 weeks of no food for a mature ball python weighing 1060 is nothing.

Keep monitoring his weight and see if it continues to drop. If it does, you may need to do something, but at this point, I don't think you have a problem.

I didn't see the "in a week" part but that's still nothing to be worried about. Keep records of his weight so you know how much he looses in a month and keep offering. Also, make sure that the rat is warm enough for him to read the heat signature.

Edit: 200xth posted at the same time but you get the idea ;)

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Originally Posted by Misha

I didn't see the "in a week" part but that's still nothing to be worried about. Keep records of his weight so you know how much he looses in a month and keep offering. Also, make sure that the rat is warm enough for him to read the heat signature.

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I have a diary on the way, for the time being my girlfriend has been keeping the notes. I thought it better I get a diary, keep notes of the hides he spends most time in, drinking and what not, as I am here more. Thanks for calming my nerves :)

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Originally Posted by 200xth

23 grams is 2.2% of 1061. Your weight can vary that much in a week easily.

I wouldn't worry about it. 5 weeks of no food for a mature ball python weighing 1060 is nothing.

Keep monitoring his weight and see if it continues to drop. If it does, you may need to do something, but at this point, I don't think you have a problem.

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Thank you for the advice. Calmed my nerves a bit haha :)

If the weight does continue to drop, what actions would you personally take? Just out of interest and preparedness?

My 2 yr old male isn't as big as yours and he hasn't eaten since the end of November. It is breeding season and he is waiting for a girlfriend. I weigh him every week and he's lost about 10g. My girl eats just fine even though they're close together. If he gets down to like 500 or 600g I would worry. If mine gets down to 300g then I will start worrying.

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Originally Posted by Phantomtip

My 2 yr old male isn't as big as yours and he hasn't eaten since the end of November. It is breeding season and he is waiting for a girlfriend. I weigh him every week and he's lost about 10g. My girl eats just fine even though they're close together. If he gets down to like 500 or 600g I would worry. If mine gets down to 300g then I will start worrying.

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Surely the difference between 23 grams in a week is much worse than 10 grams in 2 1/2 months? Even if they are different in size?

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