Weight loss percentage + Feeding

What percentage of weight loss is considered healthy for a BP?

I weighed my BP in September he was 890g, weighed him tonight and he is 888g, Is that a healthy weight loss?

Also, I have decided to feed him one small rat every month. Offering a rat every 14 days Just never works as he will most probably just refuse. I have found that since I have started to feed one small rat every month, He will without a doubt accept it. I'm from the UK so the small rats are of a decent size. Is this feeding schedule fine?

Thank You:gj:

I wouldn't worry about the weight loss. Its only 2g and your snake sounds healthy. For the feeding schedule it sounds to me like once a month is a little long. I would continue to try 2-3 weeks until he is consistent. If not maybe try a medium rat once a month if you can't get him to feed every 2 weeks. He should be able to take a medium rat.

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Originally Posted by Mustang5

I wouldn't worry about the weight loss. Its only 2g and your snake sounds healthy. For the feeding schedule it sounds to me like once a month is a little long. I would continue to try 2-3 weeks until he is consistent. If not maybe try a medium rat once a month if you can't get him to feed every 2 weeks. He should be able to take a medium rat.

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Small rat's are around 100-150g..(and they are quite wide) where I live. I'm not sure my BP would accept a medium.
Maybe I will have to try it sometime, Thank you for your reply.

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Originally Posted by SRMD

Small rat's are around 100-150g..(and they are quite wide) where I live. I'm not sure my BP would accept a medium.
Maybe I will have to try it sometime, Thank you for your reply.

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Yeah anytime. I think the weights might be a little different in UK than. Because the small rats I have are about 80-100g and the mediums are about 150-200g. I still don't think it would hurt to try a medium though.

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Originally Posted by SRMD

What percentage of weight loss is considered healthy for a BP?

I weighed my BP in September he was 890g, weighed him tonight and he is 888g, Is that a healthy weight loss?

Also, I have decided to feed him one small rat every month. Offering a rat every 14 days Just never works as he will most probably just refuse. I have found that since I have started to feed one small rat every month, He will without a doubt accept it. I'm from the UK so the small rats are of a decent size. Is this feeding schedule fine?

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From your other post it sounds like the rats are 100g to 150g. That's a pretty good sized meal for an 890g BP.

As long as he's taking them without problem, and he's healthy and gaining weight consistently, your feeding schedule should be fine. You gotta find what works for your specific snake and it sounds like you have.

A two gram loss of weight for a ball python is nothing. One bowel movement could be more than that.

2 grams is nothing that's 0.03 ounces ;)

Acceptable weight loss is not about % it more of an overall look and general condition of the animal.

You have a male in is prime for breeding so his refusal could be breeding related or seasonal or he might just be one of those animals that does not eat as much as others, keep in mind that in captivity snakes tend to be overfed anyway, and are offered a lot more food than what they would come across in their natural environment.

Small rats are fine so long he is eating he will be fine and also make sure he is well hydrated.

2 grams is a good pee or poo for a ball. It's good, when he loses 200 grams then worry.