Fasting and weight loss: how much to expect

Basil hasn't been eating for 3 weeks: 1 before shed, 1 while in shed and 1 week after. I'm going to offer him a small rat on 22nd again.
That's no problem. What concerns me a bit is this...
He weighted in at 846g right after the shed. Today he was at 801g. What's happening?
The husbandry is on point and hasn't changed: +-77 cool, +-89 hot, 2 identical hides, on paper towels, humidity +-40%. Ate a small rat/week.
He is as active and inquisitive as usual. Peed last night, all normal.

What gives? :confusd:

It's a male it's breeding season he is sexually mature so it's pretty common, what I will do with male I will keep them in enclosures smaller than the usual during that period of time to ensure that they will eat, I also do not overfeed them the rest of the year either.

How long will it last, how much will it lose it is variable, there is no good answer usually they will hardly loose any weight even after a 9 months fast, the issue is that most people go about weighing the wrong way once after they ate second after a bowel movement, and for an accurate idea you should do it both on empty.

It's not always a matter of weight it's a matter of healthy, hydration and proportion.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Deborah

the issue is that most people go about weighing the wrong way once after they ate second after a bowel movement, and for an accurate idea you should do it both on empty.

It's not always a matter of weight it's a matter of healthy, hydration and proportion.

---

Thank you, Deborah!
I strongly suspect that he was weighted inaccurately earlier... It's almost impossible to keep him still on the scales at night. The latest weight in is done during the day, all balled up and not leaning places. :)
He does look healthy although a bit like a whip (meaning he is not stocky but loooong).
I will weight him in the same manner in a week to get a trend (if any).

A little update:
Basil's weight is 742g. Hasn't had anything since Dec. Shed a month ago.
But [kinda] happy and still looking for the girls. ;)

Use a bowl to weigh him in.