BP Weight Loss Plan

For a little while now I’ve noticed my ball python gaining weight and flab. I originally took this issue to another source where I was reassured it was typical and no concern, but it’s progressed and after looking at some charts I’ve determined him to be overweight. As expected, I’m trying to get him back to a healthy body condition.

Currently he (male, 3yrs old) weighs 1284g. He’s on a diet of one small rat every 14 days and has lots of enrichment and climbing surfaces in his 4’x2’x2’ enclosure. One area I know can be improved is how often I handle him to get him moving.

Even with increased handling frequency (careful not to stress him out), I was wondering about changing his feeding frequency. I see an interval of 14 days as a recommendation most places, but as frequently as 7 days (such as this forum’s sticky post) or as infrequently as 21 days.

Is there any risk of malnutrition if I extend his feeding frequency to 21 days if I monitor his weight alongside his body condition?

Any help is appreciated.

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Originally Posted by DJKFOUR

For a little while now I’ve noticed my ball python gaining weight and flab. I originally took this issue to another source where I was reassured it was typical and no concern, but it’s progressed and after looking at some charts I’ve determined him to be overweight. As expected, I’m trying to get him back to a healthy body condition.

Currently he (male, 3yrs old) weighs 1284g. He’s on a diet of one small rat every 14 days and has lots of enrichment and climbing surfaces in his 4’x2’x2’ enclosure. One area I know can be improved is how often I handle him to get him moving.

Even with increased handling frequency (careful not to stress him out), I was wondering about changing his feeding frequency. I see an interval of 14 days as a recommendation most places, but as frequently as 7 days (such as this forum’s sticky post) or as infrequently as 21 days.

Is there any risk of malnutrition if I extend his feeding frequency to 21 days if I monitor his weight alongside his body condition?

Any help is appreciated.

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Please clarify. What was the diet that got him fat? One small rat every 14 days or were you previously feeding more frequently or larger prey?

To clarify, he’s been on a diet of one small rat every 14 days. While he was juvenile I was feeding more frequently, but I’ve been following feeding charts and switched to 14 day intervals once he stopped growing.

You're not alone in questioning the sticky feeding chart on this site. ;) I don't see a problem with lengthening the time between his meals, now that he's an adult, & if you're sure he's actually overweight. I don't think I'd jump right from intervals of 2 weeks to 3 weeks- you don't want to go too far the other way- & btw, it's very hard to get a snake to slim down once they gain too much weight, either thru reducing food or by increasing "exercise"- because their bodies are designed for fasting.

I'd probably go with feeding every 17-18 days for a while, & offer nothing when he's in shed. (-if you were feeding at that time?) Many keepers have shared that adult male BPs do best on a diet of small rats, but there's some variation in how "small rat" is defined, & I'd imagine some snakes may also have a little different metabolism than others have.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

You're not alone in questioning the sticky feeding chart on this site. ;) I don't see a problem with lengthening the time between his meals, now that he's an adult, & if you're sure he's actually overweight. I don't think I'd jump right from intervals of 2 weeks to 3 weeks- you don't want to go too far the other way- & btw, it's very hard to get a snake to slim down once they gain too much weight, either thru reducing food or by increasing "exercise"- because their bodies are designed for fasting.

I'd probably go with feeding every 17-18 days for a while, & offer nothing when he's in shed. (-if you were feeding at that time?) Many keepers have shared that adult male BPs do best on a diet of small rats, but there's some variation in how "small rat" is defined, & I'd imagine some snakes may also have a little different metabolism than others have.

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Thanks so much for the information and advice. I'll see how he responds to 17-18 days and keep an eye on his weight and behavior. I haven't been offering during shed for the simple fact that he always refuses. Might as well save him and I both the stress.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DJKFOUR

For a little while now I’ve noticed my ball python gaining weight and flab. I originally took this issue to another source where I was reassured it was typical and no concern, but it’s progressed and after looking at some charts I’ve determined him to be overweight. As expected, I’m trying to get him back to a healthy body condition.

Currently he (male, 3yrs old) weighs 1284g. He’s on a diet of one small rat every 14 days.........Any help is appreciated.

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I don't know if this is any help, But here is a comparison for you...

I just had "Hal" (Standard, Normal Ball Python) at the vet (SEAVS) yesterday for his final checkup after a minor surgery, He is 4 years old, confirmed male by them, he weighed in at 1580 grams,

they said he had very good body shape (not overweight), and was healthy. He is also on a diet of 1 small rat (58g to 68g) every 14 days.

I feel like the charts do need a bit of an update. At least a blurb somewhere on body condition or even including a body chart.

As far as for particular snakes...
The weight can be very subjective. Photos would be the best judge.
For example... I have a male that weighs 2200g. He's not overweight but most might balk at that number. He eats small rats every 2-3 weeks.
I'm 5'10... he's a big boy.

https://i.imgur.com/MwvSby9.jpg


Another thing to consider is because of how these animals are built for fasting as mentioned above, are the signs you seeing actually fat? Some of my males will hold onto waste until the back end looks like a big ol sausage. If I wasn't aware of that snake's habits, it could be confused for something else.
Also, weight will flux depending on the season as well so definitely keep a close eye on any animal that you try to manage the weight on.

I don’t consider a 3y/o, 1300g BP to be overweight. A small rat every 2 weeks seems like a reasonable feeding schedule, but you can scale him back to every 3-4 weeks if you want him to be leaner. Either way is fine. I prefer my snakes a bit more robust. I think Armiyana’s BP looks great!

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

I don’t consider a 3y/o, 1300g BP to be overweight. A small rat every 2 weeks seems like a reasonable feeding schedule, but you can scale him back to every 3-4 weeks if you want him to be leaner. Either way is fine. I prefer my snakes a bit more robust. I think Armiyana’s BP looks great!

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Agree with robust.