Do snakes overeat?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa

Less than 10-15% for a ball python (a generally inactive snake) can cause weight loss. To maintain body weight, a 10-15% intake is required. To add weight is 20% or more (for malnourished or baby snakes). The snake knows that if it doesn't eat at all, it will starve. If it eats less than what it should it will stay in hunting mode longer. So you're telling me that you have a ball python, and because it is inactive, you don't have to feed it? How do you calculate how much your snakes eat? What you believe is just enough to keep them going? Just like the AVERAGE caloric intake for a human is 2000 calories, some need more, some need less to survive. The difference between me and Monty is that when I feel hungry I can walk into the kitchen and open the fridge. He has no way to tell me he is hungry other than to strike.

---

Where are you getting your numbers?

Studies - not word of mouth - not that exotic vet who lives 80 miles, er 4 miles, er two blocks from you - state otherwise. Snakes optimize their caloric intake to coincide with energy expenditure. When they cut down their activity levels, some stop eating for extended periods of time.

Studies - not your invisible pink rabbit exotic vet - show that much more active snakes, including pregnant active female snakes with much quicker metabolisms, never approach 15% prey size. So c'mon, what orifice did you pull those numbers out of?

As Eric stated, that's why people often notice minimal (if any) weight loss when their snake goes on an extended fast.

Now if I may ask a small favor of you:

Please stop making inferences to my posts. Either you read things too fast, or your ability to comprehend things is compromised. I enjoy having discussions about things, I enjoy healthy debates and contemplating points of view in which people put actual thought.

I do not enjoy being misquoted or dealing with emotional people who constantly see their own insecurities reflected back in other people's posts. If you'd stop posting and listen to other people (not me, please block me) you might actually start filling your head with some useful info that will allow both you and your snake greater fulfillment.

Monty is feeling better!!! http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...faf51d4a74.jpg