new ball python : malnourished

Hi,

He is v v skinny in the body which makes his tail section look huge.

I have found in the past they don't seem to absorb the nutrients as well when force or assist fed - I believe it is down to the stress involved.

Once he starts eating on his own he will seem to get much more good out of each feeding.

It's a tricky thing to judge as the best way to move them forward from assisting is letting them get hungry on their own for a week or so but, at his current body condition, I wouldn't try doing that just yet.

I would assist every 4-6 days to try and build him up a little first.

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Originally Posted by dr del

Hi,
It's a tricky thing to judge as the best way to move them forward from assisting is letting them get hungry on their own for a week or so but, at his current body condition, I wouldn't try doing that just yet.

I would assist every 4-6 days to try and build him up a little first.

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I agree

Hey I have a question for everyone: would a snake like this still be pooping, or would it be making use of all the prey for energy? By the way I'm glad he's doing better! Keep up the good work!


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Starting to look a Lil better. Great job so far

I'll be really excited to see some comparison pics about 6 months from now, when he's much bigger and at a healthier weight. Try to invest in a DSLR or something, because we're going to want to see some high resolution images once he's all better! :D

So does he have a name? I feel that he is becoming quite the celebrity :)


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My mother named him Petuñio lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Citrus

Hey I have a question for everyone: would a snake like this still be pooping, or would it be making use of all the prey for energy? By the way I'm glad he's doing better! Keep up the good work!

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My Brazilian rainbow boa litter had two "yolk babies". They pooped while being assist fed.

I only ask because my pastel still hadn't pooped since I first got her and has eaten twice.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Citrus

I only ask because my pastel still hadn't pooped since I first got her and has eaten twice.


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Don't worry about it. Balls can go a long time without eating. Instead of thinking of it in terms of weeks, think in terms of meals. He's eaten two meals - do YOU poop after every two meals? Nah, planty of people can go several meals without having to go! Sometimes balls can go a month or two without going. He'll be fine. :)