Average Ball Python Hatchling Weight

Just looking to see what the average weight is right out of the egg. I have a baby that refused two meals, and is currently 44 grams. Just wondering at what weight should I start to worry? I've offered mouse hoppers each time with no luck.

You should start to worry.
My hatchlings range in weight from 65-90g.

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Originally Posted by mykee

You should start to worry.
My hatchlings range in weight from 65-90g.

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:confused:

Your going to have to elaborate a little more then that. What should I do then besides worry? Should I start thinking about force feeding?

Whats your set up, temps, etc.?

Have you tried feeding live hoppers or are they f/t?

Temps are 79-83 ambient, 90-92 hot spot. There in 6qt tubs in my hatchling rack. I tried feeding live hoppers. She hasn't been out of the egg that long, but was born smaller then the rest. The others have had two meals never missing one. I tried offering one every 5 days to her but nothing. I was going to try an asf pup, but I really don't see that working if the hopper didn't spark her interest. She looks interested but just won't go for it. When does assist feeding come into play? All my other hatchlings are around 65+, and she was born I believe at 51 grams.

Have you tried live rat pinks? I know live hoppers are usually what's taken first but try live rat pinks. Try a hide box and leave the rat pink in over night.

If it was born small the weight may be deceiving. If the snake seems solid I don't worry so much but don't let it get too skinny.

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Originally Posted by Dave Green

Have you tried live rat pinks? I know live hoppers are usually what's taken first but try live rat pinks. Try a hide box and leave the rat pink in over night.

If it was born small the weight may be deceiving. If the snake seems solid I don't worry so much but don't let it get too skinny.

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I forgot to mention they all have hides as well. I mean I guess she seems healthy but at the same time is really skinny.

http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/...n/102_0744.jpg

http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/...n/102_0745.jpg

(the lighter wasn't weighed with the :snake:)

should i try live mouse fuzzy?

and WHEN do I assist feed? After this feeding?

I usually let them go a month or until they seem to be getting skinny. Most will eat before then. It's really a judgement call and tough to explain over the net. I try different food items twice a week. Sometimes they are shy and that's why I like the hidebox and a pink rat that doesn't move around so much like a hopper mouse does. Assist feed when you get concerned but don't let them go too far. I know that's not the best answer but it's tough without seeing the snake. Some hatch chubby and are fine for a while.

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Originally Posted by Dave Green

I usually let them go a month or until they seem to be getting skinny. Most will eat before then. It's really a judgement call and tough to explain over the net. I try different food items twice a week. Sometimes they are shy and that's why I like the hidebox and a pink rat that doesn't move around so much like a hopper mouse does. Assist feed when you get concerned but don't let them go too far. I know that's not the best answer but it's tough without seeing the snake. Some hatch chubby and are fine for a while.

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Heres the snake, does this help at all?

http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/...n/102_0746.jpg

http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/...n/102_0747.jpg

http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/...n/102_0748.jpg

*used blue tooth ear piece as comparison

I'm just worried because she's only 44 grams. I want to wait, but at the same time I want to get her to a normal appetite asap.

It doesn't look too bad but without picking it up it's tough to tell. Would you purchase it at a show or would you think it's too thin? Maybe try a food item or two this week and then assist feed a small pink rat.

I wouldn't worry yet. I've got a hatchling right now that didn't absorb any yolk, weighed 37 grams out of the egg on August 3rd. He refused 4 meals (spaced 5 days apart) before eating for the first time last night. Last night was going to be the point that I assist fed if he refused again as he was starting to look pretty thin.

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Originally Posted by m00kfu

I wouldn't worry yet. I've got a hatchling right now that didn't absorb any yolk, weighed 37 grams out of the egg on August 3rd. He refused 4 meals (spaced 5 days apart) before eating for the first time last night. Last night was going to be the point that I assist fed if he refused again as he was starting to look pretty thin.

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ooo ok thats good to know. I'll keep trying a few more times and then give the assist feed a shot.

Just thought to add that what he finally took last night was an asf fuzzy/pup that didn't have its eyes open yet. Sometimes you might have to start with a smaller than you'd like prey item that won't spook them as much.

So far this year out of the egg I have weighed 25 babies from 4 clutches. Our average hatchling baby weight is 72.08g.

Normally I will let a hatchling go 6 wks from hatch date before I begin to worry about assist feeding. However if the baby looked like it was wasting away I would assist sooner.

I have had her since december 2015. Shr got up to 123 grams. I kept her with her sisters and then seperated them later on. She has been fine with a huge appetite. Her temps are good moisturr is fine. And she just stopped eating after a shed. I gave her a month now she weighed 94 grams. So i force fed her. She still wont eat and is still losing grams. Any ideas why? Shes so small to be 5 months old. Im so worried. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

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Originally Posted by mrspoindexter

I have had her since december 2015. Shr got up to 123 grams. I kept her with her sisters and then seperated them later on. She has been fine with a huge appetite. Her temps are good moisturr is fine. And she just stopped eating after a shed. I gave her a month now she weighed 94 grams. So i force fed her. She still wont eat and is still losing grams. Any ideas why? Shes so small to be 5 months old. Im so worried. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

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Instead of bumping a 6 years old thread you might want to create your own!

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