First BP, general questions...feeding/growth

[ClarkT]

My friend got a baby female normal BP 6 years ago. She hadn't been feeding well--apparently wouldn't take rats, and nothing dead. The seller was a breeder, and said he didn't have much use for it. Anyway...

After a couple years, my friend's wife couldn't take it anymore. She's terrified of snakes, and didn't want it at her house anymore.

So, his friend took it in. The feeding schedule has been 1 medium rat every 2-6 months. Not because that's all she'll eat, but that's all he'd feed her.

Because of distance, my friend talked me into having it at my house (now his snake is a couple blocks away, instead of a few hours). I'm hooked.

This 6 yr. old female normal is only 28" long. I don't have a scale yet, but she looks to be the same size as most pictures of 1 year olds.

Couple of questions I have:
1. Should I expect to be able to get her to feed much more often, say every 7-14 days?
2. After only growing so little, would I expect her to grow much more if I can get her to eat more?
3. Would you expect that she'll be able to breed, or would there possibly be some problems with the age/size that have been caused?

Haven't tried to get some good pics of her, but she does have a few interesting traits. A couple of blush/sun spots; a couple of doughnuts; pattern on the belly...anyway, your help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Stewart_Reptiles]

This 6 yr. old female normal is only 28" long. I don't have a scale yet, but she looks to be the same size as most pictures of 1 year olds.

Couple of questions I have:

1. Should I expect to be able to get her to feed much more often, say every 7-14 days?

I would start feeding "her" a small rat (4 weeks old) every 7 days

2. After only growing so little, would I expect her to grow much more if I can get her to eat more?

If "she" is 28 inches long and really 6 years old that's pretty much it, while BP grow throughout their entire life the main growth is done between the first 3 years.

3. Would you expect that she'll be able to breed, or would there possibly be some problems with the age/size that have been caused?

I seriously would not see a point in breeding such a small animal does not mean it would be impossible however not something I personally would do.


Now as you noticed I use "her" however the first thing that would be in order would be for you to re-sex the animal or have a confirmation by someone else, given the size and the age even if not fed appropriately 28 inches would be VERY small for a 6 year old female, however for a male it would make more sense.

[ClarkT]

He originally bought the snake from a breeder that sexed it--though I do see your point.

[j_h_smith]

Now as you noticed I use "her" however the first thing that would be in order would be for you to re-sex the animal or have a confirmation by someone else, given the size and the age even if not fed appropriately 28 inches would be VERY small for a 6 year old female, however for a male it would make more sense.

Very good point!
Jim Smith

[ClarkT]

So, I live in a very rural area. Where might I have it re-sexed? Would a normal vet usually be able to do this?

[j_h_smith]

So, I live in a very rural area. Where might I have it re-sexed? Would a normal vet usually be able to do this?

Probably not. They may be able to probe the snake to verify sex, but that could be a stretch too. Do you have any other snake owners in your area? Maybe they can help you find someone.

Good Luck!
Jim Smith

[ClarkT]

Thanks.
I was able to locate the breeder on this. He is certain it is a female.

A question on the feeding...is it better to feed a medium rat every week, or feed 2 small rats?

[seeya205]

I would feed one small rat every 7 days until she gets a good size then which to mediums! Two small rats would be too much for her!

[Brunoheart]

Thanks.
I was able to locate the breeder on this. He is certain it is a female.

I have heard of experienced, well known breeders making mistakes with sexing hatchlings whether they be popped or probed, so having had the breeder sex "her" as a hatchling 6 years ago does not mean she is definately female. I would strongly suggest you find someone to double check especially if your ultimate goal is to breed "her". If you are simply keeping "her" as a pet, it doesn't really matter. Good luck with "her".