Weight for a Female?

[bivman]

I have a female normal born 8/3/09. She'e eating 1 rat pup a week. I just got a scale and she's 168 grams. She is about 18" or so. Is this an ok weight, do I need to move up to a small rat yet or 2 rat pups? I'm not thinking about breeding her, so I just want her to be healthy. Here is the link to her pic.

Thanks
Biv

http://www.ball-pythons.net/gallery/...mageuser=14874

[littleindiangirl]

In comparision, her prey can be the same width as her at her widest point. It really is your call.

[seeya205]

My male born in July '09 weights about 502 grams and eats small rats so you can give more food because that is pretty small for a 5 month old female!

[bivman]

I was thinking she was a little small, I'm going to bump up the size of her food.
Thanks

[BPelizabeth]

I personally think they grow at different rates. Mine was small and then she lately just seems to have taken off. Your snake looks great in the picture!! See how she acts....is she still looking for another? Offer another one to her and see what she does. I can always tell when mine want another as they finish and look at you like....."ok...done...where is the next one". When they are done done.....They do not do that....then they just go into their hide.

[bivman]

I'm going to pet store tonite. If the small rats aren't too big, I'll try that. If they are too wide, I'll just get 2 rat pups and try giving her 2. Thanks!!

[mpkeelee]

my girl was born about the same time and shes over 300g. she looks good in the pic tho so i wouldnt worry if i was you. how often do u feed her? try every five days and if she refuses then go to 6 or 7 days. she may be getting ready to have a growth spurt so just let her do her thing. if she starts to lose weight then i would worry. some gro slower some grow faster

[bivman]

I gave her 2 rat pups last nite, took them both no problem. I think I'll do that for a while, and see if she gains. It was either that or move up to the small rat (looked too wide around). Thanks!

[mpkeelee]

ya just keep an eye on her. weigh her every couple weeks and keep a record so u can track it. u wont see a huge increase but as long as she is going up in weight its ok. if she is consistantly eating but losing weight then u have to worry about internal parasites. just let him/her do its thing