While feeding and feeding responses contribute to size, genetics plays a larger part. There is always a bellcurve in science. Take as many averages as you like, that does not prove that average sized ball pythons are the "right size" to be at. Specimens at the far reaches of a given bellcurve may not be as common but are not necessarily wrong or defected.
Malnutrition and stunted growth are another matter entirely. But as long as a snake is being fed somewhat regularly, this should not be a problem. To the OP, if you are curious about your snake being a bit thin, feel free to post pics and you may get a few opinions.
I would like to point out that, while weekly feedings may be your preferred schedule, they are not necessarily "ideal". I don't want to start up a debate on a separate topic, so I will simply state that every snake keeper has a different preference when it comes to feeding. I feed all of my snakes on a relatively slow schedule. Yes, they are on the smaller side, but they are in excellent health. I'm not saying anyone's right or wrong here, I'm simply saying that it's a matter of opinion and we shouldn't assume that weekly feedings are necessarily "ideal".let's assume ideal conditions, shall we? If a bp is fed appropriate sized food items weekly throughout it's life, at what age will it be how long and weight what?
Cu: 04/05 female, fed 1 to 3x monthly, depending on what she will eat and prey size.
Prospekt: 07 female, previously fed every 10 days, but is being slowed down to 2x monthly.
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