*HELP* Need BP health Advice ASAP *HELP*

[RhacHead]

OK I'm not trying to be overly dramatic but a few of my Balls are looking extra skinny! We all know the anxiety a bp off feed can cause but seriously looking at a few of my snakes this just seems different. Most of my snakes look like they are in good shape despite the winter fast but my Lesser and Enchi seem extra skinny and have lost some weight.

I've read countless threads about how someones snake hasnt eaten in weeks or months and usually the replys are "Yea they do that sometimes." I only recently got back into snakes in 2008 and I had never bred them just kept them as pets. All my snakes are kind of just getting to breeding size and always fed through the winter when they were younger. I keep records of feedings and weights and feel like their health maybe in Jeopardy. I've got a considerable investment in my snakes(Not only $ but time) and to be quite honest I really like them and would hate to lose one.

So my question is the When is the point when you should take action and what action can one take?

Any quick responses would be GREATLY appriciated

[purplemuffin]

I think if you could post a picture it would help!

If anything I would take a fecal sample to the vet to see if they have parasites!

[RhacHead]

A little info if it will be any help

Enchi
11/2 1130g
11/12 1080g
12/4 1070g
12/19 1095g
1/8 1067g
2/15 992g

9/18 Softfur
9/26 sf
10/2 2sf
10/26 2sf
11/18 sf
11/20 sf

Lesser

8/27 1452g
9/26 1651g
10/20 1636g
11/2 1618g
12/4 1534g
1/8 1400g
2/15 1336g

8/23 2sf
9/12 2sf
9/18 2sf
1/13 sf

So Does anyone think thats too much weight I need some pros to chime in

[RhacHead]

I think if you could post a picture it would help!

If anything I would take a fecal sample to the vet to see if they have parasites!

These were bought from what I believe to be reputable dealers. If they fed great for the last 2 years plus could they have parasites?

If it helps the Hatch dates are Lesser 10/17/08 and Enchi 1/1/2009

[llovelace]

1. Breath, slowly, deeply
2. All is ok
3. 200 or so grams is not a big deal, i know it's tough, but they are adults, and will eat when they are ready.
4. Breath, slowly, deeply
5. I have several, that are driving me nuts with not feeding, just offer once a week, they either will or won't.
6. Save your sanity for when you have hatchlings that won't feed

[RhacHead]

1. Breath, slowly, deeply
2. All is ok
3. 200 or so grams is not a big deal, i know it's tough, but they are adults, and will eat when they are ready.
4. Breath, slowly, deeply
5. I have several, that are driving me nuts with not feeding, just offer once a week, they either will or won't.
6. Save your sanity for when you have hatchlings that won't feed

Thanks I appriciate it They both feel real light and have some loose skin. They also seem kind of lethargic plus the lessers down 300g. It just freaks me out the though of losing one of my snakes let alone 2! I've been told force feeding an adult is a no-no but what does one do if they get an import that won't eat?

[llovelace]

Adults will eat when they are ready, I know how you feel though, I have an '07 pastel female and she only weighs around 800g, she is a very picky, on again off again feeder, and given that it's breeding season , I also have a couple males who are refusing off & on because of breeding season, so long as they are hydrated, keep offering weekly, they will feed again.

For a fresh import, i would leave completely alone, except for maintenance. Cover cage at all times, and offer food weekly.

[RhacHead]

Just wanted to bump this thread up. I'm looking for opinions. The Lesser has lost over 20% of her body weight! That seems excessive. Someone let me know if thats fairly normal or not.

[jsmorphs2]

Like ILovelace said, they will eat when they are ready. Keep them hydrated and offer food once a week. However if you feel there maybe some underlying reason for the long fast, you mentioned lethargy, a trip to the vet may do the trick. Its up to you as a keeper to judge when that extra step may be needed. If it makes you feel better I have a male who hasn't eaten since July and has lost around 300g. He goes into super breeding mode every season. He eats great other wise so it drives me nuts. Needless to say he's getting the year off.





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[Stewart_Reptiles]

I am not seeing anything abnormal with those weights considering they are going through winter fast.

There is a lot to take in consideration not just the weight loss itself but the animal itself, the health of the animal, hydration.

The key is to monitor the animal (obviously you have been doing this) your husbandry and be patient.

Do I have animals that look skinny right now? Yes I do, some have stop eating, have loss weight and they appear leaner than usual, nothing I am worried about given they are healthy and hydrated.

One thing people need to remember is that their metabolism is VERY efficient.