Assist feeding adults?

[Andybill]

Have a 7 year old adult male pastel who has been off feed for about 4 months now. Was 1330 grams when he went off feed and had dropped down to 1280 ish grams about a month ago. measured him last night and he weighed in at 1200. Should I assist feed him or should I wait for him to come around? Will he come around? Am I overreacting about 130 grams or is that a lot to lose over 4 months? my biggest issue is the 80 gram drop in just under a month... Appreciate any help.

[Daybreaker]

That's not a severe weight loss IMO, I would wait till he comes around. You could always try live to "jump start" them eating again.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Answer is NO, assisting is for animals that do not know how to eat, or in a weak state.

4 months without food for an animal that size is NOTHING, it could last a year or more.

The key is to monitor your snake, make sure he is well hydrated, make sure your husbandry is optimal, and most importantly even though I know it is frustrating be PATIENT.

Snakes are very efficient and at that size there is no reason to worry.

[Slim]

Trying to assist feed this snake sounds like a sure fire way to extend his fast due to stress.

I know the length of this fast is driving you crazy, but I don't think the weight loss is that severe. Give him time and let him come around on his own.

EDIT: Deb beat me to it

[Andybill]

Thanks everybody. This season is going to be my first breeding season and I dont know what could be considered serious weight loss though honestly I am not too worried about his weight I know 130 grams isnt a lot it was just that sudden drop of 80 grams. And sometimes I can get a little anxious. Suppose he does not eat between now and fall but he doesnt lose much more weight should I hold off on pairing him up with a lady or would it be ok to pair him with one girl?

[Wapadi]

If it was me and he did not eat between the two seasons I would not breed him till he ate. Also try different prey. My solid rat eating snakes both took mice after their fast before they would take a rat. Or as mentioned feed live instead of F/T...My two breeder males went from Nov to April no food this year!

[heathers*bps]

If it was me and he did not eat between the two seasons I would not breed him till he ate. Also try different prey. My solid rat eating snakes both took mice after their fast before they would take a rat. Or as mentioned feed live instead of F/T...My two breeder males went from Nov to April no food this year!

x2