BP Weight Loss

[Jayrhamlin]

So how much weight loss do you expect during a feeding strike and when do you become concerned? I have an adult male who has only eaten twice for me since I got him last fall. He seems healthy and active but tell you what you think. A quick timeline . . . .

09/26/12 - 1379g
12/18/13 - 1250g
01/14/13 - Took Med Rat
01/28/13 - 1295g
01/31/13 - Took Med Rat
03/21/13 - 1230g
04/04/13 - 1219g
04/16/13 - 1190g

So all in all he has dropped 190g since I got him. Husbandry is spot on. He's in a rack surrounded by females as well. Should I be concerned?

[Annarose15]

When was he defecating in this timeline? How large are your medium rats? I only feed small rats (50-80g), so my weight swings are lower, but yours could be higher if you're feeding 100+g rats to him (which means larger poos).

[Jayrhamlin]

Updated timeline - the rats are good size. I have since switched to offering him small rats.

09/26/12 - 1379g
10/01/12 - Stool (which means he ate just before I got him)
10/13/12 - Stool
11/01/12 - Shed
12/18/13 - 1250g
01/14/13 - Took Med Rat
01/28/13 - Shed/Stool/1295g
01/31/13 - Took Med Rat
02/13/13 - Stool
03/21/13 - 1230g
04/04/13 - 1219g
04/16/13 - 1190g

[Annarose15]

Percentage-wise, I think you're okay as long as he isn't looking triangular. Lowering the prey size might also help you keep him on feed a little more consistently.