New to snakes - underweight?

[guadalakara]

I just took in a juvenile ball python earlier this week. This is my first snake (although I have a 2 yr old iguana who I practically worship, so I'm not totally new to the reptile game This snake used to be a middle school classroom pet (the school just changed their rules - no snakes allowed anymore). The man who gave him to me was the science teacher there, said he purchased him as a hatchling in January at Repticon and had been feeding him a F/T small mouse only twice a month because he "didn't want him to get big".

I, however, am not interested in restricting his growth - I just want him to be healthy and THRIVE. I have almost zero experience with snakes but from what I've read about ball pythons, it seems like this one is probably underweight, possibly severely so. He is about 24 inches long, 218 grams (with two mice in him, see below). Is that a normal weight for his age/size? I am mostly alarmed by how pronounced his spine seems, if you took a cross-section of him his body would be more like a triangle than a circle.

Moving forward, how much and often would you recommend that I feed him? The man I got him from fed him on Monday, and I just gave him another mouse last night (Arctic Mouse brand "small") - he snatched it up right away, I feel like he could happily eat again right now if I were to offer him another one, but not sure how much/often is TOO much. Any insight would be much appreciated.

[Navaro]

Good on you. I loved reading that you want him to be healthy and thrive. Definitely the right attitude. Kudos. No worries about having zero experience. The fact that you found your way here, shows you are already heading in the right direction! Kudos.



In regards to the specifics, 218 grams is quite small for his age. I wouldn't be too concerned with the length, as this has many varying factors, right down to the uniqueness of your snake. In regards to seeing his spine, that generally isn't great but something we can work on by getting his feeding schedule right.

Typically start with offering every 7 days. If you find he's out for the hunt, or rooting around with his tongue after 5 days, you can always start offering every 5.

Most Ball python owners prefer to offer Rats, as opposed to mice. However snakes can be finicky. I've known some to only chow down on mice.

Typically you want to feed your Ball Python, roughly 10 - 15% of his body weight, and try to size up your "prey' offering, with the thickest part of his body (mid section generally). And choose an item accordingly.


Many people who have "mouser's" only, that wont accept anything else, end up feeding multiple items. If he will gladly take a second go for it. A visible lump after a meal is pretty standard. Just look at your snakes girth and see how you go in regards to size.

Grats on your new snake, and first. And welcome aboard!