What is this about fasting periods?

[DennisM]

...Can we clear this fasting normal/not normal up? Is it forever just going to be opinions, or is there solid proof out there for either side?

There is solid proof on both sides, so no, we can't clear this up. Some snakes fast and others do not. It is normal for a snake to fast and it is normal for a snake not to fast. I think it would not be normal for a 450 gram youngster to fast, unless as others have stated winter time temps are dropping too low. I have 2.0 22 year olds that have fasted religiously for an average of 5 months every winter since they were 6 years old. Prior to that, no record of fasts. I do have lower winter time temps, but daytime ambient temps still reach about 80. The youngsters do not fast in this environment. all my other BPs are 4 yrs and younger and have no consistent record of seasonal fasting. The two old guys have always maintained their weight during their fasts.