Dexter Regurgitated Rats Twice This Month

[zina10]

I don't think there are any "set in stones" answers for that.

There are "guidelines" based on the species, its needs, its "usual" metabolism, etc. But when it comes right down to it, it all depends on the animal individually. ESPECIALLY if there has been a problem/issue.

Bloods metabolism works differently then some other snakes. Slower. They are also kept at lower temperatures. Over time it has been established that they do better with LESS food then originally thought. With bloods, you don't go by "girth" or else you'd have to feed rabbits before long. You also shouldn't feed as often. True, younger animals usually need to be fed more often then adults. But with bloods, I would err on the conservative side. The only reason to "rush" is to bring them up to size for breeding. And as with all snakes, size isn't everything. They have to be mature as well.

I know you do not "power" feed. I know the health of your animals is your priority, and you just want him to recover and thrive.

At this point I would be ultra ULTRA conservative with feeding him. He regurged not only once or twice, but THREE times. That to me is getting close to "scary" territory. Those regurges are very hard on the animals system and they can cause lasting damage resulting in chronic illness.

It will not hurt Dexter in the slightest to be a bit skinny for a few months. Once healthy, snakes recover pretty quickly. At this point, though, all that matters is that his intestinal and digestive tract is stressed as little as possible, while still providing him with some sustenance. You do NOT want another regurge.
I think bcr's feeding plan is actually very appropriate and I would be hesitant to try to speed this process up. Even if this entire issue ends up taking 6 month before things are back to normal 100%, that is still nothing compared to the lifetime of this animal. He will not stay "stunted" if you get him healthy. He will catch up, and it won't take all that long.

Of course, that is just in my opinion, what I would do. You are there, you know your snake and ultimately it is up to you and your gut feeling.

Going back to your question about when to change their feeding schedule.

Well, first of all I would not go UP in feeder size rapidly if fed once the week. Of course you do go up...but not going by the girth of the snake/girth of the rodent. Eventually the snake will let you know by slowing down by itself. Refusing a feed. Not being as "enthusiastic" about the food coming up. That is a good indicator to just stretch it out to 10 days, eventually 14 days.
There are guidelines, of course, but you always have to use them as a tool, while observing your animal and how it is doing on that schedule.

As a example, my large Ball Python male is NOT on a set schedule. It just doesn't work for him. I've had him for 8 years and I've gotten to know him well in that time. He is quite big and while medium rats are usually the largest prey you need for any Ball Python, he does better with large rats. With a medium, he sucks it down and angrily keeps hunting for more. With a large rat, he will eat and happily go rest. HE will tell me when he is ready for more. Sometimes its 2 weeks, sometimes 3 or 4 weeks. He has also taken breaks for months. He usually rests for 4 to 5 days after eating, then he will begin to lazily cruise around his cage. Its not "hunting" yet, more like checking things out, hanging out in different areas. This can go on for a few nights. Eventually the cruising will be more of a "hunting". He is more "tense", he looks around. His eyes will focus on things and get "dark" when he sees movement. That is when he is ready to eat.

Most of my others are on more of a "set" schedule. Although I'm not strictly on a set day. And I do skip feeding them while they are in shed.

Right now with Dexter I wouldn't worry about any guidelines or "what is usually done for that age/size". All that matters is to carefully and slowly bring him back to 100%. Being slow about it is so much better then risking a re-occurrence that would destroy all the progress you have made.

I hope things will continue to go well, I know how worried you are about your babies. Still crossing my fingers and toes !!