Ball python too thin

[SpookyLighthouse]

I got a new BP on 6/5 and he’s had two meals(small mice, will be switching to appropriately sized rats as soon as my supply is gone)with me since coming home. Over the past week or so he’s been looking way too thin to me? I messaged his breeder and he said he was born last September or October. When I got him, I weighed him about a week later and he weighed 127g. Weighed him a few days ago and he was 139g. He’s active and has only refused one meal since he arrived. Not sure what’s up. Any advice to get him looking a little better?

[SpookyLighthouse]

Here's a pic from today. He's been looking a little dull so I thought he might just be growing and getting ready to shed, but I can't help but worry. He's been pooping fine and I plan on offering food again tomorrow, so we'll see if he eats.

[nikkubus]

He didn't look too skinny in his pics. His weight is significantly lower than what is average at his age, but as long as his proportions are correct, I wouldn't worry too much about it. He will grow slowly for a while, but he will really pick up the pace after about 300g.

[SpookyLighthouse]

He didn't look too skinny in his pics. His weight is significantly lower than what is average at his age, but as long as his proportions are correct, I wouldn't worry too much about it. He will grow slowly for a while, but he will really pick up the pace after about 300g.

That's what I thought too. I was genuinely shocked when I found out he was hatched last fall. I'm hoping steady feedings(as much as he'll allow) will bring him up to weight. He is just way smaller than I expected, so I wanted to double check. Everything else about his behavior seems good though, so I guess I can use that as a bit of a reassurance.

[SpookyLighthouse]

An update: offered again today and he refused, hopefully I can get him to eat next week

[EL-Ziggy]

Very nice BP! He’s slightly undersized but he doesn’t look too thin at all to me. I’ve received small yearlings before and they tend to bulk up once they’re on a more growth oriented feeding schedule. Once he’s eating consistently I’m sure you’ll see a growth spurt. How often are you feeding him btw? If he’s already refused two meals you may want to increase the time between feedings.

[SpookyLighthouse]

Very nice BP! He’s slightly undersized but he doesn’t look too thin at all to me. I’ve received small yearlings before and they tend to bulk up once they’re on a more growth oriented feeding schedule. Once he’s eating consistently I’m sure you’ll see a growth spurt. How often are you feeding him btw? If he’s already refused two meals you may want to increase the time between feedings.

7 days! He fed the first two weeks I fed him, but the last two he’s refused. Should I bump it up to ten days?

[EL-Ziggy]

7 days! He fed the first two weeks I fed him, but the last two he’s refused. Should I bump it up to ten days?

If he’s refused his last two meals I’d offer food every 10-14 days. Hopefully he’ll get on track for you soon. Picky eaters can be frustrating.

[SpookyLighthouse]

If he’s refused his last two meals I’d offer food every 10-14 days. Hopefully he’ll get on track for you soon. Picky eaters can be frustrating.

For real! I’ve gotten lucky up until this point and have only had easy keepers, but Niko here is testing me.