Heavier than normal

[ivylea77]

Most breeders make the comment that as they are preparing their snakes to breed they feed "heavier than normal". I go by a feeding schedule of once a week so what would a "heavier" schedule entail?

[Freakie_frog]

uping the prey size a little or feeding every 5 days instead of 7

[Rapture]

If for example, you normally feed your breeding size female one small rat per week, you could give that female two small rats on feeding day instead.

[ivylea77]

I assumed as much. I didn't know if a certain schedule worked best to prevent possible fasting as we all know can be quite common.

[elevatethis]

I have been under the impression that feeding LESS is actually a good precursor to breeding season, or at least thats what some Jedi whispered to me one time.

You want your breeders to be "athletic," not fat. Fat males make for lazy breeders and fat females don't have the "belly space" to properly form follicles and eggs. You'll see slugs come out of really overweight females because there's not enough room for the eggs to properly form.

[ivylea77]

I believe it is the person your refering to who's website I got some of the information from
Mostly it states that females during the month of August are put on a "heavier feeding schedule than normal" as this helps build up fat stores for breeding.

[ivylea77]

It seems there is a happy medium between "fat" and "plump". I wanted to see what some do. I'm sure it comes down to each individaul animal and the experience of the keeper to know the difference.

[Rapture]

I think it's personal preference and how well you know each of your snakes. If you feel that one of your girls just isn't at the size you feel she should be at before breeding, then go ahead and increase her food intake to prepare her for egg development.

[jglass38]

For me it means an extra prey item on feeding day if they will take it. There is definitely a difference between a healthy big girl and a fat girl that is going to throw slugs.

[elevatethis]

Mostly it states that females during the month of August are put on a "heavier feeding schedule than normal" as this helps build up fat stores for breeding.

During August and the summer months, absolutely, but its not like you are going to want to feed the girl during the months of nov-feb the same way you feed them in June-August.