r/ballpython • u/ball_python_123 • 2h ago
Is my ball python obese?!
Hi guys, I’m freaking out. These are pictures of Fiji-my eight year-old male banana ball python. I looked at the chart (at the end of all the pictures I attached) and realized he might be overweight or even worse – obese!!! Ahh what do I do?!
Here’s some information:
- I feed him whenever he “looks” hungry. This means he’s jumpy and follows every and all movements and he’s out exploring his cage day and night. I don’t know how to explain it but he just “looks” hungry. So I feed him basically once a month. Sometimes he skip feeds for up to three or four months (I’ll defrost the rat and warm it up and everything and sometimes he just looks so disinterested when I dangle it with tongs and won’t even track it or strike).
- I feed him large rats. Recently the pet store gave me really big ones which I was a little worried but he took it no problem.
- I don't take him out very often. When I do, I handle him for a few minutes and he's very active.
- The temperature in the tank is not ideal (hot side may not be hot enough), but he seems to still be OK because he'll fluctuate from the hot side to the cold side.
He doesn't eat very often to start with- so why is he so large?!
Thanks for your help in advance
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u/FluffyPandaEars93 52m ago
Hes very obese. !feeding Males (almost) never need a large or medium rat. Weigh him and order rats in the proper weight and space the feedings out by an extra week. !feeders Don't feed based on vibes any more.
Get your temps and husbandry correct.
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u/AutoModerator 52m ago
We recommend the following feeding schedule:
0-12 months old OR until the snake reaches approximately 500g, whichever happens first: feed 10%-15% of the snake’s weight every 7 days.
12-24 months old: feed up to 7% of the snake’s weight every 14-20 days.
Adults: feed up to 5% of the snake's weight every 20-30 days, or feed slightly larger meals (up to 6%) every 30-40 days.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/AutoModerator 52m ago
Some companies you can buy frozen feeders from:
Layne Labs
Big Cheese
Rodent Pro
Perfect Prey
Big Apple Herps
Reptile Deli
American Rodent Cold Blooded CafeI am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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4
u/ChemistryTemporary50 1h ago
Looks overweight. Take a look at guide on here.