Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So I have a 5 mo. old BCI. She is my first constrictor, so I'm still working through a lot of the issues you all probably had when you first started out.

1. How can I tell if she is over or under weight? The reason I ask is because I recently realized that the prey items I've been offering were on the small side (I was afraid she would regurgitate or not be able to handle a larger prey item). On Thurs. she ate a mouse that was considerably larger than what I usually offer, but it was as wide as she was (hence my concern that I've been under feeding). She did it quickly, with no problems, and has kept it down thus far.

2. In the same vein as no. 1, what behaviors constitute 'searching' for food? I do not want to over feed her, but I also don't want her to be hungry. Are there easily distinguished signs?

Thanks! These forums help me sleep at night.
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0.1 BCI- Pheobe

I find Pheobe to be the most agreeable female I have ever come across. Dinner is cheap, she never wants to eat out, she can't talk, and she's deaf.

To answer both of your questions at once, if you are feeding your snake a propper sized meal, on regular schedual you shouldnt have issues.

If you look at your snake and it has a moderatly "boxy" build to it, it should be in good shape. If you see ribs, spine, and loose skin; its too thin. If its round, and looks like a blood python; its time for a diet.

A general rule is to match the with of the prey item to the largest point of the snake. If its too big for a mouse but you think its too small for a rat go to two mice... most people feed their snakes once a week on the same day. its a real good way to regulate its diet, especally for a beginer. If you are looking for signs that (s)he is hungry, you should see him/her roaming around the cage with "intent". It looks alot like every other time that its just trying to escape though...

Please excuse typos and flow issues; 80 proof fingers....
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- Mike Fourquet

Cloaca Herpetoculture
www.CloacaHerps.com

see my responce to the thread below this, it applies here as well. Look at your snake. Does it appear healthy? How fast do you want it to grow? Growing them up too fast can shorten their life span. Is it a pet or are you planning on raising it to breed it? Is it male or female? All of these things play into how much you should be feeding you snake.
Kathy

Based on that info, I'm sure she's alright. I was just concerned because I know the prey I've been feeding her was smaller than it should have been. Seems like things should be alright now. I've got some appropriate food for her and she's eating normally. Thanks again.
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0.1 BCI- Pheobe

I find Pheobe to be the most agreeable female I have ever come across. Dinner is cheap, she never wants to eat out, she can't talk, and she's deaf.