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albino burmese python not growing help!

zsazsalbino Apr 15, 2009 11:22 PM

hi!

i have an albino burmese python and she is 27 inches.
when i got her she was 23 inches.
she is 10 months old.

i understand that she should have grown about 7 feet in one year however she has only grown 4 inches in her first year.

the reptile store i got her from told me she was snappy (had attitude) and that she would grow 7 feet in one year.

she has absolutely no attitude and has only snapped twice, and has not grown.

i feed her the appropriate size mouse every 5-7 days and she always eats with no problem. she never regurgitates or anything un-ordinary. basically she is very healthy.

the only strange behavior i have noticed is that she continues to attempt escape from her terrarium even after she is fed and would not regurgitate after being handled right after feeding.

if anyone can help me make sense of all this all comments would be appreciated and helpful =)

Thank you.

zsazsa

Replies (6)

laurarfl Apr 16, 2009 06:57 AM

I would see if her temps are hot enough to facilitate proper metabolism and growth and if you are feeding her a large enough prey item. I would think if she was satisfied, she would not be as active, except for normal snake activity of course. You can also try a stool sample check for parasites, but I'm more inclined to think it might be heat and/or prey size.

By the way, there is a thread about growth rates a few below this one that may be a good reference for you, too.

Novice_Charmer Apr 16, 2009 12:47 PM

I agree with Laura, check your temps and he is over 2 feet, I would have him on medium rats by now.I would say one about every 7-10 days.The trying to escape thing is just what snakes,especially Burms do when they are not eating or sleeping, they try to escape.Post a pic with something sitting next to him for size comparison.
-----
0.1.0 Burmese Python 12'- "Baby"
1.0.0 Albino Granite Burmese Python 6.5'-"Capone"
0.1.0 Albino Burmese Python 11'-"Lacy Underall"
1.0.0 Reticulated Python 8.5'-"McLovin"
1.0.0 African Rock Python 9'-"Pauly Walnuts"
1.0.0 BCI 7.5'-"Mr.Pink"
0.2.0 BCI 6'-"Scarlett O'Hara & Sloane Peterson"
1.1.0 Bearded Dragons-"Radar O'Reilly & Carol Anne"

HappyHillbilly Apr 21, 2009 03:05 AM

"The trying to escape thing is just what snakes, especially Burms do when they are not eating or sleeping, they try to escape."

Some snakes will periodically test their boundaries, but when a snake frequently tries to escape it's telling you that something isn't right. Hunger, insecurity, inadequate humidity and/or temperature, etc...

Take care!
HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American


www.natures-signature.com

Novice_Charmer Apr 21, 2009 09:43 AM

I will take that into consideration.It's my 2 largest ones who do it the most.I used to take them out just about every weekend and let them roam in the yard for an hour or two (supervised of course). Since we've moved into the new house I haven't had time to do it as much,maybe that's what they are missing.I've also recently acquires a new IR temp gun,so I am also keeping a much closer eye on temps and not relying as much on the thermometers mounted inside the enclosures.My daytime temps stay between 83-89 depending on which end of the enclosure you're checking for about 15-18 hours a day.Overnight,(about 5-6 hours) I have noticed their actual body temps are getting down to 76-78,is this too cool for overnight temps?
-----
0.1.0 Burmese Python 12'- "Baby"
1.0.0 Albino Granite Burmese Python 6.5'-"Capone"
0.1.0 Albino Burmese Python 11'-"Lacy Underall"
1.0.0 Reticulated Python 8.5'-"McLovin"
1.0.0 African Rock Python 9'-"Pauly Walnuts"
1.0.0 BCI 7.5'-"Mr.Pink"
0.2.0 BCI 6'-"Scarlett O'Hara & Sloane Peterson"
1.1.0 Bearded Dragons-"Radar O'Reilly & Carol Anne"

HappyHillbilly Apr 22, 2009 11:29 PM

"...actual body temps are getting down to 76-78,is this too cool for overnight temps?"

If all other conditions are good and the Burmese python is healthy, most can handle it. I wouldn't consider it a general safe zone, though. I try to keep my temps from falling below 80 degrees. I prefer giving them a range & letting them choose the temperature they desire.

Catch ya later!
HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American


www.natures-signature.com

CauseAndEffect Apr 19, 2009 11:18 PM

That does sound weird. I've only had mine a few months and it is at 32 inches. It's already grown a bit.

I've been feeding it large mice, but after reading these forums it seems I should be feeding him a rat of some sort. 0_O

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