Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know every snake is individual & they don't all grow the same but I was wondering if some people wouldn't mind sharing what they feel on average how big a male burm would be in one year..& also how big a two year old would possibly be. Also does anyone think it would still be healthy to feed one a lil less than every week after say a year. I know it's important that neos get plenty of food. But after a year or so do you think it might be harmful to slow down feeding a little?
I have heard a couple of people talk about feeding big meals a certain amount of times a year instead of consistantly feeding once a week. I have balls that don't eat for months & seem fine after. Also my boa which I acquired from someone who wasn't ready for it, had hit periods with that person where she didn't get fed for a month or a couple weeks sometimes & she appears to be in great health & one of the prides of my collection. So if you wanted to feed say maybe 2 or 3 times a month instead of once a week (4 times a month) do you think it would be harmful to the health of the burm? Also do you think this might affect it's personality? example being is if he's fed a little less would he be more likely to strike just because of the big appetite they have? Burms are gorgeous & I love that they get big, but I'm in no rush to pump feed him or anything. I'm not looking to compete for my burm to be the biggest snake in my area..lol I'm just looking to keep him in great health & if possible I would like him to grow a little slower than faster. I notice people pump feed to get em bigger so I'm curious if anyone thinks that you can get a healthy slow growth doing the opposite. Again i'm not starving a snake or anything..lol I don't have him yet but I have always been curious about this & need something to read..well hope I get a good thread out of this one..lol
thanks to all who reply

Hey

I dont think you should have any problems with aggression by slowing down your feeding. Just make sure you dont feed the snake in its enclosure. Big rubbermaid tubs seem to work pretty well. As long as the snake has pretty good weight on when you slow the schedule down after a year, he should be alright.

and I will have a clutch of babys this summer, let me know if your interested.

hey,
I'm not sure my email wne through so when are you expecting, where do you live, & what kind of burms normal, green etc.

thanks

your email went through, and ive already replied

I personally raise all of my snakes on a more moderate diet than many keepers suggest. My baby boas & pythons (under one year in age) are fed every 10-14 days, after they turn one year they get fed every 14 days for the next couple of years or so. My adults are fed once every 3-4 weeks (basically once per month). The only snakes on a heavier diet are my corn snakes because they have such a faster metabolism than either my boas or my pythons. All of my snakes are in excellent health though they may take a bit longer to reach adult sizes. I'm just not a fan of raising my snakes quickly and feel that a more moderate diet is better for their long term health.

In regards to burms in particular, my two year old albino burm is a finicky eater (took forever to get her to switch from mice to rats) and something of an exception to my general feeding schedule. She consistently eats once every 2-3 weeks, one prey item large enough to cause a small bulge. She's only about 4 1/2 to 5 feet long at two years - part of that is due to her irregular feeding habits. I offer her prey every two weeks, but she may or may not eat it though she will always constrict it. My adult normal phase female (approximately 13' long and 6 years old /-) will consistently eat one 10lb rabbit every 4 weeks. I could feed her more, but she would simply be obese. At this point she is lean and healthy with good muscle tone...what I strive for with all my snakes.

Raven