Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have read so much information on what the correct size for a blood python is I would like to know what you think. I have a female that I am considering cutting back her food because of what I have been reading lately. She is 2years 8months old. She is 5ft 6inches and weighs 17 to 18 lbs. I have only been keeping bloods for about 2 years and I would like to breed her, but I have been reading about how over weight bloods don't make good breeders so does anyone want to tell me if she is a good weight for her length and age. Also I am feeding her one large rat per week. Thank you for any advice

That's quite a big blood for that age but some grow faster then others, as for weight to length ratio it sounds about right to me, I have a 6'+ female P. Brongersmai that when she's up to weight, prior to breeding is around 20-25lbs, but she is huge and no where near overweight. I have fed my bloods for the first year every week second year every 10-14 days and after that every 14 plus days depending on how the blood does weight wise. This is just what I do, by no means right or wrong, everyone has their methods. I have also herd that if you can't see their spine at all they are overweight. Here's a video that shows my female right before I bred her for the first time.

and Here is a link to my male
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K61p4OsFKCc

Thanks
Zack
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Zack Greens Reptiles

Thanks Zack, That is good to know. Those are some impressive bloods. I didn't think she was over weight by looking at her, but I have seen a couple for sale that are around her age and they are know where near as big as her. That along with reading a lot about breeding bloods lately and I read so much about over weight bloods being a problem that I was getting worried. Thanks again

Alot of people look at bloods and think they're a fat snake so when they have a 5 1/2' blood that's 40lbs they think it's normal, they have a very slow metabolism and are prone to obesity so you just need to keep an eye on it and alter the food depending on it's weight and they dont need a rodent that is as big around as they are, it's just not necessary.
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Zack Greens Reptiles

This has always been a great way to understand weights in bloods...

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Cindy Steinle
PHFaust
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