Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i have a ball python that i got in dec. of last year and she is losing weight. she went off feed for a month but i have got her back on feed and she eats once a week. she is losing weight even tho she is eating. also, she dumps a lot and when she does, its very runny. any idaes on what is causing this or help to fix it?

could be a # of things, first double check your husbandry, this is the most important thing!
more info would be useful, where did you get the snake from, age, size, ect would help...
if a snake is eating and still getting thin, then a vet visit is in order, with the soft stool I would start with a fecal exam, some say a few parasites are normal in reptiles, but with the stress of captivity, no matter how good your set up is, I think they can take a toll on some species. if nothing comes up on the fecal exam (I would ask for a float and a stained direct) then next would be blood work /- x rays
best of luck, keep us posted!
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hanging out under heat lights burns up my brain cells!!

I agree with po. There is most definately a connection with the runny stool and weight loss. A common cause of this is a coccidian parasite, but the possibilities are numerous, including non-parasitic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis etc.

Ian