Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been told my adult male graybanded is overweight, so I've went down to one mouse every 10 days to two weeks, but I'm not sure if that's too drastic a diet. Wondering if you guys would give me some advice on how to safely get him to a healthy weight? Thanks.
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1.0.0 277 Graybanded Kingsnake, Boris Karloff - R.I.P.
1.0.0 Crockett Graybanded Kingsnake, Julien Sands
1.0.0 Ball Python, Frank Langella
1.0.0 Blue-eyed lucy, Ian McKellen
1.0.0 spider Ball python, Martin Freeman
1.0.0 champagne ball python, Norman Reedus
1.0.0 Sweet Rosy Bourke Parakeet, Didgeridoo
1.0.0 Ringneck Dove, Pimmdale Plumington
0.1.0 Smart & Loving Daughter

Without seeing the snake, it's hard to say whether it's overweight, but assuming he is, cut back to feeding once every two weeks. And it is about the time of year when you can cease feeding, turn off or reduce heat, and transition to brumation for 3-4 months. Heat should be left on for at least 10 days following last feeding to ensure digestive tract is clear. Bringing him out of brumation next year, you can adjust feeding frequency and food volume to achieve a healthier look. Feel free to post a photo (dorsal view is best) if you want another opinion on body condition.
SierraHerps.com

Here's the pic of him when I was told he was overweight. It was a couple months ago and since I've been giving him just a mouse every two weeks. Was just wondering if that was right, I don't want to harm him in any way. He's never bruminated in the 8 years I've had him, he's 10 years old now. Would it be safe to force him into brumination at his age? I'll get another pic of him tomorrow to post so you can see how he looks currently. Thanks so much for your help.

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1.0.0 277 Graybanded Kingsnake, Boris Karloff - R.I.P.
1.0.0 Crockett Graybanded Kingsnake, Julien Sands
1.0.0 Ball Python, Frank Langella
1.0.0 Blue-eyed lucy, Ian McKellen
1.0.0 spider Ball python, Martin Freeman
1.0.0 champagne ball python, Norman Reedus
1.0.0 Sweet Rosy Bourke Parakeet, Didgeridoo
1.0.0 Ringneck Dove, Pimmdale Plumington
0.1.0 Smart & Loving Daughter

Here's a pic of him today. I also weighed him, and he's 52.1 grams.
Link

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1.0.0 277 Graybanded Kingsnake, Boris Karloff - R.I.P.
1.0.0 Crockett Graybanded Kingsnake, Julien Sands
1.0.0 Ball Python, Frank Langella
1.0.0 Blue-eyed lucy, Ian McKellen
1.0.0 spider Ball python, Martin Freeman
1.0.0 champagne ball python, Norman Reedus
1.0.0 Sweet Rosy Bourke Parakeet, Didgeridoo
1.0.0 Ringneck Dove, Pimmdale Plumington
0.1.0 Smart & Loving Daughter

He looks great...robust and healthy. I would not change up his routine, and don't worry about brumating if he is not going to be breeding...just do what you've been doing. Beautiful snake!

Thank you so much - you've really relieved my mind. I want to do my best for him.
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1.0.0 277 Graybanded Kingsnake, Boris Karloff - R.I.P.
1.0.0 Crockett Graybanded Kingsnake, Julien Sands
1.0.0 Ball Python, Frank Langella
1.0.0 Blue-eyed lucy, Ian McKellen
1.0.0 spider Ball python, Martin Freeman
1.0.0 champagne ball python, Norman Reedus
1.0.0 Sweet Rosy Bourke Parakeet, Didgeridoo
1.0.0 Ringneck Dove, Pimmdale Plumington
0.1.0 Smart & Loving Daughter

Snakemother,
I used to breed various milks/kings. My males were often considered on the more robust side (meaning chunky) by some other experienced breeders. Males that are too fat can equate to ineffective breeders, at least that is what all the books say. However, my males always produced excellent results. I do not think a bit on the robust side is bad at all as long as the snake feels strong when held.

In my experience, as males age, they reduce their food intake to a point that seems to regulate their weight quite well. I never had one get really fat even if offered food often. They would simply refuse meals until they were hungry again, and still maintained the weight they were. Sometimes their weight would dip a bit in breeding season, only to get right back up by Summer.

I like your grayband! They are great snakes. So gentle, neat heads and eyes.