Can a ball python become overweight?
Ball python obesity is an alarmingly common problem, and the reptile community is just barely becoming aware of it. As with most pets, this happens unintentionally, often being mistaken for healthy growth and/or weight gain.
How big should a 2 year old ball python be?
Some ball pythons will grow much quicker, reaching 1kg by 2 years of age, while others only by 2.5. Mice and rat sizes will also differ. The most correct thing to do is to weigh your ball python and mice, and calculate percentages as shown in the first table.
How old does a ball python have to be to eat mice?
If ball python is over 2 years of age, calculate 5-7% For example, for a juvenile ball python, you can get a bag of frozen adult mice like this. Larger mice will be around 1-1.5 months old. However, as your ball python gets larger (up to a year old or so), you will need to either feed 2-3 mice, or switch to small adult rats.
Where can I buy a ball python for sale?
We have thousands of exotic Ball Pythons for sale from top breeders from around the world. Try browsing the Ball Pythons Index if you’re looking for something specific. For more information, check out How It Works .
Why does my ball python refuse to eat?
Even captive bred ball pythons sometimes refuse to eat, fasting for a couple of months. As long as body weight and condition are maintained, this is not problematic. If your snake stops eating, carefully examine the husbandry, handling, health, and environment of the snake to make sure stress isn’t the culprit.
How old is a 3 foot ball python?
A 3′ foot ball python is around 1.5 – 2 years old. This is old enough almost to be considered an adult with some growing left to do. As far as diet goes, this when the snake settles into its adult eating habit.
Why does my ball python have extra weight?
If it feels too soft, it might be overweight or generally have extra weight. #4: If you can feel extra fat under your ball python’s skin, it could be overweight. #5: If your ball python’s head looks much smaller than its body, then it is overweight or even obese.
When does a ball python reach sexual maturity?
Males will generally reach their sexual maturity at one and a half years of age. This is when they reach the needed weight. Females take between 2-3 years to reach the needed weight and sometimes even up to 4 years. Once females are mature, this still doesn’t mean they’ll get pregnant either.
How big does a ball python probe have to be to breed?
With females, the probe will go in a much shorter length. This is usually only around 3-4 sub-caudal scales. Females are usually ready to breed by their third year of life. A good rule of thumb to follow is that the ball python should be above 1,500 grams in weight.
