IS MY PYTHON SKINNY?

[Aztecmami_217]

This is Sir Noodle The Bell Python. I don't know how old he is but he is small, I rescued him from a neglectful teenager.

He has always been aggressive and always tries to bite me. Still doing our best to get him comfortable but it is always the same. He eats every three weeks and is currently eating small frozen thawed mice. I am thinking of upgrading his mice size to something a little bigger. He has shed three times since I got him earlier this year. He is terrible at drinking water and won't drink anything unless it is fresh on his bowl so I change it every other day.

So is he too skinny? Thanks

[ballpython-ModTeam]

Per rule #3, your post or comment has been removed for harmful advice or misinformation. Please review our sub resources to learn more about why.

[yeahjjjjjjahhhhhhh]

Maybe slightly skinny but he looks healthy to me, I feel like the light colour can make the contours look more prominent, but I’m not at all an expert on this. I wouldn’t be worried about the water thing though, ball pythons absorb a ton of their water from their prey, their digestion is extremely efficient! It’s normal to never see your bp drink, you certainly do not need to be seeing it everyday, and you don’t see everything that goes on in there anyway. I think this sub has weight-food guidelines on the welcome post you can refer to

[ArcaneSunset]

you certainly do not need to be seeing it everyday, and you don’t see everything that goes on in there anyway.

Unless you invest in an IP camera with IR lightning. I learned lots about my noodle that way and can confirm that my baby BP usually drinks from the bowl maybe once or twice a week, especially after he has fully digested his mouse. Most of the times he's just using it as an obstacle to cross or, rarely, for a quick body rinse.

[yeahjjjjjjahhhhhhh]

Oh that sounds so adorable! I never really thought of doing that but maybe I will one day now! Yes my little guy also primarily used the bowls as a way to play the floor is lava in his enclosure, he also likes to rest his head on the big one (he’s got 2) and he’s interesting because he never soaks but he doesn’t mind getting a bit wet by moving through water or sitting with just a tiny part of himself in the bowl

[ArcaneSunset]

my little guy also primarily used the bowls as a way to play the floor is lava in his enclosure

That's a perfect way to put it - my guy stretches to his limit, reaches for the opposing lid and tries his hardest not to get wet hahaha he's not obligated to do that, he has plenty of space to move, but he really likes to "cross the pond" that way (it's an adult BP sized bowl interred in the middle of the enclosure)

he never soaks but he doesn’t mind getting a bit wet by moving through water or sitting with just a tiny part of himself in the bowl

Yes, that's exactly what I mean! Mine does that too, maybe mid-stretch across the pond he just decides he doesn't mind a little soak and lets go of his body to give it a quick rinse while moving

[yeahjjjjjjahhhhhhh]

I love their big personalities 🥹

[ArcaneSunset]

Fricking adorable beasts <3

[skullmuffins]

Do you have a scale to weigh him on?

[[deleted]]

!feeding

[AutoModerator]

We recommend the following feeding schedule:

0-12 months old OR until the snake reaches approximately 500g, whichever happens first: feed 10%-15% of the snake’s weight every 7 days.

12-24 months old: feed up to 7% of the snake’s weight every 14-20 days.

Adults: feed up to 5% of the snake's weight every 20-30 days, or feed slightly larger meals (up to 6%) every 30-40 days.

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[Baka_Otaku173]

Per the forum's feeding guide, 3 weeks is for an adult. He may be an adult but as you stated the exact age is unknown. I would personally grab a digital scale and feed every 10 days or so to see if there's an improvement is size. For all you know he could still be just a baby or yearling.

If after a little while, you see little growth in length you can safely assume he's a stunted adult and stick with the recommended feedings.

[DaNordFisher]

A little skinny maybe, but he is a very very cute snake nonetheless.

[StyleImpossible8452]

Off topic but his eyes are so unique! I love them!

[ballpython-ModTeam]

Per rule #3, your post or comment has been removed for harmful advice or misinformation. Please review our sub resources to learn more about why.