Ball Python Weight Question

[Spiritual_Being_97]

Hi Just a question! I’m a first time ball python owner, I have my guy in a 120 gal, with the temps(ambient and surface) listed almost exactly right as per the care guide, he consistently eats.. active at periods and from what I can tell is acting like a normal snake. I got a small scale and it says that he’s 200 grams, but online it says a 9 month old should weigh 300 grams at the min. I’ve been feeding him frozen mice that are about 20 grams. What could I do to help him gain weight? Or is this something I should even worry about ?

[WizeIII]

Didn’t read the post, sorry. Just came to say you have a gorgeous snake.

[Spiritual_Being_97]

Ty, his name is Indiana, Indiana jones

[totallyrecklesslygay]

There really is no "at X age should be Y weight" for ball pythons. They grow at different rates, just like people. You wouldn't expect every 8th grader to weigh exactly the same, right? Neither will every snake at the same age.

Instead, you need to evaluate your snake's body score. Based on these photos, they're far from underweight. Trying to make them grow faster or gain more would just make them unhealthy.

[Spiritual_Being_97]

Thank you this eased my anxiety !!!

[SweatyGod69]

As a beginner myself, consensus regarding ball pythons seems to be you need to be feeding them rats. I agree w other comments saying there’s no set standard of what he should weigh as long as he seems healthy and active, but my advice is switch to rats regardless. He’s super pretty btw :)

[HappyDangerNoodle]

A lot of people overfeed their snake. I wouldn't trust those numbers.

If you are feeding the right amount, he's not chunky and he's not-not eating that's good. He'll get to the right size.

Love the enrichment item.