Are you concerned that your ball python might be underweight? If so, it is important to be able to identify signs of weight loss and understand what might be causing it. Let’s take a look at some of the key signs to look for, as well as tips for treating an underweight ball python.
As a reptile owner, it is important to know when your ball python is underweight. A healthy ball python should always have a nice round belly, so if you notice your snake is not looking as plump as normal, it could be because they are not eating.
When I took on the case of “Jack,” a two-year-old ball python who had not eaten in more than three months and was dangerously underweight. I knew immediately that something was wrong. In addition to being underweight. He also seemed lethargic and had an overall poor appearance.
But how did I know he was underweight? It’s actually quite easy to spot the signs of an underweight ball python. I’ll tell you what to look for so that if something similar happens with your pet reptile, you’ll know the signs.
As a ball python owner, keeping your snake at a healthy weight is essential However, sometimes ball pythons can become underweight due to issues with feeding, temperatures, stress and more In this article, I’ll go over how to identify if your ball python is underweight, what causes it, and how to help an underweight ball python gain weight again.
How to Tell if Your Ball Python is Underweight
There are several clear physical signs that can indicate an underweight ball python:
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Visible spine and ribs – if you can see the snake’s backbone and ribs protruding, it is likely underweight
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Sunken eyes – underweight snakes often have a tired, sunken look around their eyes
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Loss of muscle mass – an underweight snake will have little muscle definition in the neck and jaw
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Wrinkly, loose skin – the skin may appear baggy on an underweight snake
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Lethargic behavior – less activity and energy are signs your snake is underweight
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Weight loss – keep track of your ball python’s weight over time to spot dangerous drops
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Poor sheds – trouble shedding can indicate poor health and weight loss
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Loss of appetite – a healthy ball python should eat regularly; loss of appetite often accompanies weight loss
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Hollow belly – a healthy ball python has a rounded triangular body shape; underweight snakes have a concave belly
If you notice any of these signs, closely monitor your ball python and its environment to identify the cause of weight loss. Catching and addressing this issue early is important for your snake’s health.
What Causes Ball Pythons to Become Underweight?
There are several possible reasons a ball python may lose weight and become undernourished:
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Incorrect temperatures – ball pythons require a basking spot of 88-92°F. If temperatures are too low, appetite and digestion suffer.
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Improper humidity – too little humidity (under 40%) can cause dehydration, shedding trouble, and weight loss.
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Feeding problems – improper prey size, type, temperature or schedule can lead to your snake refusing food.
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Stress – too much handling, a new environment, insecure hides, or other factors can stress ball pythons and cause them to stop eating.
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Illness – health issues like mouth rot, mites, respiratory infections and more may cause weight loss.
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Impaction – impaction occurs when an object blocks the digestive tract, preventing proper nutrition absorption.
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Parasites – internal parasites compete for nutrients, often leading to decreased weight.
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Lighting issues – too much light exposure stresses nocturnal ball pythons, disrupting feeding.
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Insufficient cage size – too small of an enclosure can limit exercise and cause stress.
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Suboptimal diet – inappropriate or limited nutrients lead to deficiency and weight loss.
If your ball python is losing weight, scrutinize every element of its environment and care. Identify and remedy any issues to get your snake back to a healthy state.
Helping an Underweight Ball Python Gain Weight
If your vet confirms your ball python is underweight, take these steps to help them regain weight:
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Weigh regularly – continue weighing weekly to ensure your snake is gaining at a healthy rate.
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Adjust prey size – offer appropriate sized prey for age and length. Larger prey = quicker weight gain.
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Feed more frequently – increase feeding sessions to 2-3 times per week for juveniles, or weekly for adults.
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Try different prey – switch between mice, rats, chicks, frogs, etc. to tempt picky eaters.
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Check temps – confirm ideal 88-92°F basking zone temperature using digital thermometers.
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Boost humidity – raise humidity closer to 60% using substrate, moss and regular misting.
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Limit handling – reduce handling to lower stress levels during recovery.
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Add hides and plants – extra coverage and anchor points can reduce stress.
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Clean enclosure – keep the habitat spotless to prevent bacterial issues.
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Use paper towels – temporary paper towel substrate eliminates impaction risk.
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Treat illness – see an exotic vet to diagnose and address any health issues.
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Deworm – have a fecal test done and deworm for parasites if needed.
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Assist feed – rub thawed prey on snake’s lips or gently force feed as a last resort.
With attentive care and feeding, most underweight ball pythons can regain a healthy amount of fat stores and muscle tone. Monitor progress carefully and make adjustments as needed. Contact an exotic vet if weight gain is too slow.
Preventing Weight Loss in Ball Pythons
It’s always better to prevent ball python weight loss rather than treat it. Here are some tips:
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Choose appropriate enclosure size – adult ball pythons need a minimum of a 20-40 gallon tank.
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Maintain ideal temperatures of 88-92°F on warm side using a thermostat.
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Keep humidity between 50-60% with substrate, moss, and frequent misting.
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Feed an appropriately sized prey item equal to the thickest part of the snake’s body.
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Establish a regular feeding routine 1-2 times per week for juveniles, every 7-14 days for adults.
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Weigh your snake regularly to catch weight fluctuations early.
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Provide plenty of anchor points, plants, and hides to reduce stress.
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Use a hygienic substrate like reptile carpet or paper towels.
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Quarantine and examine new snakes closely for illness before introducing.
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Schedule annual fecal examinations and deworming to prevent parasite issues.
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Limit handling to 30 minutes 2-3 times a week to avoid overstressing your snake.
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Ensure lighting, temperature and humidity meet your ball python’s needs.
With close observation and preventive care, you can help your ball python stay at a healthy weight. Track your snake’s progress, behavior and appetite and address any concerns quickly. Consistency is key for raising a thriving ball python.
When to See a Vet About an Underweight Ball Python
If your ball python is losing weight rapidly, not regaining weight or is extremely underweight, seek veterinary assistance. Signs that warrant a vet visit include:
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Visible spine and ribs
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Severe loss of muscle mass and fat stores
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Lethargy, weakness
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No interest in food
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Sunken, tired eyes
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Wrinkled, loose skin
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Unusual discharge, wheezing, bubbles, etc.
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Evidence of injury, cysts, swellings, etc.
A qualified reptile vet can:
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Accurately determine if your snake is underweight and by how much
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Diagnose any underlying illness causing weight loss
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Provide emergency medical care for emaciated snakes
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Teach you how to assist feed if needed
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Deworm and treat parasites
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Provide antibiotics, antifungals, fluid therapy, etc.
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Show you how to humanely force feed as a last resort
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Create a nutritional plan for healthy refeeding
Don’t take chances with your ball python’s health. Schedule a vet visit promptly if you suspect underweight or inability to gain weight. With professional guidance, most ball pythons can fully recover and thrive.
Underweight ball pythons require close attention and care to get back to a healthy state. Look for signs like visible spine and ribs, lethargy, wrinkled skin, and loss of appetite. Address potential causes like temperatures, humidity, stress, illness and more. Boost feeding frequency, prey size and weigh regularly. Prevent issues through appropriate husbandry and care. Seek exotic veterinary assistance if weight loss is severe or ongoing. With dedication, an underweight ball python can make a full recovery. Consistency and vigilance are key to keeping your snake healthy and well-fed.
Insecure Hiding place
Ball pythons are solitary animals, and they need a secure hiding spot where it can relax without feeling threatened. A hide box or hollow log should be provided in the enclosure, and it should be in a place where your ball python can easily access it.
This will help reduce stress and promote healthy eating habits, ultimately leading to a healthier weight for your pet. Remember that hiding is a natural behavior for ball pythons, so ensure you provide them with the right environment.
Impaction is a serious health issue that can lead to weight loss in ball pythons. Impaction occurs when the snake becomes constipated or if something gets lodged in its digestive system, such as its own shed skin or substrate from the enclosure.
If your ball python experiences impaction, it will lose its appetite and may become underweight. Keeping the enclosure clean and free of the substrate and providing a balanced and nutritious diet can help prevent impaction.
If your snake is sick, it may be unable to digest food properly and, therefore, not gain the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Some common illnesses that can cause an underweight ball python include mites, mouth rot, parasites, and respiratory infections. If you suspect that your ball python is unwell, take it to a vet for a check-up and to diagnose the underlying cause.
How Do You Help an Underweight Ball Python?
If your ball python is underweight, there are a few steps you can take to help it gain back its strength.
How to Tell if Your Ball Python is Underweight
FAQ
How often should you feed an underweight ball python?
Smaller ball pythons should be fed once a week while adults should be fed every 2 weeks. If you are feeding larger prey items you can extend the feeding intervals to about once every 3 weeks. Remember that feeding too often will result in the snakes getting obese and that cuts down on the life expectancy.
How to tell if a ball python is malnourished?
As for signs of starvation, the snake would lose weight, the spine may become visible, and lethargy will set in. A bigger danger is dehydration. If the skin around the neck is wrinkled or puckered, the snake is becoming dehydrated. A vet would need to give fluids.
How do I tell if my snake is underweight?
- A snake that’s underweight will be more triangle shape, with the sides leading straight from the belly to the spine.
- A healthy snake will be rounded at the top, but flat on the bottom, kind of like a half circle.
How to bulk up ball python?
If you are really worried about it, you can look into giving different food options. Rats are my go-to but if I have a snake that I get worried about I try changing up the menu. Sometimes I will feed chicks or quail and sometimes giving a mouse or African soft fur.
What happens if a ball python is underweight?
When a ball python is underweight, it is more prone to illness due to a lowered immune system and malnutrition. Signs of an underweight ball python include: An underweight python may also be more active during the day because it is searching for food.
Can a ball python gain weight?
Once you have determined your ball python is free from illness or parasites, you will need to help your underweight snake get to a healthy weight. Your python will need to gradually gain weight to avoid issues such as regurgitation or food avoidance.
How do you know if a ball python is overweight?
#6: Your ball python is overweight or obese if you can see accumulation of fat before the vent/cloaca area. Healthy weight ball python must gradual tapering down of fat deposits from the mid-top and up to the tip of the tail. #7: You will barely see your ball python’s spine, or won’t be able to see it at all if it’s overweight or obese.
Is a ball python healthy?
As long as your python is growing within the proper weight guidelines, your snake is considered healthy. Anything outside of these margins may require a veterinary consultation for proper diagnosis and treatment. A ball python’s growth rate is considered normal as long as the snake gains weight rather than losing it.
Why is my Python underweight?
Illness, such as mites, bacterial infections, mouth rot, and egg binding, can all result in a lack of appetite and your pet becoming underweight. Impaction is the same as constipation in humans and can result when your python accidentally consumes some substrate when catching their pretty or eating prey too big to digest.