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oakleyman18
Hatchling
United Kingdom
269 Posts |
 Posted - 12/10/2010 : 20:34:16
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Hi All,
Purchased a baby Brazilian about two weeks ago, and just had a little concern about her size. She's beautiful, don't get me wrong, but I'm a bit worried she's been underfed. Here's her food table from the breeders:
04/07
08/07
13/07
22/07
07/08
19/08
08/09
20/09
27/09
Since then, I've thought she was a little underweight, and fed her on 03/10, 08/10 and just now, 12/10. Some of the gaps are near 3 weeks, which seems really bad to me especially when they are growing up.
Her skin seems to "fold" a little when she is bending or curling, and also sometimes looks a little saggy/loose, almost mottled in some areas. I would attach a picture, but she's still settling and a bit vunerable, so will post one asap, but hopefully the description will help.
I don't want to stuff her face, or risk her not feeding, so I urgently need some advice on how to proceed.
Thanks Rainbow Lovers!
Oscar |
Oscar Morrell
0.1.0. Brazilian Rainbow Boa CB'10 "Jade"
1.0.0. Normal Cornsnake CB'00 "Camo" _RIP_
0.1.0. Normal Stripe, het Hypo, Amel, Lavender Cornsnake CB'11 "Amber"
0.0.1. Spider in the bathroom |
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hiper2009
Banned
United Kingdom
845 Posts |
Posted - 12/10/2010 : 20:44:41
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Sorry i can't help you with this but our expert Cliff will be here soon and should help you out.  |
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Snakesitter
Rainbow Master
USA
2718 Posts |
Posted - 12/10/2010 : 21:24:03
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Hi Oscar!
I’m not sure I quality as an “expert,” but will do what I can to help!
By way of background, my own babies, from when I get them until they reach two years of age, are fed once per week.
Based on the data above, your new girl was fed by the breeder nine times over 85 days, or about once every ten days.
Since reaching you, she has been fed three times over 15 days, or about once every five days.
Both of those are within the standard guideline of feeding a baby every four to ten days. My concern is that the pace has suddenly changed, with feeding coming much faster than what her system is accustomed to. Were I you, I would wait a bit and hold off until she poops, which is a sign her digestive system is running fine.
In the meantime, is it possible to get a few more details, such as her birth date, her weight, and what size prey you and the breeder fed her? A picture would also be great, if you can get one without disturbing her too much (especially of the “mottled” look you described). These additional details will allow us as a community to give you the best advice possible.
From the initial description, though, everything sounds fine. A feeding snake is generally a healthy snake….
Cheers, |
Cliff Earle
Living Gems Reptiles
Premium Brazilian Rainbow Boas from a disease-tested facility
Website, Facebook |
Edited by - Snakesitter on 12/10/2010 21:24:21 |
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IncurableFlirt
Yearling
USA
516 Posts |
Posted - 13/10/2010 : 03:47:43
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Hi Oscar, welcome to the forum!  I definitely agree with Snakesitter and what he has said. The only thing I wanted to add is that you were concerned about a 3 week period inbetween some of the feedings. While this is a good amount of time, even hatchlings can go for long periods without food and not have it affect them negatively. Snakes have a very, very slow metabolism...which allows them to have these periods of no food. It really sounds like you are helping to get your BRB back on track, though, and with Snakesitter's advice, you will be doing A-OK. Just don't stress....watch your BRB to make sure that it is defecating normally and in time it will fill out.
I, also, would like to see pics of the "mottling" you were talking about, though. If you could get some pictures without disturbing too much, that is. |
Jenn.
11.8 Ball pythons
1.0 BCI boa
1.0 Brazilian Rainbow boa |
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Snakesitter
Rainbow Master
USA
2718 Posts |
Posted - 13/10/2010 : 19:59:07
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| Great addition, Incurable! |
Cliff Earle
Living Gems Reptiles
Premium Brazilian Rainbow Boas from a disease-tested facility
Website, Facebook |
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oakleyman18
Hatchling
United Kingdom
269 Posts |
Posted - 13/10/2010 : 21:53:34
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Hey all,
This was when I was feeding her yesterday, I think around her midesction you can see some of the "mottling" I was talking about..
Thoughts?? I can't weigh her just yet, but she is about a foot and a half, born 23rd June 10, CB.
Thanks all :D |
Oscar Morrell
0.1.0. Brazilian Rainbow Boa CB'10 "Jade"
1.0.0. Normal Cornsnake CB'00 "Camo" _RIP_
0.1.0. Normal Stripe, het Hypo, Amel, Lavender Cornsnake CB'11 "Amber"
0.0.1. Spider in the bathroom |
Edited by - oakleyman18 on 13/10/2010 21:59:24 |
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Snakesitter
Rainbow Master
USA
2718 Posts |
Posted - 13/10/2010 : 23:21:45
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Thank you for the age info and picture, Oscar. I understand on the weight wait. Any luck on determining what size prey you and the breeder fed her?
Looking at the picture, is she starting to, or close to a, shed? I ask because I saw that same look, almost a raisin-like appearance, earlier this year on a shedding male baby. |
Cliff Earle
Living Gems Reptiles
Premium Brazilian Rainbow Boas from a disease-tested facility
Website, Facebook |
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oakleyman18
Hatchling
United Kingdom
269 Posts |
Posted - 14/10/2010 : 14:04:35
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Hi Snakesitter,
She last shed about a week ago... It seemed ok quality wise, came in two parts though. One of my friends suggested humidity issues, but I've been very careful to make sure humidity is always above 80 (normally 85-90%). Also use a moss hide, as one of two main hides, so she definitely has options.
She was fed on Rat pups, and I'm continuing to feed her on the same. I understand the change of pace might be strange for her, but feel that I'd rather she filled out her skin and got to a healthy weight.
She's nearly 2ft, and 43g. Is this a normal weight for a nearly 4 month old snake?
Thanks all! |
Oscar Morrell
0.1.0. Brazilian Rainbow Boa CB'10 "Jade"
1.0.0. Normal Cornsnake CB'00 "Camo" _RIP_
0.1.0. Normal Stripe, het Hypo, Amel, Lavender Cornsnake CB'11 "Amber"
0.0.1. Spider in the bathroom |
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hiper2009
Banned
United Kingdom
845 Posts |
Posted - 14/10/2010 : 15:44:49
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You said your baby was born 23rd June , My two babys was born that day too , You wouldn't of happen to of got it from Mason & Exotics would you ? LOL
The dates from when she was fed match 4 of the dates of my female lol  |
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oakleyman18
Hatchling
United Kingdom
269 Posts |
Posted - 14/10/2010 : 15:47:42
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Hey Hiper, Yep that's them! Very nice guys. It's just I've not seen a baby Rainbow before, and thought that it looked underfed.. Could you post a picture of your babies up to compare??
Thanks :) |
Oscar Morrell
0.1.0. Brazilian Rainbow Boa CB'10 "Jade"
1.0.0. Normal Cornsnake CB'00 "Camo" _RIP_
0.1.0. Normal Stripe, het Hypo, Amel, Lavender Cornsnake CB'11 "Amber"
0.0.1. Spider in the bathroom |
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hiper2009
Banned
United Kingdom
845 Posts |
Posted - 14/10/2010 : 15:55:57
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quote:
Originally posted by oakleyman18
Hey Hiper, Yep that's them! Very nice guys. It's just I've not seen a baby Rainbow before, and thought that it looked underfed.. Could you post a picture of your babies up to compare??
Thanks :)
Yes sure i will put them on the picture topic i have a male and female got it at a good deal too i tradded one of my cornsnakes to Sami lol , |
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oakleyman18
Hatchling
United Kingdom
269 Posts |
Posted - 14/10/2010 : 16:31:01
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Awesome :) She brought round her pet skunk when she delivered mine! That did send my cornsnake into a bit of a crazy mood though..
Does yours have any of these underweight symptoms? I fully understand that she still may yet be growing into her skin, but it just seems a little too out of shape. Could you post your babies feed tables?
Anyone else have any impressions on the picture above?
Thanks! |
Oscar Morrell
0.1.0. Brazilian Rainbow Boa CB'10 "Jade"
1.0.0. Normal Cornsnake CB'00 "Camo" _RIP_
0.1.0. Normal Stripe, het Hypo, Amel, Lavender Cornsnake CB'11 "Amber"
0.0.1. Spider in the bathroom |
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hiper2009
Banned
United Kingdom
845 Posts |
Posted - 14/10/2010 : 20:06:51
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quote:
Originally posted by oakleyman18
Awesome :) She brought round her pet skunk when she delivered mine! That did send my cornsnake into a bit of a crazy mood though..
Does yours have any of these underweight symptoms? I fully understand that she still may yet be growing into her skin, but it just seems a little too out of shape. Could you post your babies feed tables?
Anyone else have any impressions on the picture above?
Thanks!
Ha i been to her house twice and saw the adult skunk and baby as well, and handled the parents of my two babys.
No problems with skin issue with my 2. I will post pics when i have the time to upload or just add me on facebook you will see them on there my email is on my profile. |
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oakleyman18
Hatchling
United Kingdom
269 Posts |
Posted - 14/10/2010 : 21:16:58
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Thanks, think I sent you an email asking to see your pics!
What does the pic look like to you? I understand the shedding comment, but think she's unlikely to be shedding twice in one week (she has been like this since I received her anyway.. but didn't notice because I let her settle as much as possible)
I can't think of anything on my end which would make her look like that, and can only think that she's thin... Thoughts? |
Oscar Morrell
0.1.0. Brazilian Rainbow Boa CB'10 "Jade"
1.0.0. Normal Cornsnake CB'00 "Camo" _RIP_
0.1.0. Normal Stripe, het Hypo, Amel, Lavender Cornsnake CB'11 "Amber"
0.0.1. Spider in the bathroom |
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hiper2009
Banned
United Kingdom
845 Posts |
Posted - 14/10/2010 : 22:18:12
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quote:
Originally posted by oakleyman18
Thanks, think I sent you an email asking to see your pics!
What does the pic look like to you? I understand the shedding comment, but think she's unlikely to be shedding twice in one week (she has been like this since I received her anyway.. but didn't notice because I let her settle as much as possible)
I can't think of anything on my end which would make her look like that, and can only think that she's thin... Thoughts?
I have acepted you on Facebook. |
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Snakesitter
Rainbow Master
USA
2718 Posts |
Posted - 15/10/2010 : 04:52:32
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quote:
Originally posted by oakleyman18She last shed about a week ago... It seemed ok quality wise, came in two parts though. One of my friends suggested humidity issues, but I've been very careful to make sure humidity is always above 80 (normally 85-90%). Also use a moss hide, as one of two main hides, so she definitely has options.
I would have said humidity, too, had you not already posted your score. Just to make sure your sensor is accurate, however, test the meter by placing it a dry place, then in your bathroom post hot shower, and see if it tracks like it should. Also, where is the sensor placed, at the viv top or bottom, and in a dry area (well, as close a Brazilian enclosure gets) or not? Ideally it should be out of any pooled water, and as near the cage bottom where the snake spends its time as possible.
quote:
Originally posted by oakleyman18She was fed on Rat pups, and I'm continuing to feed her on the same. I understand the change of pace might be strange for her, but feel that I'd rather she filled out her skin and got to a healthy weight.
Good on you for using that exact same food. I understand your goal, just would have ramped it up more slowly to avoid possibly upsetting her system. A regurg is a nerve-wracking experience, trust me.
quote:
Originally posted by oakleyman18She's nearly 2ft, and 43g. Is this a normal weight for a nearly 4 month old snake?
My four months olds have averaged about 50 grams, with a range of 40 to 64, so you’re pretty darn close – certainly not far off enough to lose sleep over. I never measure length, so unfortunately can’t help there.
Let me know if I can help further, |
Cliff Earle
Living Gems Reptiles
Premium Brazilian Rainbow Boas from a disease-tested facility
Website, Facebook |
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New Boa health - Underweight and worried!
