View Full Version : How can i tell if my snake is under weight?
SlimeyLimey805
02-19-10, 12:25 AM
ok, so when i had out my Dum today checking on how she was doing digesting her first meal and what not i noticed that she had some odd wrinkles near and around her head when she looks to the side or up to sharply and i am concerned that the previous owner either under fed her, or lied to me and never got it to feed which would explain how i got such a good price on her. and i am now concerned that she is not as happy and healthy as she could be..
BUT ANYWAY, i want to know from all of you better informed people than i, how can i tell if my snake is under weight or is in need of putting on some pounds (or ounces ahaha). i'll try to get my camera happy gf to come and take some pics asap. but if anyone has some pics of example, and some suggestions as to how to bring her back to a healthy size if that is what she needs.
If she has very pronounced wrinkles either side of her head she`s probably getting ready to shed, my larger snakes do that often and it`s nothing to be concerned about. I don`t keep Dummerills myself so check what I`m about to say against the species care sheet...
Usually, when snakes are about to shed, it is good practice to either up the humidity a little with daily spraying (don`t soak the tank, just a light spray, a hygrometer wouldn`t go amiss) or to add a moss hide. A nice plastic tub JUST big enough for the snake to squeeze itself into, with a good inch of very damp but not soaking moss in it. This helps them shed thier skin. Sorry if you already know all this and I`m teaching you to suck eggs here lol I expect if she has wrinkles, her head will be looking a little dry aswell?
As for telling if she`s under weight, a few good pictures will be good, I`m sure we`ll be able to tell if she`s grossly under weight. Short of that, have a look at her back bone, or more to the point, can you see it? If a snake looks almost triangular in cross section that`s not a good sign, you really shouldn`t be able to see a pronounced back bone in a heavy bodied species like the Dummerills Boa. I`d say she wants to look good and rounded, heavy set bright eyed and alert. Have you searched for images of Dummerills Boas on the net? Look at enough pictures and you may build up an idea of what they should look like at her size. I suppose your best bet though is another Dummerills Boa owner to tell you what they should weigh at her size. Hope that was at least a bit helpful, I`m sure every one else will have lots to say soon enough.... :)
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