r/carpetpythons • u/SuccubusMoon • 16h ago

Jungle Carpet python weight.

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Hi yall im in australia and have a senior?* jungle python hes approximately 11 years old and at reached 6ft just unsure on his exact measurements. I just got scales for the first time in a while and discovered that hes 5.6kgs which seems like it might be alot. Theres no signs of obesity near his tail bones which is what I initially looked out for though i now realise there may be other signs to look for.

he has a large 6ftx4ftx4ft enclosure he has lots of area to move and enrichment. I know he was power fed by previous owner till about 3years old.

Is this completely out of range ? I just fed him a 300gram rabbit after 6.5 weeks its winter here. Any insight appreciated as ive found it hard to get info on snakes over 10 years old. Attached photo from the other day when he was being handled by a friend i crossed them out for privacy . Thanks so much

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4

u/Appropriate_Slice333 16h ago

He’s little heavy. I’d stop feeding rabbits and feed medium rats. At old age they don’t need a ton of food as they stop major growth

3

u/Mainbutter 16h ago

At 11 years old I expect that big is perfectly reasonable.

Maybe a little on the big side, but the pic you shared looks good. I'd just feed reasonable meals, no need for a big diet or anything.

5

u/r4cid 15h ago

First things first, he looks absolutely gorgeous for his age!

When the snake is on a flat surface (not climbing/holding on but laying flat), you should be able to see the natural curvature of their vertebrae slightly curving the top of their back. There should also be a nice gradual taper down to the tip of the tail.

If you can't see any curvature up top and/or there isn't a consistent taper down to the tail tip, you could try feeding smaller. The fact he's only eating every 6.5 wks sounds like you've got him on a good schedule, but if he doesn't get antsy you could try giving it a bit longer to help him slim down as well.

2

u/SuccubusMoon 4h ago

Yes after feeding i noticed hes about 4mm of chonk near the tail and when hes flat he has a taper in most parts of his body closer to his neck sometimes looks concave which stresses me out.

I appreciate yalls comments and taking the time.

1

u/r4cid 52m ago

Hopefully some gradual dieting will help him slim down a little bit then. All the best!