Feeding the right amount ?

[Capt O]

For 2 of my corns I have been following the Munson feeding plan for about 1 year. When I got them they were about 20 - 25 gram and now their weight is about 120 - 130 g each. They do look pretty strong and healthy.

However, somehow I have the feeling they are getting a little bit out of shape. Now I have the following questions :

1. Is there any way other than looking at their shape to tell that they are getting too fat ?
2. I followed the Munson plan more on the conservative side. Is it still possible they store too much fat ?
3. I read somewhere that it is better to feed 1 large meal with a long gap in between feedings ( 2 weeks ) rather than smaller meals more frequently ( once per week ). This way are they less likely to store too much fat ? Or is it that they burn more fat by running around ?

Sometimes there are too many opinions so it is difficult for a beginner to find the best solution.....:shrugs:

 

[bitsy]

Yes, sorry for the confusion! I'm afraid it's normal to find as many opinions on husbandry issues, as there are keepers. It really is just a matter of weighing up what you've been told, trying out what seems like sensible advice or a majority view, and just seeing what works for you. Anyone looking for "hard-and-fast" rules, quickly finds out that the Corns have many ways of making themselves exempt or finding loopoles!

1. Is there any way other than looking at their shape to tell that they are getting too fat ?

The visual test is pretty much the ultimate one, as each snake is different. Every snake will respond to the same feeding regime in a slightly different way. If it looks flabby and untoned, has a circular body profile and its head looks too small in proportion to its body, then it's probably overweight. If it looks trim and taught with a slightly triangular body profile, then it's probably about right. If its spine is very prominent, it has a markedly triangular profile and its head seems too large and out of proportion for its body, then it's probably underweight.

2. I followed the Munson plan more on the conservative side. Is it still possible they store too much fat ?

Yes. Some of my adults would pile on the pounds if I followed The Munson too closely. You need to tweak the plan for each individual snake to get optimum results.

3. I read somewhere that it is better to feed 1 large meal with a long gap in between feedings ( 2 weeks ) rather than smaller meals more frequently ( once per week ). This way are they less likely to store too much fat ? Or is it that they burn more fat by running around ?

Again, I think it depends on the individual snake and isn't something that you can make a hard-and-fast rule about. My healthy males and non-breeding females get one large mouse every two weeks, going down to one large mouse every three weeks over the winter. If they seem to be losing weight, then I feed more often. It's a constant process of monitoring and tweaking.

 

[Capt O]

Hi bitsy,

Thank you for your reply. It is very helpful.