10 Year Old Bredli Python

[Bonnie14]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to the site.
Recently I've noticed my bredli hasn't been very active, I know he's old but was hoping it could be something else. He's having trouble lifting his food even though he never has and is a big boy. He just doesn't seem to be himself and just generally looks weathered. He's eating and is warm, he has fresh water. Is there anything I can do to help him? Does anyone have a clue as to what's happening with him? I've managed to find a reptile specialist and will hopefully get seen tomorrow, just freaking out in the meantime. Anyone experienced this?

 

[Bl69aze]

it is winter, hes probably not hungry, but taking it because its been offered and hes a "good eater" in the sense of taking his food; and being an opportunistic feeder - they dont know when their last meal could be but can survive months without a feed.

any pictures? we love pictures
hot spot temps? when did he last feed? whats he eating?

 

[Bonnie14]

He's eating thawed rats, temp stays at 28/29. I will try and get a Pic, my phone isn't focusing so good atm. Good to hear it may just be because it's chilly.
[doublepost=1529489748,1529489434][/doublepost]Had to crop the Pic so it would upload and couldnt get his head because he's in the thinnest layer but that's my boy. He kind of looks like he needs to shed and he always turns to look when I open his door but he hasn't been.

 

[GBWhite]

When the picture is enlarged it is pretty obvious that there is scale separation which is an indication it is overweight. What size rats are you feeding it and what frequency is it being fed? We have been discussing overweight issues in pythons in another thread " Juvenile diamond Python Behavior" that is active at the moment and probably worth having a read.

 

[Bonnie14]

He gets fed every 3 weeks, the size of rat has grown with him, this picture was also taken about 10 minutes after he had swallowed a meal.

 

[Pauls_Pythons]

Its always going to be a problem when feeding through winter.
While Im not sure if the temps you mentioned are air temperature or an actual hot spot 28/29 is not hot enough for the hot end.
Honestly the best thing you can do in my opinion is stop feeding for 2 or 3 months and let him have a rest.
Once we get into spring feed him a bit more sparingly......Im not saying less frequently but maybe a smaller rat, no more than 250g

 

[LilithLeChat]

@GBWhite, could you please tell me what does “scale separation” mean? Are you talking about the spacing between the scales in the middle of the picture that makes it look like the skin is stretched out?

 

[Bonnie14]

I might have to give that a try, I guess also because he's 10, he'll be slower with digestion. Thanks everyone for the help. Will keep posted.

 

[Bl69aze]

@GBWhite, could you please tell me what does “scale separation” mean? Are you talking about the spacing between the scales in the middle of the picture that makes it look like the skin is stretched out?

That’s exactly what he means you can see the skin between the scales