If you combine the thread title and the opening statement on weight loss, given that the OP has not described anything abnormal in the snake’s behaviour, I think it is a fair assumption that the PO considers there is a genuine problem with the amount of weight the snake has lost. While that may be the case, use of relative terms instead of absolute values, to describe the issue will not yield as accurate a picture of the animal’s perceived problem and the corresponding advice given will be similarly limited or have a rider attached. This is why Jamie has provided a possible likely explanation for the weight loss and suggested a vet check at the same time.
Brett Morton,
keeping basic records of feeding, defecating, sloughing (which you may already do) and weight and length measurements (every few months is all) can provide extremely useful information in diagnosis likely problems, by both other experienced keepers and vets.
Souldoubt,
The degree of weight loss of any snake that is not eating will depend on the degree of both external behaviour and also internal metabolism. Snakes with more fat storage lose comparatively less body heat; Snakes that are more physically active will use more food reserves; Those that coil tight vs loosely, will loose less heat; The rate of heat loss is also directly dependent on the difference between internal temperature and external temperature, along with the movement of air by wind or convection currents or both. Snakes that loose more heat tend to be more active in order to thermoregulate to compensate. I have not mentioned water but the degree of hydration will obviously have some effect but hopefully almost zero. Snakes are also known to grow through periods of long fasting and that is another metabolic process that can tap into their reserves.
I hope that helps explain some of the potential reasons for such differences.
Blue
