Need Opinion on Weight / Body Condition

[ComicBookMama]

I thought Figment was doing pretty well, body wise, but when I was feeding him the other day I noticed a “dent” in the base of his tail, and started wondering if he’s underweight. I thought his fat pads were good… but now I wonder if I’m looking at the wrong part of his head.

I tried to get a good shot after his bath, but he did that “shrinking in” thing (3rd from last pic) and looked positively emaciated! Here are some pics… do I need a vet, or just up his meal amount?

 

[JohnLillywhite23]

IMO, she does look on the slim side. From what I have understood, that dent in the tail is related to hydration. Do not take that as the holy grail, but ensure she is hydrated, and maybe try to feed a SMIDGE more. Please, someone else weigh in here.

 

[Chris.]

The "dent" you call it looks like his hip bones. He doesn't look terrible, it might just have been the way he was sitting. Can you feel the hip bone if you run your fingers down on his back?

The tail should be thiner at the base and then flare out before going towards the tip. It is pretty good visible on my boy where it is thiner at the arrows and then flares out:

The fatpads look fine, I don't think you need a vet. How heavy is he and at what lenght?

 

[ComicBookMama]

Hi John and Chris,

Thanks for weighing in (no pun intended!). I will definitely up Figment’s hydration; he’s a pain because he refuses to drink from the bath 99% of the time and using a water dropper is hit or miss. I do mist his veggies. I’ll see if I can order some hornworms- that should help!

I’ve been remiss and haven’t taken his weight or length lately… I’ll get on that this weekend and post.

 

[xp29]

Hi John and Chris,

Thanks for weighing in (no pun intended!). I will definitely up Figment’s hydration; he’s a pain because he refuses to drink from the bath 99% of the time and using a water dropper is hit or miss. I do mist his veggies. I’ll see if I can order some hornworms- that should help!

I’ve been remiss and haven’t taken his weight or length lately… I’ll get on that this weekend and post.

You can mix just a little none citrus fruit juice or punch in his water when you use yhe dropper. Just be sure to use a wet cloth to wipe away any that runs down his chin. No need to take a chance on causing bacteria or fungus to start in his scales.

 

[ComicBookMama]

You can mix just a little none citrus fruit juice or punch in his water when you use yhe dropper. Just be sure to use a wet cloth to wipe away any that runs down his chin. No need to take a chance on causing bacteria or fungus to start in his scales.

Thanks! I’ll try that!