Dumerils feeding-Is he growing too fast??

[KWenger]

Hi: I haven't posted for awhile and have a question about the growth rate of my Dumerils Boa "Barney." He's 3 1/2 years old (born Sept., 2010) and I've had him since last June. When I got him he seemed skinny and also started biting rather aggressively. At the end of July I posted questions about his behavior and size and was advised to be patient, feed him more, and handle him gently and he would calm down. At the time he weighed 700 grams. Well, I took all the advice you guys gave me and I couldn't be happier. Now, 7 months later, Barney is the most gentle, docile snake imaginable. He is handled at least briefly almost every day and could not have a calmer personality. NO aggression at all. Never! GREAT pet and much loved by everyone in our household. My concern (maybe I'm worrying for nothing?) is his rate of growth. I weighed him this morning and he is now 2268 grams. That is an increase in weight of almost 1600 grams (apx. 3 1/2 lbs) in 7 months. Is he growing too fast? Is he fat? I am feeding him one large FT rat (apx. 250 gram) every 10-14 days. He is a robust eater and never refuses a meal. Every once in a while (rarely) I'll give him a small FT rat that was rejected by one of my young ball pythons. Those are under 100 grams and I consider them an occasional snack. He seems to be in excellent health in every way. Sheds are perfect, etc. As far as I can tell he couldn't be healthier or happier. Do you think I am feeding him correctly? Is his growth rate OK? I look forward to hearing what you think. Attached are two photos of him next to a beer/soda can. The first was taken on 7/27/13 and the second I took today. His girth now at the widest point is apx. 8 inches. About the same as a soda can.

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a604/hofcag/IMG_4838_zps9e4318c7.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hofcag/media/IMG_4838_zps9e4318c7.jpg.html)

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a604/hofcag/IMG_4842_zps40ad6976.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hofcag/media/IMG_4842_zps40ad6976.jpg.html)

[pdomensis]

I don't know dums but he looks better in the top photo to me.

[nick654377]

he looks really good. my dumerils was born in the beginning of 2012 and when I got her she was 150 grams in nov of 2012. now she is well over 1000g 16 months later. I would sugest slowing the feeding down to 3 weeks with large rats and keep it there. I am feeding mine a medium rat 100-120 grams every 2 weeks and she seems content.

[bigsnakegirl785]

He looks a bit back heavy in the second photo to me, even for a recent meal.

I know that snakes can take large meals, but snakes are fed more often than they would eat in the wild and the prey we provide are more fatty than the ones in the wild. So, although I doubt it would hurt giving a larger meal every once in awhile, I'm not sure it should be a standard thing.

[Detroitboa13]

My male is comparable to the size as yours. I feed him a med rat every two weeks. He has good weight but not obese. Dumeril's are slow growers so its better to feed less often than more. Beautiful snake either way!

[philbyi-guy]

I would cut back on feeding. The top picture is a good weight to length ratio

[TheZoo]

hes a little chubby in the second photo