You may be interested in the chart I've posted ...more...

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Rat Snake Forum ]

Posted by patricia sherman on October 15, 2001 at 00:47:02:

In Reply to: Re: Undersized Elaphe? Size of yearling black rats and corns? posted by Amanda Gannon on October 03, 2001 at 21:29:38:

23" at 12 months is what I'd call a bit on the small side. You may be interested in reviewing the growth-rate of my four babies, you'll get it by clicking on the link, below. At twelve months, their average length was 79.5 cm (32"), and their average weight was about 130 grams (4.35 oz.). The smallest of these four measured 23" at 10.5 months. I'd definitely look for some environmental factor to be affecting their growth. Possibly they're too warm, and have a consequently higher metabolic rate.

My smallest yearling is presently eating two pinkie rat pups, or two fuzzy mice, at each meal. The larger ones are now taking one or two juvenile mice, or crawler rats, or one near-adult mouse at each meal. Possibly, yours may be ready for larger prey items. It is better to increase the size of prey than to increase the number of too small items, since the smaller prey is more quickly digested. If you give them larger food, the meal will stay with them longer, and I think that is more healthy and natural.

Kind Regards,
Patricia

Elaphe ssp. growth chart

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: 23" at 12 months is what I'd call a bit on the small side. You may be interested in reviewing the growth-rate of my four babies, you'll get it by clicking on the link, below. At twelve months, their average length was 79.5 cm (32"), and their average weight was about 130 grams (4.35 oz.). The smallest of these four measured 23" at 10.5 months. I'd definitely look for some environmental factor to be affecting their growth. Possibly they're too warm, and have a consequently higher metabolic rate. : My smallest yearling is presently eating two pinkie rat pups, or two fuzzy mice, at each meal. The larger ones are now taking one or two juvenile mice, or crawler rats, or one near-adult mouse at each meal. Possibly, yours may be ready for larger prey items. It is better to increase the size of prey than to increase the number of too small items, since the smaller prey is more quickly digested. If you give them larger food, the meal will stay with them longer, and I think that is more healthy and natural. : Kind Regards, : Patricia

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Rat Snake Forum ]