size of a snake

[piketpik]

I was wondering, what does determine the size of a snake?
. size of enclosure (I know ,it sounds stupid and i'd say no to that...)?
. amount of food it gets?
. temp of enclosure?
. genetically?

Hopefully, I am gonna get a BP within a week :freakedout: , I would like it to reach 5/6 feet.

Harold

[TailsW/Scales]

In a quick answer ................................... it's all of the above. But it's really not that simple. Some snakes eat regularly and grow large. Some are picky eaters and don't quite grow at a "normal" rate. Some ball pythons go off feed during breeding season which also slows growth.

In all honesty it's pretty rare for a ball python to reach 5' or 6'. If you want a snake of that size a boa or a dwarf python like a Retic or Burm. At least you know you're garaunteed that 6' lenght. With a ball you're not. If this is your first snake I'd suggest steering clear of a dwarf python. Stick with a ball and just ensure it's well taken care of.

[piketpik]

OK, thanks, no really big deal.
Will be happy with it whatever size it will be :)

[mykee]

All of the above EXCEPT the size of the enclosure. Think about it. They're not fish. If I kept you in a 6X6 room the first 25 years of your life, you would be the same size as if I let you run free.

[PDXErik]

All of the above EXCEPT the size of the enclosure. Think about it. They're not fish. If I kept you in a 6X6 room the first 25 years of your life, you would be the same size as if I let you run free.

Unless I had a computer there with me, then I'd probably be twice my size, posting "First" everywhere.

YouTube - First! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciG-Xs7mBwU)

[piketpik]

All of the above EXCEPT the size of the enclosure. Think about it. They're not fish. If I kept you in a 6X6 room the first 25 years of your life, you would be the same size as if I let you run free.

Yep, i hear you, notice I had given an answer to my question....

And just to be accurate, you could keep me in a 6x6 room, but there is no way you could see me run :yes:....

[Aaron_S]

They're not fish.


Pretty sure that fish don't grow to enclosure size either.

[mykee]

Aaron, some do.

[Aaron_S]

Is it a short list? Or can you name a few common ones?

[PDXErik]

Is it a short list? Or can you name a few common ones?

My managuense cichlid grew no matter what tank it was in. I didn't know it could reach lengths of 20"+

Due to some poor husbandry (in my youth), it never had the opportunity, but it certainly didn't stop growing.

Pretty sad, because it laid eggs every year, I was just too much of a dumbass to get it some sperm.

[Boots Hawks]

My understanding is that if you feed large meals and feed often, the size of a snake will increase faster and you will have a larger than average animal. I also don't suggest you do this, because the article I read said that this practice of feeding more than the snake needs shortens their life. It said that they had reports that boas were dying at 5 or 6 years. I also read and agree that it is better to have a snake a little smaller and more active and not obese and large. Who wants a snake that just lays in the same spot day in and day out? That is so big that it can hardly move? So I agree with the idea to get a boa or something that will reach the size you want and you can keep it healthy. Sounds like a male boa might be your best best.

Boots H.