Define: neonate, juvenile....

[Wrath]

I'm trying to find out exactly which category my snake is in. Does anyone know what the perameters are for the following terms?

neonate
juvenile
subadult
adult

I've seen these terms used a lot in my readings, but none say what ages these really are. I think my Dozer is either a juvenile or a subadult but I'm not sure. Anyone know?

[Gorelith]

neonate = newborn, hatchling (equivalent to a newborn in human terms) usually meaning 1 day - 4 months old
juvenile = is from 4 months - 1 years (equivalent to a toddler in human terms)
sub-adult = 1 year - 2 years (equivalent to a teenager in human terms)
and an adult would be from 2 years and up (equivalent to...well i think you know what i'm gonna say here, lol )
The above example would be good for ball pythons.
With chameleons it would be different, for example chamaeleo calyptratus (veiled cammy) would be something like.....
neonate = 1 day - 2 months old
juvenile = 2 months - 5 months
sub-adult = 5 months - 8 months
adult = 8 months and up.
It really varies from species to species. What kind of a snake have you got and how big (weight/length) is it. I might be able to come up with an estimate for you, if it's a species I'm unfamiliar with i'm sure someone here would be more than willing to help.

I've been waiting all winter for spring, and now that it's finally here, i'm still couped up in the house, sneezing like crazy, hoping that this reactine will start working, lol. It's 27C in Ottawa right now, and Blender (my male veiled) just enjoyed his second day soaking up D3.

[Wrath]

Well, I was just curious. Thanks.

I have a Rosy Boa, he is about 15 inches long, and he is getting bigger every week. I'm not sure how much he weighs though. I don't think that most people are too familiar with his kind.

Thanks for your input, Gorelith! That gives me at least a general idea. ;)

[patricia]

I don't know how close to the norm my definitions may be, but here goes:

Neonate: up until it about doubles its hatch weight (usually about 3-4 months).

Juvenile: between neonate and sub-adult (up to abt 18 mths).

Sub-adult: the year before it will achieve full breeding weight (abt age 18-30 months).

Adult: the year it first breeds (usually over 30 months).

The above would generally apply to North American colubrids (Elaphe guttata and Elaphe obsoleta species, and probably also to Lampropeltis). It may be shorter for smaller animals, such as garter-snakes, and may be longer for boids. Since I'm unfamiliar with anything outside the Elaphe family, you may want to ask someone who's breeding the same species that you do.

[Dom]

At 15 inches I would estimate your rosy to either be an old old Juvenil or more likely a sub-adult ..

[Linds]

rosy boas are born fairly large (~12"). i would say he is probably neonate, possibly juvenile.

[Wrath]

Sorry, I forgot to say: he was born either last august or september, if that helps determine anything.

The reason I ask is because supposedly I should feed juveniles every 4-5 days and subadults every 4-7 days. Well, when I try to feed him every 5 days, it's stressful to me, because he doesnt want it, he runs away from it, sniffs it and leaves, etc. And I feel like I have to babysit the feeding. So I was thinking of feeding him every 7 days when he may have an actual appetite. I feel like he's not hungry at 5 days......

So that's why I wanted to know. Is it ok if I just start feeding him once a week? I like it when he strikes and eats voraciously, not when he's just eating because I keep putting the mouse in his path! LOL

[Dom]

Judging from age I would then say juvenile but defenetly not a neonate ..

Linds: Are you shure they are 12" when born?? to me that seems a bit big?

[Linds]

Yes, Dom, Rosy boas are born around ~12". It does seem rather large given their adult size, but yes, that's how large they are born.

[Dom]

kool - I'm extremelly surprised ..

the eggs must be huge compare to their body size then

[Linds]

they dont lay eggs. they are boas, thereofre they give birth to live young.