Snake Scales?

OK, so at my house we had a disagreement...

Some of us say snakes have the same scales their whole life, and they just grow large, as the snake grows larger.

AND

Some of us say, Snakes get more scales as they get larger.


Poll it up! haha

So, how did this topic start :rolleyes: ya'll weren't messin' around with that wacky tobaccy were you :rofl:

same scales..just larger...:snake::gj:

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Originally Posted by BeastMaster

So, how did this topic start :rolleyes: ya'll weren't messin' around with that wacky tobaccy were you :rofl:

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No, we had our big burm out, and im not sure why but i had a great idea to do snake trivia! aha

This answer was not agreed upon, so we agreed to take it to BP.net!

I like the answer "other" NO, I did not pick that one just wonder what the other would be?

I can't even vote....I have never thought about it....I have NO clue.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by boasandballs

I like the answer "other" NO, I did not pick that one just wonder what the other would be?

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I'm not sure...
that's why i put "OTHER!??" HAHA
If someone has another thing, they can tell me.. haha

Has anyone ever counted?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blackcrystal22

Has anyone ever counted?

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you start now...
and tell me how that goes...:rolleyes:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blackcrystal22

Has anyone ever counted?

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I sure hope not, that would take FOREVER, LOL.

The scales grow with the snake, and when a snake loses a scale the scale is lost forever. I've never heard of scales growing back like lizard tails LOL. My Kingsnake lost two scales, and not have I once seen scales come back. It's kind of like a snake getting bitten down its back by a rodent, the scales won't grow back but the area will heal with time.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blackcrystal22

Has anyone ever counted?

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I have counted boas, well cross cuts. Helps to identify them.

Not sure about the validity but SPOILER ALERT!!!! Answer is in this article! Educate your self on Scales and Skin!

Hi,

I thought I'd posted on this thread earlier but apparently not? :confused:

The number of scales on the snake do not vary as it grows - that's why species can often be reliably identified via scale counts. :gj:

The scales just get bigger - compare hatchlings scales to adults and go find old pics of your snakes and check the scales in an easily identifiable part of the pattern between the old photo and the current snake.


dr del

Thanks everyone for your input, its was 2 on 1... and the one person just didnt think we were right lol

:rolleyes:

Darn! I voted before I read the article. That's what I get for not reading an entire post before I vote. :(

I voted wrong. I have a snake who had a bad (really bad) burn as a baby. When he shed all the scales in that area came off. It appears they have grown back, but obviously the two sides just healed together. I guess that's what gives it the squished scar look.

Unless I have the magical bp who grows back his own scales! Lol.

This is why scale counts are a reliable indicator for identifying species.