Can you Measure the length of your Snake by its Shed?

Hi,

Like the title states, is it accurate to measure your snake's length using its shed?

My snake just completed its shed and it all came out in one piece, wondering if I can use that to get an estimated length?
If I went based just on that, would I be a little short on length, due to it not being stretched out, or would I be over because the skin sits a bit different on the actual snake?

Thank you!

Shed is not an accurate measure of length.

They are usually stretched out and will therefore give a false measurement.

The best way to measure a snake is to take some string or yarn, put it on the snakes back in small segments and then measure the length of yarn. This way you can measure the whole length even with the snake coiled up or moving.

This app can measure the length of your snake rather easily and accurately. http://www.serpwidgets.com/main/measure

In my experience the sheds seems to average 15-20% longer than the snake. This MAY give you an estimated ballpark. But don’t bank on it.

Key words: average, MAY, estimated, don’t bank

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hamsnacks

Hi,

Like the title states, is it accurate to measure your snake's length using its shed?

My snake just completed its shed and it all came out in one piece, wondering if I can use that to get an estimated length?
If I went based just on that, would I be a little short on length, due to it not being stretched out, or would I be over because the skin sits a bit different on the actual snake?

Thank you!

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I heard of a guy putting his snakes in tubes - pipes and making them easier to measure BUT I have no idea what type of tube he used ..

I don't think I've ever seen wide , clear tubing or piping ..


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I can measure my King with a fabric tape measure, but the others just won't straighten out and stay still long enough to get an accurate measurement. I downloaded a free app. It's easy to use and seems pretty accurate. I'm not looking for perfectly precise measurements so it works for me.

But to answer the original question: like the others said, no, a shed is not accurate. They definitely stretch out and will not provide a very accurate measurement.

You are posting in the "arboreal mouth full of fangs" snake section so I am assuming you have a snake that measuring is about as easy as sticking your hand in lava so I would say a complete shed is the easiest you are getting to give an estimate. It's not accurate as it will be shorter than the snake but it should give you an idea.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SDA

You are posting in the "arboreal mouth full of fangs" snake section so I am assuming you have a snake that measuring is about as easy as sticking your hand in lava so I would say a complete shed is the easiest you are getting to give an estimate. It's not accurate as it will be shorter than the snake but it should give you an idea.

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Lol you got it correct! She's a JCP but I don't think the Shed was accurate, it measured at 8.6 Feet and I don't believe she's that long and that is pretty excessive for a JCP.

But thanks everyone for the tips, going to try some out the next time I take her out and see what I get.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SDA

You are posting in the "arboreal mouth full of fangs" snake section so I am assuming you have a snake that measuring is about as easy as sticking your hand in lava so I would say a complete shed is the easiest you are getting to give an estimate. It's not accurate as it will be shorter than the snake but it should give you an idea.

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HAHAHAHA sounds about right. Do you think a complete shed would be shorter than the snake or longer from being stretched? Asking for a friend ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Team Slytherin

HAHAHAHA sounds about right. Do you think a complete shed would be shorter than the snake or longer from being stretched? Asking for a friend ;)

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For me, it was longer than the actual length of the snake. The shed was near 8.6' while I suspect my girl is about 6.6'

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hamsnacks

For me, it was longer than the actual length of the snake. The shed was near 8.6' while I suspect my girl is about 6.6'

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WOW, that’s a lot of stretch!

I have always found the sheds to be longer. But then I find them when they are still damp/wet and oily.

Maybe they shrink when they dry, I don’t know because I have never saved one.

They stretch and no, they don't shrink back up when dried, at least in my experience.
:)
shed from my approx 8' boa, shed measured 9'3" once hung and dried
edit to add - I did not stretch it but when fresh they are able to be pulled and stretched even longer

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/Att8eMg.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AbsoluteApril

They stretch and no, they don't shrink back up when dried, at least in my experience.
:)
shed from my approx 8' boa, shed measured 9'3" once hung and dried
edit to add - I did not stretch it but when fresh they are able to be pulled and stretched even longer

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/Att8eMg.jpg

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That's a fabulous shedded skin !!!
You could sell that on eBay easy !!

Check this out :)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d738420ffc.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...1b845eb9d9.jpg



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Slight tangent but check out how dark a Mexican Black Kingsnake skin is compared to a normal shed .

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...149ba5826d.jpg




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