Growth Happens When It Happens.

[Gio]

Based on my experience here, I'm starting to look at reptile growth differently. I don't disregard the general statements about animals slowing dramatically in their growth after the 3 year mark, but its certainly not a hard fact.

After having a male, reticulated python that was fed very conservatively, take off in a growth spurt after turning 3 I was surprised and was caught off guard.

This female, coastal, carpet, mix is going to be 7 years old next month.

I took her out yesterday and was blown away by her weight and I think she grew at least 4 inches. Jewel is the size of the reticulated python I just re-homed.

She hasn't eaten since the April, 23 and prior to that she'd not eaten since December 10.

She is too big to photo up close and by standing back it is hard to get a perspective on how long she really is these days.

She's my largest snake and may be eclipsed only in weight by the boa, but she's making a run in the mass department too.








I measured the area on the rail and estimated her size is she stretched without bending anywhere to be about 8 feet. The retic was slightly over 8 feet long when he was placed. He was a lot larger than she was at the time back in February.


It is apparent that snakes don't stop growing, we know that. What I find interesting is they may have a growth spurt at any time that goes against what is recognized as "normal" at least I'm finding that out here.

I never expected Jewel to be this large. She was always a particular eater and still is.

She did have big parents, but when she hit 3 and 4 years old, I figured she'd grow very, very slow and never reach the size of her parents.

Surprise!!!

[richardhind1972]

Looks fantastic gio

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

[Gio]

Looks fantastic gio

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

Thank you sir.

I'm not sure what is going on as this girl seems a lot larger than when I had her out last, which wasn't long ago at all.

I'll certainly have to snap some photos of her with something that gives a better size perspective.

[rock]

Gio, maybe you have a little more southern coastal in Jewel than you thought! If she gets any bigger you may have to add, Brizzy, as her middle name.

[Gio]

Gio, maybe you have a little more southern coastal in Jewel than you thought! If she gets any bigger you may have to add, Brizzy, as her middle name.

I'll post photos of the parents when I can find them.

Years ago Nick thought one parent had diamond influence so there is always that additional element for size.

[RickyNY]

We can definitely tell her size, specially in the second picture. I just imagine standing there next to her and seeing the rail and that gives me perspective of how long she is.
She's truly an amazing looking Carpet, Gio. I know you call her a mutt sometimes, but she rivals any Morelia in the color department.

[Reinz]

Awesome

[Gio]

We can definitely tell her size, specially in the second picture. I just imagine standing there next to her and seeing the rail and that gives me perspective of how long she is.
She's truly an amazing looking Carpet, Gio. I know you call her a mutt sometimes, but she rivals any Morelia in the color department.

Thanks, she has kept some very nice colors in certain places, and I actually like the browning over time.

I can't remember what I paid for her, $80 - $120 somewhere in that area, but she's been perfect. The least expensive, yet one of the biggest joys to own here.

I don't call her a "mutt" to insult her. I just can't give anybody an answer as to her genetic make up.

I like to know background, but the mother of this snake was found in a bag on the side the freeway in the metro area here years ago.

She since died in a house fire. That makes me sad because I'm sure her life started off horribly and needed the same way.

The breeder did give her many good years before his house fire though.

Carpets are damn fine snakes and I love them all!

[EL-Ziggy]

She's such a beautiful girl Gio! I love me some Jewel!

[Team Slytherin]

She’s definitely a stunner!