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!!!