Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Mine is about 22-24 inches long. Is this a yearling?

Also, is there a law about how young a snake can be sold?

I'd like to get our next one as young as possible, as long as it's feeding well.

Cut it open and count its rings!

Just kidding, don't actually do that. I don't think there is a real way to tell unless you have owned it since a hatchling or the seller told you. Size isn't always an indication, as the snake could be under-fed or over-fed, making it appear younger or older based on size alone. You could probably ball-park an age based on size though.

There is no minimum/maximum size for sales, although I don't like to buy hatchlings that haven't had 5 meals or so minimum. Nothing like getting a snake that has only eaten once or twice, stressed out from shipping and a new home, and not eating for another 2 weeks or more.

Hope this helps.

-John

nm