Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Okay, it;'s time to play Guess That Black Rat Snake's Age!

Here are your clues:

1. My snake was bought today; he's about 4 feet long.

2. Prior owner says that he's had him 4.5 years. He estimates that he was about 2 feet long then.

2. He eats very heartily; sometimes 4 or 5 mice per feeding.

My guess is that he's about a 2002 hatchling, about 6-7 years old. What say ye??

>>Okay, it;'s time to play Guess That Black Rat Snake's Age!
>>
>>Here are your clues:
>>
>>1. My snake was bought today; he's about 4 feet long.
>>
>>2. Prior owner says that he's had him 4.5 years. He estimates that he was about 2 feet long then.
>>
>>2. He eats very heartily; sometimes 4 or 5 mice per feeding.
>>
>>My guess is that he's about a 2002 hatchling, about 6-7 years old. What say ye??

two feet long when he got him?
depending on time of year that the original owner got him I would say he was born either 6 months to 1 year before he got him. so, 5 to 5.5 yrs old
-----
Corn snakes and rat snakes..No one can have just one.
"Resistance is futile"
Jimmy Johnson
(Draybar)
Draybars Snakes

_____

I will agree with Jimmy, but, are you sure it's a male and not a female? A black rat that age and that size who eats the way it does, would be more indicative of a female IMO. My big male yellow is over 5 feet and about 4-5 years old. He only eats 1 or 2 XL mice every 7-10 days.

>>two feet long when he got him?
>>depending on time of year that the original owner got him I would say he was born either 6 months to 1 year before he got him. so, 5 to 5.5 yrs old

Was he captive bred or a wild caught?

Hey, thanks for responding! You made my day.

I tend to agree with you all. Rats likely grow slightly faster than Kings, with whom I'm more familiar.

I'm thinking that you all are right; he's probably a 2003 hatchling and is 5-6 years old.

I measured him yesterday, he's about 5 feet long.

He handles like a charm. I'm thinking that he may be my favorite snake of all time.

My top desired traits are:

1. curious, inquisitive & active
2. aggressive feeder
3. handles well

5 to 6 years my official guestimate.

Matthew