Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an 07 bullsnake that is around 60-64 inches. I raised him on a practical feeding schedule (no power feeding). I'd like to see him attain at least 72 inches.

Can I expect him to reach the 6 foot mark since I have been increasing his feeds (within reason)?

Or at this age has growth potential decreased to the point where the increased feedings would just be counter-productive and cause obesity?

Anyone's experience would help.

Thanks

I will reply to yours since we both are waiting for responses. I think most people will tell you it is a combination of husbandry and genetics. There is no hard and fast rule for growth, each animal responds uniquely to their environment. It is good you are not power feeding as pits (generally) are considered prone to regurge on such regiments. I also think (generally) you get the most growth in the first few year after hatching then growth rate slows. I know this is not a direct answer to your question but...

Regards,
Miller

>>Anyone's experience would help.
>>
>>Thanks
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1.1 Pituophis lineaticollis lineaticollis
1.1 Black Pine
1.2 Still Water Hypos
0.0.1 Possibly stillwater x Red Bull
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0.1 Cat(Shug

Thank you for the reply! Fast growth in the first year seems to be the general consensus...and my question is difficult considering all the variables.....but there are a few things that make me question growth potential in general.

There is a study on google scholar (have to find it) about how there is a difference between size at sexual maturity and growth potential. Also, snakes have indeterminate growth.....they simply never stop growing...the rate at which they do changes. I think sex also has a lot to do with growth. Females need to produce eggs at sexual maturity and more of their resources are allocated to reproduction instead of growth.

Secondly, I feed my snakes what I consider closer to a wild diet. Enough to grow on, but not excessive. It seems to me that in the wild snake would grow at a much slower rate....right? I think that a snake that has reached 5-6 ft in the wild would be in the 6-7 year range.

The final reason is from my own first hand experience. The snake in question still sheds every 3 weeks to a month. In my opinion, growth cannot have slowed down so dramatically as to produce such frequent sheds.

Most of what I wrote is just opinion and I would appreciate any clarification on the matter. Thanks again for responding Joey...either this is an impossible question or the forum is dead.

I personally feel that his length is really good, when compared to his age. Now, whether or not he will attain 72 inches, that question may be hard to answer. There is so much variation, in regards to bloodlines, genes, etc.. Some lines may get 6 foot, some may not, no matter how much you feed him. While I personally feel that you should be satisfied enough with him reaching 5 feet and over ( I say that as a general statement ), you also may see him reach 6 foot as well.

My two biggest pits are around 6 foot, and my third biggest is right behind them. Regarding two of them, when I received them, they were adults, but they still grew at least a foot to a foot and a half longer in the following years. In other words, they were not done growing yet, still had growth potential, and continued to do so. They were not fed with increased feedings either, just appropriately sized prey on the schedule I normally fed my biggest adults.

Remember, your bull is only going to be 3 this year. I believe if he is 5 foot now, he has a chance of being 6 foot in the future. See how you didn't have to power feed, and he still grew? I personally would continue him on the same feeding schedule you have been doing, and go from there. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Post a pic of him if you can!!
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Genesis 1:1

I'm very pleased with him...regardless of size. He is an Oklahoma locale from wild caught parents. Here are some quick pictures.

Visibly pissed in this one

What an awesome snake!! I love his pattern and colors. Very nice! You are a lucky person!!

Thanks for sharing!
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Genesis 1:1

Thanks! He is a great animal.

I appreciate your input on growth as well.

No prob!!
Thanks again for showing him off!
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Genesis 1:1