Reptile & Amphibian Forums

About 2 months ago I purchased a female BRB from a friend. He purchased her in 2001. She was fed sparingly and is now only about four feet long.(My brother purchased yearlings that are lager than her) She does seem to be growing rapidly now that I am feeding her regularly. Do you think her maximum adult size will be lower since she has been somewhat stunted, or will she catch up? What are your thoughts on this.

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Jaremy Douglas

Jaremy,
. Reaching four feet in two years may represent fairly slow growth but it is not a sign of serious stunting. I do think that the potential maximum size of the snake has been effected by the feeding schedule it has been on. If it had been fed more up to now it would have a better chance to eventually reach a larger size. However, I think that genetics may be very important in determining overall adult size and the snake could still grow a bunch.
Jeff

>>About 2 months ago I purchased a female BRB from a friend. He purchased her in 2001. She was fed sparingly and is now only about four feet long.(My brother purchased yearlings that are lager than her) She does seem to be growing rapidly now that I am feeding her regularly. Do you think her maximum adult size will be lower since she has been somewhat stunted, or will she catch up? What are your thoughts on this.
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>>Jaremy Douglas
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Thanks, Jeff. I also think genetics plays a big part in adult size. This BRB was never skinny and has always been in great condition. My friend, Keoni Koch, fed it just enough to have it grow slowly and also be very healthy. It is growing very rapidly now and has shed twice in the last month and a half!
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Jaremy Douglas

I am new to raising snakes. I have a brazillian rainbow that is about a year old...(13 months) The snake never seems to be full... I dont keep feeding her. I usually feed her about four small mice that are about 2" long every seven to ten days. I guess i am just curious how much i "should" be feeding her to maximize her growth. It seems like she would just keep eating if i kept feeding her.