Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Generally, we can go by literature and assume that any hatchling under 12 inches is from the current year; 12-24 inches would be a yearling.

But, not always. Some large hatchlings can be 12-13 inches.

My MBK just arrived from CA Zoological Supply in Santa Ana, CA. They supply local pet stores. He is about 13 inches long.

My inclination is to think that he was hatched in 2004, and fed the minimum until transfer for sale. However, he could be a large 2005 hatchling.

Based on your experience of kingsnakes in general, and/or of this or similar suppliers, which do you think is more likely? 2004 or 2005??

Probably 2004. Sometimes distributors are sold left overs that did not command the higher prices...and often they skip feeding very often. If it was an '05, it would probably be very fat (filled with yolk) and perhaps a shy feeder. Further, it would have to be hatched earlier than average, most of us are hatching eggs now and in the next few weeks. Feed it frequent small meals, it probably has lots of growing to do.

You are probably right.