Reptile & Amphibian Forums

If you were to compare a 12 ft male retic with a 12 ft female retic would there be a weight or girth difference between the two? I know the females generally grow larger, I was just wondering if the males are generally thin compared to females?

Thanks,
Nick

Yes, females of the same length are generally heavier. However, this difference probably does not start showing up until 11-12 feet. A 12 ft retic is still an extremely slender animals. The extra girth doesn't really start showing up until they hit 13-14ft in my experience.

~Brian
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www.squamations.com

I think the only weight differences come about because of the continued general growing of females in contrast to males which slow right down much sooner.
As they grow there are 4 distinct periods of growth both sexes go through. As a hatchling the first thing they do is put on length, then they pack on body mass, then return to putting on length and finally (for males) by returning to body mass. Females don't tend to bulk out as much in this period but put on length again and then back to bulk, finishing with a general growth (bulk and length) at a very reduced rate.

Just what i have noted from my own snakes

At what length or age would you say each of these stages occur? and the same for when they end

Are females any more aggresive than males? Thanks for the input.

>>Are females any more aggresive than males? Thanks for the input.

No. During breeding season, some males might actually be a tad bit more jumpy than females. Other than that, they're the same.

~Brian
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www.squamations.com