Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I remember hearing somewhere or even reading it that feeding frequency can influence the head sizes of snakes. Something along the lines of eating less frequently resulted in bigger head size and vice versa.

Does anybody know if this is true or not?

Any literature on the matter?

Thanks in advance.

I think there was a study done in which scientists didn't feed several species of snake for a year. Even though the animals weren't getting any food, the heads grew. These snakes undoubtedly lost condition and mass, but the point to notice is the increase in head size - which it is theorised, occurred so that the animal in question could increase it's choice of prey.

I'm afraid I can't find the reference right now, but I'll be on the look-out.
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About...

Was this the link?

http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/2007/2011956.htm

Yes, that sounds familiar. Basically the snakes diverted resources from organs (such as their heart) and in some cases this was put into good use in increasing the size of their heads.

I'm not sure if that is the EXACT article, I think I read it in a well respect UK news source here in the UK, but the study in question is the same one.
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I'll have to pull the old book out, it was tops in its day and I read it cover to cover numerous times, 10 years ago..LOL..
I'll also write down the link and read it..Thank you Guys..
Tim..
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www.serpentim.com

Perhaps you are referring to something different but...

There is the "pinhead effect".
When a snake is not graduated properly through appropriate sized prey items, it is said that they can end up with a head that is smaller proportionally (to their body) than it should be.

It makes sense. If you grow a large snake to it's adult size...by only feeding it lots of small meals...such as mice...the ligaments in it's head will not be stretched as they should be....it could end up with a smaller head than it should have.

As an adult, the snake might physically have a difficult time
attempting to swallow a large rat...or rabbit etc.

This scenario is discussed in Ross and Marzac's old book "The Reproductive Husbandry of Python's and Boas".

(I had the pleasure of meeting Dick Ross back in 1995. Great Guy! He even signed my tattered old copy of the book.)

It is a little outdated...but does have some good info in it.
The book is a classic....and should be on every python or boa keeper's shelf.

Take care.
Your friend,
Harlin Wall - WALL TO WALL REPTILE!
970-245-7611
970-255-9255