Nature versus Nurture When it Comes to Size

[ssmith_1187]

As noted in the "24g '06, how does she compare?" thread, I mentioned that TriggerHappy101's snake and mine have the same hatch dates (05/15/2006).

It turns out that Mr. Icky and Roxanne can from the same parents (Kathy Love's Female 00443 X Male 99505).

We both found it interesting that Mr. Icky (60+ grams) was twice the size of Roxanne (28+ grams). Nature (genetics) is ruled out.

I received Roxanne on 2/21/2007 and will post all vitals (feeding schedule, regurge, sheds, etc.). I am now feeding one large pinkie (~3-5 grams) to Roxanne ever 5 days. I put 6 cuts on the back of the pinkie prior to feeding.

So, the question becomes one of nurturing.

Regards,
Steve

Mom:

Dad:

Roxanne:

 

[Checkerbelly]

Wellllll... I wouldn't entirely rule out genetics. I'm taller than my brother...

 

[ssmith_1187]

As am I......and he's 6 years old than me.....he,he,he.

 

[ssmith_1187]

That would be "6 years oldER"....

You are certainly correct, we can't rule out genetics completely.

Given the number of people posting the ages and weights of their snakes, we just found it interesting that after 1 year Mr. Icky is over twice the size of Roxanne.

Regards,
Steve

 

[Checkerbelly]

Oh, you're right. There are just sooo many factors though. Right down to how much calcium is in your tap water, I guess. It would be hard to nail down.

What I think is interesting is at 2 years of age, my snake is larger than either of his parents. And I know some of his siblings aren't that big. :shrugs:

 

[kathylove]

I don't think you can draw too many conclusions until the snakes are around 3 years old or so. Then compare the sizes. Of course, males will usually (though not always) end up somewhat bigger than females, too.

I have also noticed that during the first several months, some babies start off with a bang and keep on going, while others may not eat or eat sporadically for the first couple of months. I have even had some start out well, then go off feed for a while, especially during the winter. So it is pretty difficult to compare them at this age.

It would be interesting for somebody to raise several complete clutches, taking weights and measurements every month or so. Then compare their adult sizes, as well as sizes during their growing up years, to see what correlations occur.

 

[Jcapicy]

Could even lead you to wonder how nutritious each individual feeder mouse/rat is based on how it ate and what it ate.

 

[ssmith_1187]

OK...I need to confess something to all of you...my name is Steve and I'm a geek!!!

OK, now I feel better.

Here's the data I have collected so far:

Date Mouse Weight Roxanne's Weight
2/21/2007 0.00 24.00
2/24/2007 1.57
3/1/2007 2.02
3/6/2007 1.83
3/11/2007 1.54
3/16/2007 3.00 25.72
3/17/2007 0.00 Regurge
3/27/2007 0.68 23.85
4/1/2007 0.84
4/6/2007 0.73
4/11/2007 1.46 22.94
4/14/2007 Shed
4/16/2007 1.78 24.16
4/21/2007 2.23 23.74
4/26/2007 3.18 25.14
5/1/2007 2.87 26.34
5/6/2007 3.93 27.94

Everyone who has replied is absolutely correct, there are a ton of variables, too many to make an informed hypothesis right now, I just find it really cool that there is such a difference at this point.

Regards,
Steve

 

[TriggerHappy101]

Mr. Icky.

I will be weighting Mr. Icky in about 4 days. However here is a pic of him.

They were taken back in April 14th.

As of April 14th he is 60 Grams and 24.4 Inches.


Anyone else have some 06 corns from Kathy?

 

[TriggerHappy101]

Mr. Icky is 26 inches and 88 grams.

I guess you have to fatten up your snake!

Do you keep a feeding chart that I can compare to mine? (When he ate and what size)