Can you tell how old a snake is. IMPORTANT

[lb1985]

Hello Everyone! I have a few questions about my garter snake that I am hoping someone might be able to answer. My first question is: is there anyway to tell how old a snake might be. I have had my snake for about 5 years. When I found him in my friends back yard he was pretty big, but has deffiently grown over the years, so I am guessing that maybe he is between 8-10 years old. Secondly, I am asking this question because when I went to feed him today I found on the lower section of his tale a large bump in side of him, it looks like he is swollen. I really don't know what it is and I have been looking online all day for an answer, but have not come up with much. I was reading one site and it said it is very unlikely for a snake to have a tumor, but that is the only thing I can think of. And I really hope thats not what it is. (by the way i forgot to add that he did not want to eat the worm, and I tried to feed him later in the day and he still would not eat.) I had read on another site saying a snake can be constipated, but it never discussed symptoms.

Thank you and I hope someone can help!

[drache]

it's not that unlikely for a snake to have a tumor
and it's fairly common for them to get abscesses
my recommendation:
take the snake to a vet
and why does it matter how old he is?

[infernalis]

it's not that unlikely for a snake to have a tumor
and it's fairly common for them to get abscesses
my recommendation:
take the snake to a vet
and why does it matter how old he is?

I could not have said this better myself...

PLEASE go see the vet.

[ssssnakeluvr]

I agree!! needs to see a vet!!! tumors are rare in snakes, however abscesses aren't. there's no way to age a snake unless you raise it from birth. they grow at various rates depending on food supply...might grow a lot when food is plentiful, but then if it isn't, the snake won't grow much that summer.

[adamanteus]

As Don says, it's practically impossible to accurately determine the age of a wild caught snake... just too many variables.
I agree with the others, Jane, best to take your snake to the vet.

[Stefan-A]

http://oregonstate.edu/~wayeh/Selected%20publications_files/Waye%20and%20Gregory%20pub.pdf

[adamanteus]

So, cut it half and count the rings?
I doubt many of us care about the age of our snakes, enough to cut the tail off.

[infernalis]

So, cut it half and count the rings?

I just tried, and spot got scared of the chainsaw any ideas how to calm him down first?

[Snake lover 3-25]

ick!!!! not me!!!!!!!

[Lori P]

{Pondering it....} Oh, ok, I guess not me either. LOLOL