How to Determine a Corn Snake's Age by Length

Corn snakes are popular as pets because they do not grow as large as boas and pythons and they are relatively easy to care for. Unlike boas and pythons, which can grow in excess of 6 feet, corn snakes stay slender and only grow to an average size between 3 feet and 5 feet. Because most corn snakes follow the same growth pattern, it is possible to estimate a corn snake's age using its length if you have a growth chart to reference.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Paper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay your corn snake out on a flat surface and stretch him to his full length. It helps if you have a second person to assist you in keeping your snake's head and tail stationary while you measure.

    • 2

      Measure the length of your corn snake from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail using a measuring tape. Record this measurement on a piece of paper and put your snake back in its cage.

    • 3

      Narrow down your snake's age using the following guidelines: At birth, most corn snakes measure less than 10 inches in length, and by one month they can be as long as 15 inches. At six months corn snakes can measure around 20 inches, but after six months they tend to grow more slowly. If your corn snake measures 20 inches or less, you can assume it is younger than six months of age.

    • 4

      Estimate your corn snake's age more accurately by comparing its length to the following guidelines: At one year, corn snakes average a length of between 25 inches and 28 inches. At two years, they can be as long as 43 inches, or approximately 3 1/2 feet. At age three, corn snakes can measure as long as 4 feet.