Measuring?

[mettle]

So.

I have this corn snake that I wanted to measure. Generally, he's a pretty placid guy. I tried measuring his shed before, and it came out at about 4.5. But I wanted something more accurate as the shed was a bit crinckled and such. (Not a bad shed or anything, just bundled up like a sock and I tore it when taking it apart.) And because I'm impatient and don't want to wait for another shed... I tried to measure him.

Well. He's still pretty placid. But I couldn't for the life of me get him to straighten out. He'd always sit basically in a large U making it impossible. And then when he wasn't just sitting there in his U he kept trying to slither over to me and go in between my legs.

So... any tips on measuring snakes?

Thanks!

[Big Mike]

Take a string and run it along the snake's body and hold it where you reach the end of the snake.

Now just measure the string.

There is a software program out there that allows you to measure your snake from a photo. You have to get a photo from directly above and with something for size reference. Then open the picture and click the reference and then click along the snake's body. I'm sure it was a free download from somewhere.

[Linds]

Sheds are completely inaccurate, regardless of their condition. Snakes skin has the ability to stertch up to nearly double their actual length during the process of being shed.

[mettle]

The string idea is perfect! Thanks.

[thunder]

i use a floppy measuring tape, the kind used for cloth.

[Will]

Go to this page, and download Serpwidget's Snake Measuring program. All you need is a digi-cam and it's simple and accurate.

Just FYI, measuring sheds isn't very accurate as the skin is strecthed a bit during the process.

[mettle]

Thanks. I don't have a digicam though. I'll just use the string method. Got plenty of string. heh