Full Grown Ring Snake: Size, Lifespan, Price & More

Ring snakes make fascinating pets, but they undergo many changes as they mature into fully grown adults. This guide covers everything you need to know about ring snakes at their full grown size and stage of life.

Size at Full Grown

A fully grown ring snake will reach 18-24 inches in total length on average. However, some larger specimens can stretch up to 30 inches long from nose to tail tip. In terms of height or thickness, an adult ring snake is usually around 1/2 inch in diameter at its widest point.

Length

Most adult ring snakes settle into a length between 18-24 inches. The average length of a fully grown pet ring snake is approximately 20 inches nose to tail. Very large individuals may exceed 24 inches, but these are outliers.

Height

When fully grown, a ring snake will have a diameter or thickness of around 1/2 inch. Some stubbier snakes may be a bit wider, while longer, thinner specimens can be a tad narrower. But on average, expect a height close to 1/2 inch for an adult.

Weight at Full Grown

A fully mature ring snake typically weighs between 1-3 ounces. Females tend to be heavier than males, with weights at the upper end of the 1-3 ounce range being more common for adult females. Weight can also vary slightly based on season, with snakes tending to be a bit heavier in late summer and fall.

Appearance at Full Grown

Several notable physical changes occur as ring snakes reach adulthood:

• Coloration darkens and becomes richer/deeper shades of brown, black, and gold.
• Banding pattern becomes much clearer and defined, with vivid gold/yellow rings set against a dark brown background.
• Head develops a blunt, rounded shape instead of the more triangular profile of juveniles.
• Scales take on a smoother, glossier appearance.

Personality at Full Grown

As ring snakes mature, their temperament tends to mellow out a bit compared to younger snakes:

• Less likely to musk or bite defensively when handled.
• More tolerant of regular handling and interaction with their owners.
• Confidence level increases so they are bolder explorers but also more relaxed.
• Natural wariness is still present, so they are not cuddly pets, but handling stress levels decrease.

Price

An adult ring snake purchased from a breeder or pet store can generally be expected to cost between $20-$40 depending on age, size, and rarity/morph. Female snakes may carry a small premium over males. High-end rare color/pattern morphs available from specialty breeders could reach $75-$150 for a full-grown snake.

Food/Feeding

A mature ring snake should be feed appropriately sized prey 1-2 times per week:

• Pinkie mice (newborn mice) are a good regular diet item.
• Small adult mice can also be occasionally offered.
• For larger adult females, fuzzies (hairless baby mice) may be a more suitable regular prey size.
• Feeder items should be no wider than the widest part of the snake.

Lifespan

With excellent care, ring snakes can live 10-15 years on average as pets. The maximum recorded lifespan is around 20 years. Most adult snakes people purchase will have a good 5+ years of life left if properly housed and fed.

Health at Full Grown

Some health considerations for maintaining a fully grown ring snake:

• Annual health exams from an exotic vet can help monitor weight, signs of illness/disease.
• Provide a large enclosure, at least a 10 gallon tank for an adult, to allow for adequate exercise.
• Monitor for shedding issues, as molting can sometimes cause problems in older snakes.
• Watch feeding responses for any loss of appetite that could signal illness.
• Maintain perfect hygiene to prevent bacteria/fungal infections.

Care and Nutritional Needs at Full Grown

Proper care requirements do not change significantly for an adult ring snake, but some aspects require increased focus:

• Continue to offer pristine fresh water at all times in a heavy bowl that cannot be tipped over.
• Thoroughly clean the enclosure every 2-4 weeks, disinfecting as needed, due to increased bioloading from a larger snake.
• A large hide box and robust climbing branches are necessary to allow for sufficient exercise of strong adult muscles.
• Bedding should maximize ventilation/airflow under theBelly while retaining heat and humidity levels.
• Maintain a day/night temperature gradient of 80-85F days and 75-80F nights with 50-60% humidity. Humidity may vary with season.

Costing

The approximate yearly estimate to properly care for an adult pet ring snake is:

• $80-120 for a suitably sized enclosure (10-20 gallon tank)
• $30-50 per year on bedding, branches, hides, and other accessories
• $50-80 per year on heating/lighting supplies
• $30-50 per year on feeder prey (pinkie mice)
• $100-150 per year on general health needs like vet visits

So plan for a ballpark range of $300-450 per year once all costs are accounted for to care for a full grown ring snake as a long-term household pet.

Possible Behavioral Changes of a Fully Grown

Here are some behavioral differences you may notice in an adult ring snake:

• More likely to explore actively when taken out rather than remaining still and coiled.
• May be slightly faster moving and more agile due to increased muscle mass/strength.
• May engage in scent-tracking behavior and "tongue-flicking" prey cues more often.
• Males may display subtle body language if ready to breed (trailing, nudging).
• Females in breeding condition may appear rounder-bellied and refuse food.

Notable Characteristics of a Fully Grown

Some key physical attributes and quirks of mature adult ring snakes:

• Classic gold and black banding reaches maximum definition and contrast.
• Tails become thickened/bulbous on adult males used for sperm storage.
• Heads show shiny, smooth head scales and well-developed facial "whorls."
• Eyes develop iridescent golden glow, especially in light.
• Males may range 16-22 inches while females reach 18-24 inches on average.
• Muscular body type with noticeable taper from mid-body back.

Conclusion

With proper habitat, care and attention, ring snakes can make wonderful captive pets for many years. By understanding their needs at full growth, owners can provide enriching environments and healthy lifestyles. With compassionate help, ring snakes thrive as calm, hardy companions.