Full Grown Rough Green Snake: Size, Lifespan, Price & More
The rough green snake is a non-venomous colubrid snake species found in parts of North America. As these snakes reach full adulthood, their appearance, behaviors, and care needs change. This guide covers everything you need to know about fully grown rough green snakes as pets.
Size at Full Growth
At full size, rough green snakes average between 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) in total length. Males tend to be slightly smaller than females. In terms of height, these snakes remain very slender and thin at only about 1/4 to 3/8 inches wide at their widest point when fully grown.
Weight at Full Growth
On average, a fully grown male rough green snake will weigh between 5-10 grams, while females are usually slightly heavier at 10-15 grams at full size.
Appearance at Full Growth
When they reach adulthood, rough green snakes have developed their distinctive color pattern. Their bodies are green or bluish-green, sometimes with reddish or brown tones.
They have three cream or white stripes running down their backs, with a stripe on each side and a thinner mid-dorsal stripe. Their undersides are white, cream or pale yellow. Their eyes are dark brown or black.
Personality at Full Growth
As adults, rough green snakes have become more self-assured in their behaviors. They are still very active explorers but less flighty than when younger. With regular gentle handling, fully grown snakes can become fairly tame pets that are not as easily stressed. Their curious personalities remain but are less nervous or jumpy than juvenile snakes.
Price
Most sources report that fully grown rough green snakes in the pet trade sell for $15-30 each, depending on variables like gender, specific locality or morph. Juveniles are often cheaper at around $10-20.
Food/Feeding
At full size, these snakes typically eat 1-2 small mice every 5-7 days. Feed them juveniles that are approximately the same width as the widest part of the snake's body.
Ensure prey is dusted with calcium powder. Fully grown snakes can go longer between meals and be offered food every 7-10 days.
Lifespan
With proper care, rough green snakes as pets live on average 3-5 years in captivity. Some may live as long as 7-10 years.
Health at Full Growth
Common health issues for fully grown snakes include:-
Take any changes in behavior, appetite or visible symptoms seriously and consult a reptile vet if concerned about your adult snake's health.
Care and Nutritional Needs at Full Growth
- House individually in a secure 10-20 gallon glass terrarium or enclosure
- Provide 5-8 inches of substrate like aspen shavings or coconut fiber
- Include branches, rocks and plants for climbing/hiding
- Maintain ambient temperature of 75-80°F with the warm side at 80-85°F
- Providing a humidity level of 30-50%
- Soak for 15-20 minutes weekly to hydrate
- Dust prey with calcium powder and vitamins
- Handle carefully to avoid stress but regularly for taming
Costing
The average yearly costs to properly care for a fully grown rough green snake as a pet include:
- $10-30 for the snake itself
- $30-50 for a 10-20 gallon glass enclosure
- $15-30 for substrate, branches, plants,etc.
- $5-10 per month on feeding pinky mice
- $50-100 for yearly vet checkups
- $10-20 on supplements like calcium
So the total estimated first year costs are around $150, and then $50-100 each additional year to keep your adult snake healthy and thriving.
Possible Behavioral Changes of a Fully Grown Snake
Some common behavioral differences seen in adulthood include:
- Less flighty or timid responses when handled
- More frequent exploring and activity patterns
- May be more food-oriented and responsive to feeding cues
- Could become slightly more defensive of their space and strike more readily if disturbed
- Better established territory and security within their enclosure
Notable Characteristics of a Fully Grown Snake
As definitive traits:
- Reaches maximum size potential of 18-24 inches
- Vibrant green coloration becomes fully expressed
- Pattern of 3 cream stripes down back clearly visible
- More robust build and smooth overall appearance
- Astute observations and awareness within their environment
- Established role as predator in their natural niche
