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MisaHasTheEyes
07-05-2009, 2:45 PM
As I type this, I realize that I've had my ball pythons for 10 years now. Unfortunately, being a new herper (and new still, every day learning!) then, I never took measurements of my young snakes.

I am wondering about their current size though. My largest male and female, Silk and Sable, are about four foot long and thick. The other three (Alien, Ripley, and Mouse) are about half as thick and maybe three feet long.

All of the snakes were purchased from various reptile shows and vendors years ago, marked as Captive Bred, but there's, of course, the chance someone is always incorrect or deceitful on that.

How can I be sure I have not somehow stunted the growth of my smaller three? Is there a 'set size' for balls? They all eat once a week, or at least twice a month, mice only (they refuse rats). Never struck at anyone or been disagreeable.

SubRosa
07-05-2009, 2:55 PM
Theoretically a Ball can get 6'. Theoretically a human can grow to about 7' 9", pituitary disorders aside. I ate like a horse growing up and I'm only 6'. Given that the diet has been adequate, and no internal parasites are present, no they're not stunted. Genetic variation.

fishy714
07-06-2009, 12:33 AM
If you have had your ball pythons for 10 years then your doing something right. Usually average size is 4 to 5 feet. Males tend to be smaller then females.

Vicious_Fish
07-06-2009, 12:19 PM
I can't say I've ever heard of them reaching 6' but 3-5 foot are the average size with the females reaching the largest lengths.

tricksterpup
07-12-2009, 8:52 AM
Post pictures :) but it sounds like you got happy healthy lazy ball pythons.

Navyscuba
07-12-2009, 9:03 AM
I have to disagree with comments above Real ball Pythons wont get longer than 4 feet at the most. I have 2. Had them for 3 years and they were my friends so I know this guys for quite a while since they were about 2 feet long. The biggest one barely gets to 4 feet and the male is smaller. Also the main reason why they don't eat rats maybe that they got attacked by one. Mine did a while ago and had to start from small rats to the bigger ones. Now they eat medium ones. (about 4 to 5 inches long from heat to butt) My male was a picky eater but I manege to get that fix by putting a little pond on their tank. Well good luck.