jfrreptile, most likely what you are describing is a natural genetic variation between two individual animals. Within any species, reptillian, mammalian, or otherwise, there is a lot of genetic variation (and there should be). This can easily be seen in size differences, and even differences in growth patterns - or when and how fast growth spurts occur.



That is not to say that ALL variation is due to genetic factors; in the study of genetics, we often discuss what we call "environmental effects." Please don't construe this to mean that "Ball Pythons will grow to fit their enclosures;" there are MANY things that account for environmetal effects. Chiefly we see environmental differences in Ball Pythons because of differences in husbandry - temperatures being more or less ideal, feeding regimens (as those who are keeping their animals as pets may feed less them often than those who intend to breed their animals), and any possible complications that the animals experienced such as disease or parasite infestations - all of which can drastically affect growth, in addition to the animal's genetics.



jfrreptile, if your BP is somehow not stressed by her 250 gallon enclosure, which is HUGE (and would normally stress a snake), then good for the both of you, but you should know that it could cause a problem... and you shouldn't automatically attribute her greater size to her large enclosure.



Best of luck everyone!



~Rebecca
-----
0.1 Dumeril's Boa '04 (Courtney)

1.2 Ball Pythons

[1.0 '05 Orange Hypo (Specter)]

[0.1 '05 Het Orange Hypo (Sylvia)]

[0.1 '03 Normal (Sue)]

0.2 American Pit Bull Terriers (40lb darling lap dogs:Brandy&Mara)

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