Posted by:
Carmichael
at Mon Jan 26 19:37:58 2004 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by Carmichael ]
Great question. It absolutely cracks me up when I see people on this forum come across as self professed experts because they have kept a ball python for a whopping 5 years (and then it "died" for some strange reason)....sorry, that was a bit cynical. But, there is no reason for a healthy ball python to live at least 30 years or more if cared for properly (the record is around 45 years). Yes, some succomb to disease that could be due to genetics. Some, succomb to misfortunate circumstances that could be out of the owner's control. But, I have a handful of geriatric ball pythons in my collection that are 20, 25, 35, and over 38 years of age and still going very, very strong (all came to me because the previous owners either got bored of them, or, came to me as a result of extreme neglect....these are some pretty hardy snakes if kept properly). This is a snake that needs a long term commitment and most owners get tired of them at some point. That is why you see so much hype with all of the various morphs...I'd like to see these folks keep just a good old fashioned ball python on a long term basis. Probably too much info (opinions)!
Rob Carmichael, Director/Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation (IL)
[ Hide Replies ]
- LIFESPAN - pythonpimp, Mon Jan 26 19:28:16 2004
 RE: LIFESPAN - Carmichael, Mon Jan 26 19:37:58 2004
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