Reptile & Amphibian Forums

But I have been looking for 2 pages straight and not found what I wanted. What is the time frame it usually takes for ball hatchlings to out grow a 10 gallon tank. What size are they usually when they do?

You are having difficulty finding your answer for a number of reasons:

1. Most people here keep more than a couple ball pythons and find it easier to keep them in racks and tubs versus a tank-type setup.

2. The age and size that a ball python would be before it finds a 10 gallon tank too small varies enormously from keeper to keeper and from snake to snake.

Depending on how well it feeds, how often the breeder offers prey and what size of prey is offered a one year old ball python can range anywhere from 350 grams up to over 1000 grams.

Ball pythons prefer cramped quarters so what you or I would consider uncomfortably cluttered would most likely be considered "cozy" to a ball.

Each individual ball python is going to develop it's own feeding habits as it grows and hence each one will grow at a very different rate. Add the natural feeding "quirks" of ball pythons to the extreme difference in beliefs among breeders as to what is the appropriate size of prey and frequency of feedings and you will get very different answers.

If you have a hatchling ball python and plan on keeping it in a tank a ten gallon tank would be appropriate for now. The snake should do well enough in there long enough for you to save up for a larger tank.

I switch mine out when they are more than twice the length of the tank.
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www.heatsherps.com

With proper care and once a week feeding, a bit more than a year.

Typically.
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

Thanks for all your replies. I was just curious. I have a couple 10 gallon tanks lying around, and was thinking I could put them to use. They won't be my only option, but good to know they can be used in a pinch. Thanks again your replies were very helpful!