Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A friend of a friend (etc) has a Ball Python they need to get rid of. (Their new dog doesn't like it. Barks a lot. Plus she admits that she rarely handles the snake anymore.) They are unsure of sex, but here are the stats I've gleaned from a conversation:

Sex: Unknown (Although petstore employee originally told "female"
Age: 4.5 Years ('00?)
Original Seller: local pet store (I know the one she's talking about. OOB since 2003.)
Weight: Unknown
Length: 3 Feet ( /-)
Temperment: Non-Aggressive
Feed: 1 Small Rat (1-2x per month)

I'm not betting on the pet store employee correctly sexing this animal. After all, a few months ago a pet store employee told me (after I sheepishly asked) that Ball Pythons grow 6-8 feet long. Hmm...

But what I'm wondering is...what is a good average weight to expect this animal to reach once properly fed? I know they pack it on fast once they start getting fed right. Or maybe I'm just looking to see if this "female" (hopefully) will be a good breeding size by next November. Any ideas on estimated weights? I want to know that I'm spending my money (close to) wisely.

Thanks,
Chris
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"If only you would use your powers for Good." -- B. Russell Bethea

100g. a month is possible but I would say that is more toward the high end. Also, alot depends on her age. If she is young then she could put on alot but an older mature animal will not put as much on as a juvie. If she is really an 00 then with good feeding she should put on say 500g or more and be ready to breed. There are a lot of variables involved.

Kevin

I agree with Kevin, it depends on age, but it usually is a case of them catching up to were they should be. Last year I picked up some 02's that were grossly under fed. They they came in at between 300-500 grams. They're now (in 10 months). 2100 to 2500 grams. That's the extreme, these animals were straved. In cases this exteme, you need to be careful.... they will over eat if you let them.

But I also picked up a 10 year old, at 1800 grams that is now 3000 grams. The 10 year old didn't have as much weight (percentage wise) to catch up on. So the weight gain wasn't as much.

Good luck
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Larry Walker