The Ball Python is also known as the Royal Python. It is a native of West and Central Africa. Their unique defensive behavior is what gave them their name. When they feel threatened, Ball Pythons will curl into a tight ball with the head in the middle.
Because of their stunning colors and patterns, long life spans, and ease of care, they are a popular reptile choice for beginners. However, maintaining a Ball Python requires specialized attention and care. Ball Pythons will often need multiple enclosures as they grow. It is important to be able to predict their growth rate.
This article will give you a breakdown of the growth rate of a Ball Python, what to feed them at each stage, and general care guidelines. Let’s get started!
Facts about the Ball Python
Ball Pythons are a popular reptile to keep as pets. They are easy to handle and docile and have unique patterning and morphology. This makes them an ideal pet for beginners. They were frequently used as jewelry by African royalty. No two Ball Pythons are the same because of their beautiful patterns.
Ball Pythons live up to 40 years, although they are smaller and less long-lived than other python types. You can easily breed them in captivity, which has resulted in many different varieties of Ball Pythons, including pastel, pinstripes, albino, and Mojave. There are approximately 6,500 varieties in existence, with new morphs being developed by breeders.
Factors that Influence the Ball Pythons’ Size
Two main factors that influence the size of Ball Pythons’ are their enclosure size and their food. Pythons kept in tiny tanks that they can’t stretch properly will grow smaller. Females are generally larger than males, but this is not always the case.
Ball Pythons can be finicky eaters and it can be difficult for you to introduce new foods to them. Overfeeding can pose a risk to their health as they can live for long periods without eating. Younger pythons should be fed once or twice per month to ensure healthy growth. Older pythons only need to be fed once or twice per month.
Ball Python Growth Rate Chart
Each python grows at a different rate. It is largely determined by how much food they eat and how often. Below is an average weight of a python when given mice and young rats. As you can see the more they eat the better they grow.
| Age | Fed Mice | When Fed Young Rats |
| Hatchling | 70-72 grams | 70-72 grams |
| 1 Month | 76-78 Grams | 98-100g |
| 2 months | 115 to 120 grams | 120 to 130 grams |
| 3 Months | 150-515 grams | 180 to 200 grams |
| 4 Months | 180 to 200 grams | 270-281 grams |
| 6 Months | Between 280 and 300 grams | 340 to 360 grams |
| 10 Months | 400 to 420 grams | 470-480 grams |
| 12 Months | 500-480 grams | 540 to 550 grams |
Adult Ball Python Length
Ball Pythons reach maturity around three years of age, but they continue to grow slowly after that point. Ball Pythons can reach about 4 feet in length, while females are usually slightly shorter. The average length of a male Ball Python is 3-3,5 feet. Both sexes can reach a maximum weight of 3-5 pounds.
They are smaller than other pythons, which is why they are so popular as pets.
Avoiding Obesity
Unfortunately, obesity in captive Ball Pythons can be a common problem. It is often misunderstood as a rapid growth rate. Easy-to-spot signs include wrinkling, folding scales, and visible skin between the scales.
To avoid obesity, make sure your python is fed the right amount of food for their age. Young snakes only need to eat small amounts of food, while adult pythons need more frequent meals. You should also ensure that your snakes have enough space to move and exercise.
Why won’t my Ball Python eat?
Sometimes your python might not be eating as much or as often as it should. There is no reason to be concerned if this happens. This could be due to a large serving, stress or seasonal factors. In some cases, Ball Pythons might not eat for up to a month. You should try to determine the reasons your snake isn’t eating. This could be due to environmental stress, changes in diet, or other factors. If your snake continues to not eat for more than 40-60 days, or if they are showing signs of illness, it’s time to take them to the vet.
Conclusion
Ball Pythons are smaller than other python types, which is why they are so popular pets. Ball Pythons can reach approximately 4 feet in height and weigh between 3-5 pounds and 3-4 pounds respectively when they are kept in captivity. Your Ball Python’s growth rate will be affected by the size of your enclosure. They need to have enough space to grow and you should provide them with adequate food at each stage.
How large do mature ball pythons get?
three to five feet tall A really huge ball python might grow to be six feet long. Most captive-bred ball pythons are three to five feet long. Around four million ball pythons have been transported from Africa since 1978. They develop the fastest in their first year, but they never stop growing. two days ago
What happens if you get bitten by a ball python?
Minor bites from your pet ball snake may simply need to be washed with warm water and soap. Wrap the bitten area with bandages to help it recover and prevent infection. Bites that are more severe may need emergency medical attention, even if they look minor at first.
How frequently should I touch my ball python?
Handle your snake at least 1-2 times every week, but never more than once per day. Snakes do not need a social connection to maintain their mental health, but regular handling keeps the snake docile and provides an opportunity for exercise.
Do ball pythons contract rabies?
Birds, fish, reptiles (including snakes, turtles, and lizards), amphibians (including frogs and salamanders), and insects (bugs) are immune to rabies.
Is it okay for me to sleep with my snake?
No, the snake should not sleep on the same bed as a human. The hazards are the same regardless of the size of the snake: The snake leaves the bed and goes “walkabout,” becoming disoriented in your home, escaping to the outside, or climbing into the back of your refrigerator or the workings of your couch.
Do ball pythons bite frequently?
Remember that ball python bites are not only insignificant in most situations, but they are also uncommon, as these are normally timid snakes that do not bite frequently. In fact, even if your cat lives for decades, you should not be astonished if you never feel his teeth.
Do ball pythons encircle you?
If you’re wondering whether a ball python can kill a human through constriction, the answer is no. At least in the case of human adults and children. These snakes are too little to surround and constrict an adult person.
Do ball pythons fear dogs?
Snakes, particularly some common pet snakes such as Ball Pythons, are notoriously frightened. Dogs represent a significant threat to snakes, and the natural contrasts between dogs and snakes make friendship unlikely.
What is the longest a ball python can go without eating?
Smaller snakes feed more frequently than bigger ones, however, species such as the ball python can go for up to two years without eating.
Do ball pythons enjoy being held?
Some Ball Pythons enjoy being held, whereas others do not or are not interested. Unfortunately, this isn’t a simple yes or no question! I’ve had Ball Pythons for over 20 years, and whether they like being held varies on their personality type.