Female vs. Male

[Doyle04]

Is there a difference in tempermant between female and male PBs? Is one more favored than another? I know females naturally grow larger than males but besides that is there a difference? Also, would a male or female's tempermant change during the breeding season? Thanks

[First_time_herp]

Well I'm not hte person to ask, seeing as I don't have a pb yet. But I'm planning on buying a male because they grow smaller. And I've heard their temperments are about the same.

[JLC]

Others may answer this with more expertise than I have, but I'll offer what I know. I've never heard of a difference in temperment between the sexes. BP's are a generally laid-back snake all the way around. The main difference that I've heard of is that males are more likely to go through prolonged fasting periods during the breeding season, even if there is no female anywhere around. Females may also fast during the breeding season, but are more likely to do so if/when they are actually bred. There's no absolutes on this though...any bp could go through an extended fast for no apparent reason at all.

[Doyle04]

I've been back and forth for chosing male or female myself. As much as i want a larger snake, I don't know if I should start out with a big PB for my first. Any suggestions...

[First_time_herp]

I'd get a male if you don't feel ready for a big bp. But of course not having one I probably shouldn't be giving advice, right? LOL!

[JLC]

Well, I don't think the females get SO big. They are a hefty snake, but still quite manageable by a single person, and perfectly safe to handle. You could always start out with an unsexed baby...and be surprised someday. :wink:

Seriously...if you're sure you're ready for a bp, then you should be equally ready for a male or female, no matter what your preference. You could think you're buying a male and still get a female by mistake. Sexing them is not an exact science, especially when they're really little.

[KraZeKelly]

4'BP isnt a BIG Snake rumors of 6'rs is BS IMO

I'd get a male if you don't feel ready for a big bp. But of course not having one I probably shouldn't be giving advice, right? LOL!

[First_time_herp]

6' bps? Holy cow, thats big.

[JLC]

6' bps are rare as hen's teeth! :wink:

[JamminJonah]

I got a male because even though you can state a measurement, they look much different in person you know? Females are larger than males but neither is unmanageable. And from what I have read Judy is right on - males are more likely to fast on you - especially during times of mating season etc. As a general rule though BP's are really chill and very unlikely to bite or strike at you mainly because they consider curling into a ball a defensive move and biting an offensive move- hence the American title of "Ball Python"- Europeans call them "Royal Pythons"... pretty huh So unless you smell like dinner BP's are not likely to bite at you... this means wash your hands before and after handling your snake and ESPECIALLY after handlinga prey item. It's just good to get into the habit of washing your hands before and after handling, also because of salmonella risk (snakes can carry salmonella)

EDIT: I need to read more closely haha Judy covered pretty much all of this. And if anyone has a 6 foot BP I would LOVE to see it b/c that is a pretty rare thing as others have already stated.