Older ball python/feeding

Hi all, just curious of opinions on this.

A little background:
I got my first ball python in October 1994 when he was about a year old, just a guess based on size. The pet shop where I got him had no information. Well I still have him. He's somewhere between 24 and 25 years old now. Great pet! Normal BP. Honestly just always assumed he was a boy, but never sexed, so could be female. He/she is pretty big! Over 4 feet long and as of yesterday 2419 grams. Never had a health problem, only bit me once about 18 years ago. Eats like a champ! Been on medium rats every 7 to 10 days for the last 15 years or so.

So... I never worried about his weight, his size, as long as he shed, ate, pooped, maintained weight, it was all good. I never weighed him until a month ago. First time ever. October 4th he weighed 2220 grams. So I weigh him yesterday. 2419 grams. That was a day after he shed and pooped, no food for about 10 days. Yet he gained 200 grams in a month.

I'm just wondering, should I keep him on medium rats and maybe feed every 2 weeks? Should I just keep him on weekly mediums? Switch him to smalls? He seems healthy, content, just never really thought before that he's getting old and may need to lose weight... Curious of others opinions on this.

I'm not concerned, just curious and want to keep him healthy and happy for as long as possible.

Thanks

That is beyond impressive to have such a long lived BP! I would think that at that age the best thing is just to keep the routine you have had going. He has gone this long so why change anything?

You can post a couple pictures for people to see if he or she looks chubby. If not, no need to change what's already working for your 24 year old buddy. Congrats on your old friend!

That's kinda what I planned. I guess I was just surprised that he's still gaining weight. But, like I said I never paid attention to weight before. I'm going to weigh him monthly now and keep track. I just started expanding my collection this past year, so keeping better notes now just for fun and to monitor my other snakes.

I have a yearling female bumblebee BP that I got in April, and a 2 year old jungle carpet python that I just got a couple weeks ago.

Thanks for the response.

Trying to figure out how to post pics. Im on my phone. Guess I have to use a photo sharing site?

It could always just be fluctuations, especially with only two data points. Maybe he was extra thirsty that day, who knows? They also do still grow a bit through out their lives. Hope your exciting new acquisitions all live to be old men and old ladies.

Here's a recent pic. He actually got himself Tangled in this chair. Took me about 5 minutes to get him out lol.
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...0601307907.jpg

Such a pretty beep! Sounds like he's had a pleasant and long life so far :)!

Awwww, such a beautiful boop! Congrats on a long life with your buddy!

That's the first ball python that I've seen over 20 years old! About 25 years ago the very first ball python morph came into existence (Albino). Too bad that guy can't talk!

I'm not too sure that's a normal ball python, the pattern seems to be really reduced. 25 years ago that would have been a very interesting snake to prove out, could have been worth some big money back then when things were just starting. Back then babies were selling for $25,000 a pop for any co-dom morph! It almost looks like an Enchi to me.

As far as body condition I'd say he/she is a bit on the thin side compared to my snakes. My seven year old females are in the 3500 gram range. I'd say either maintain or increase the feeding a little bit. It still looks like a healthy weight, especially for such an old snake!

Here's a photo of a five year old Enchi for comparison, the reduce pattern looks very similar to what you have.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...af138860fc.jpg

I got him for $40 at a reptile store at the mall. They know nothing of his history. He was a jouvenile, but no age or other info. Morphs weren't really much of a thing back then in my experience and I didn't have the internet for research. He looked more "normal" when he was young. I will say though over the last 10 years he's faded quite a bit. Gotten more silvery gray than brown on his sides. I never had any interest in breeding or anything, so he was always just a pet.

Based on what y'all are saying and just cause it makes sense, I'll keep him on his 7 day medium rat schedule. It's working for him. I will get a monthly weight on him now though. Just to monitor.

I appreciate the responses all. Thanks.

I will take a few more pics and post too. I wish I had more (or really any) pics from when he was young. It was film back then, not digital LoL I lost a lot of photos over the years

Your snake is four years older than I am! What a beautiful boy. Best wishes for many more years!

Haha... When I got him I honestly didn't consider how long lived they could be. I'm nearly 50 years old now and I'm still expanding my collection of snakes. Luckily I have a good friend that's 15 years younger than me and we've agreed that he will get them when I'm too old to give them proper care. Anything I get at this point may outlive me LoL

Edited to add, I did know how long lived they can be.. I just never thought I'd be pushing 50 LoL

He looks good! Sounds like you're really on top of everything with the backup plan and all.