Has Anybody Actually Kept a Python or Boa For It's Entire Lifespan?

And I'm not talking about institutions such as zoos...privately held snakes only. It seems like quite a few people either drift in and out of the hobby, their boa or python dies for one reason or another, the snake is given away due to lack of interest anymore, people let them go in the everglades, they give them away because they become too large, they trade them for another species, etc.

But is anybody here actually old enough to claim that they have kept a boa or python from juvenile phase all the way up into their 20 plus years? If so, was cause of death determined?

For instance, I had a Burmese for years and ended up giving him away due to size. If I would have kept him by now he would be about 23 years old...probably deceased by now.

Just wondering...

I got my BP in 1993 as an adult, and he's still alive. Im guessing he's at least 18 yrs old. I hope to keep him for the rest of his life.

That's the oldest thus far...probably the oldest I have heard of in private captivity by the same person.

I have have a male that I bought back in August of 1998 that was already and adult then I have really no idea how old he is but he is the largest ball that I have ever seen as I keep him a 40 Long aquarium and when he stretches out he is from one end to the other and at least half way arounf the end so he is between 4 and 5 ft long. If I knew how to post a pic I would get one of him all stretched out.

host them on photobucket

then post the [IMG] link

Here is the link. Of course he wouldnt stretch out for the pic.
I will try to get a better one and post that link too.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/l...B_2008/001.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mrmertz

And I'm not talking about institutions such as zoos...privately held snakes only. It seems like quite a few people either drift in and out of the hobby, their boa or python dies for one reason or another, the snake is given away due to lack of interest anymore, people let them go in the everglades, they give them away because they become too large, they trade them for another species, etc.

But is anybody here actually old enough to claim that they have kept a boa or python from juvenile phase all the way up into their 20 plus years? If so, was cause of death determined?

For instance, I had a Burmese for years and ended up giving him away due to size. If I would have kept him by now he would be about 23 years old...probably deceased by now.

Just wondering...

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Not a boa or python but:

My first snake was a hognose - I had him until he died of old age after 17 years of ownership.

I have several snakes that are in the 5 to 7 year old range. My current oldest snake is a black tailed cribo who has been with us for 12 years.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RandyB

Here is the link. Of course he wouldnt stretch out for the pic.
I will try to get a better one and post that link too.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/l...B_2008/001.jpg

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I'd love to see a picture of you or someone holding him up so that we can see him next to a human.

I was given a snow corn when i was about 5, It was not a baby. Kept it till i was 21, then sadly he passed. 16 yerrrrs

I'm working on it.

As a personal pledge, I kept back a normal female from my FIRST EVER clutch. So far so good :)

I've also had animals come in to me from other people who have had them for 10+ years. Those snakes are still doing well, and I believe (although not positive) that the oldest animal I own is around 20-something years old. I do not intend to let her out of my sight.

Adam of 8 ball pythons mentioned that his original ball python died of natural causes (old age) a few years ago.. I dunno where the exact post is, but I think he said she was about 26 and had been an adult when he got her.

I plan on keeping Issa (who I've had for about 4 years now, got him as a baby) until he passes from old age.