is my ball python the right size for his age?

[angelita_marie]

I just bought a ball python he or she (not sure yet) is about four years old. I've been searching the web and he looks to be a lot smaller compared to others. Do they all have different sizes or a general size for there age? New to snakes, just trying to learn all I can about him.

[WmHrbst]

It really depends on the animal. Males typically will be smaller in terms of weight than females but once again it depends on the individual animal. I have some males that are 3 years old and weigh no more then 900 grams, while some females are 2 years old and weigh 2000 grams.

Do you have an idea of the weight of the animal?

[angelita_marie]

I haven't really handled him yet. Got him yesterday trying to wait three days to let him get comfortable. I'm probably more scared than he is lbs we just look at each other right now .. He's about 48 inches long and no thicker than my two thumbs together.. Closest measurements I got lol

[I-KandyReptiles]

If you just got him, it's generally a good idea to wait a week before handling. Of course, in this time you should still be cleaning the cage, etc.

Like it was said, it would be near impossible to know/guess age as every snake is different.

I have two females that are the same age and one is 2500g and the other is 1200g.


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[DennisM]

I haven't really handled him yet. Got him yesterday trying to wait three days to let him get comfortable. I'm probably more scared than he is lbs we just look at each other right now .. He's about 48 inches long and no thicker than my two thumbs together.. Closest measurements I got lol

Unless you have very large thumbs I'm thinking he's underweight for a 4 footer. Pics would be helpful

[angllady2]

The best way to gauge is his body condition. Is he plump and round ? Or does his spine show prominently making him look triangular ? If he's just a touch thin, that can easily be fixed with a few good meals. Unless he is scary thin, it's nothing to worry about. Some ball pythons are long and lean, some are short and fat. Both types can be completely healthy. I have a long, lean female. She's mature and healthy, but compared to some of my others she looks terribly thin. I also have a girl who is a good 12 - 14" smaller than the others I own the same age, but she is round and thick. She'd get overweight very easily if I wasn't careful.

For the most part, body condition is the most reliable method of judging health.

Gale