I was offered a BP today.

[volcom2772]

My dad's neighbor overheard me telling my dad that I was planning on getting a snake and he offered me his sons. The snake is in a 10g with a UTH. I feel so bad for the snake cause it looks like the cage wasn't cleaned for like 3 months. The hide is in the middle of the cage and the snake is all coiled up right under the pad. I haven't taken it yet b/c I don't know much about BP's and afraid it's going to get to big. I've seen pics of those big bp's and I don't want one that big. Do they generally get 5ft+?

-Thanks

[mainbutter]

5 foot is definitely approaching max size for big BP. Once in a blue moon a 10+ year old female might get to 6 foot.. I have seen one BP just over 6 foot.. Many BPs top out in the 4 1/2 foot-5 foot range.

I do NOT consider BPs a big snake, I know they have that scary "python" word in their name, but even a big BP isn't a big snake. Heck, I would hardly consider them a "medium" sized snake, but that's just me and I know everyone has their own opinions.

I can assure you that size and temperment should be no concerns with BPs in general.. but if you need to see for yourself to make sure, just google "ball python" and look at images of people holding them, and see if they are too big for you to be comfortable with.

[snakelady]

Don't let the 4-5 feet thing scare you off. Balls have a way of seeming smaller than they are. At least I think so.
Maybe because they like to ball up? Maybe because they are typically shy?
Also if it's a male, they stay much smaller than the females, especially in girth.


This forum can help you with all your husbandry questions.

[Ladydragon]

I say go for it. You'll be glad you did. As I'm sure you know there is plenty of information on this forum, so you can always search for your answers or ask them.

They just look "big" because they are a heavy bodied snake, compared to lets say a corn snake or garter snake. let us know what you decide.

[dsirkle]

If you really want one that would be a great opportunity for you. Before I owned them I viewed them as huge.

[volcom2772]

Okay, thank you all for the replies. I'm pretty sure I'll take it. My mom said I could get a corn but now I have to ask if I can get a bp