They grow like weeds dont they!

[David802]

I was just curious as to how fast a ball python grows, how many months does it take for a baby ball to grow a foot, and how big does it get from baby to adult? ( I know the average female is 5feet or so) I'd prefer the answer be about females since thats what I have and since they get so much bigger then males. Do they grow really fast as they mature and then stop like humans do? or is it more of a reduction in growth after adulthood, but they never actually stop. Just a few questions I was curious about, I've had my ball for 3 weeks thursday and she already seems bigger then the day I got her.

[Elise.m]

They grow pretty fast in the first year, unless you have a slow eater. But, they all grow at their own rate.

They reach adulthood at 2 years old. I've heard after that, the growing doesn't stop, but slows down alot. But I don't have an adult myself, so I can't speak from experience.

[Freakie_frog]

they sure can here's an example of a great growing animal.
Hatched 10-?-2008
Fed every week with out fail one small rat..
460 grams on 3-21-2009


Same snake on 11-14-2010 at 1500 grams..still one small rat a week every week with out fail


She is now pushing 1800+ grams and is almost 2 years old..

[ALTownsend1]

they sure can here's an example of a great growing animal.
Hatched 10-?-2008
Fed every week with out fail one small rat..
460 grams on 3-21-2009


Same snake on 11-14-2007 at 1500 grams..still one small rat a week every week with out fail


She is now pushing 1800+ grams and is almost 2 years old..

I can honestly say I've never seen a bee that I, personally, find to be more attractive. Bravo

[Kaorte]

Freaky, How is it that you hatch a snake in 2008, and in 2007 it becomes two years old and 1800 grams?


OP: There is no set growth pattern for ball pythons. Some will grow very slowly, some will just explode and become full grown in a year. I find that after about 2 years their growth significantly slows. They will still grow, but not as much and not as fast as when they were smaller.

Also, it is more common to refer to a snakes growth in weight rather than length. Length is an awfully hard measurement to take and can be pretty inaccurate. Weight is always accurate and easy to measure

[Freakie_frog]

Freaky, How is it that you hatch a snake in 2008, and in 2007 it becomes two years old and 1800 grams?

Thats me and my mad typing skills at work again.. LOL

[David802]

Freaky, How is it that you hatch a snake in 2008, and in 2007 it becomes two years old and 1800 grams?


OP: There is no set growth pattern for ball pythons. Some will grow very slowly, some will just explode and become full grown in a year. I find that after about 2 years their growth significantly slows. They will still grow, but not as much and not as fast as when they were smaller.

Also, it is more common to refer to a snakes growth in weight rather than length. Length is an awfully hard measurement to take and can be pretty inaccurate. Weight is always accurate and easy to measure

LOL I always wondered why it was done in weight, but now that I think about it, it does seem like a no drainer. LOL


@ freakie_frog ! that is one of the most beautiful balls I've ever seen! not like I've seen a ton but that is a beauty right there

[boafa]

I know time flies except when you have a gravid snake.....but is it already 11/14/2010........

[mommanessy247]

wow those are some awesome colors on that snake!