I'm no expert on Burms either (& I'm sure I know less than you about them), so this is just my opinion- take it for what it's worth, & not the "last word".
I'd agree it seems unlikely that he's a hybrid- & I hadn't realized that a burm-ball is actually a thing now. Also, he might stay on the small size for a burm, but still easily be over 7'-
Sure looks like a Burm & like your friend, I'd be afraid that he's just a slow-grower. Considering that snakes can live a long time & grow their whole life, she may have some happy years with him but ultimately even that much more heartbreak if (once) he gets too big for her to deal with. It's a gamble at best- he might have some odd genetics & never get full-sized (some chance she'll get lucky?), & in the years to come if she keeps him, she can keep a lookout for someone to re-home him to once he gets too big for her- & maybe even be able to visit him with his future owner-?
She hasn't had him very long (not long enough to judge his growth rate) so maybe if she keeps him a little longer, she'll have a better idea of what she's up against. And as he grows, his personality might evolve some too, & make her happier to re-home him...
Taking in rescues sure can tear at your heart- I know all about ambivalence.
My best suggestion is for her to talk with anyone that's breeding or working with burm-ball hybrids- or even just with burms? I think THEIR opinion would help tremendously as to what this snake is & what he'll become.
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