the average is between 20 and 30 years . some do live much longer though . the record is some where in the mid 40's i believe . it was a specimen at a zoo somewhere .

there are alot of people that get a snake (of any kind) and after a few years or even less get bored with it and get rid of it . there are also alot of people who keep there snakes for the life of the animal .

ball pythons in my opinion are great animals to keep as nondomastic pets . if someone is willing to take proper care of them they thrive in captivity . most of them are extremely docile and adjust to being handled readily . thats just my 2 cents though .