Katie, I can understand your mom's nervousness. She likely hears the word "python" and envisions the thing growing 10 feet long. Please assure her that most male ball pythons don't get much more than 3 or 4 feet in length and the females anywhere from 4 to 6 feet (6 footers being pretty rare from what I've seen). Our largest female BP is 5 feet long and weighs about 7 lbs but she's considerably bigger than the majority of our mature females.

Here's a picture of my husband holding that snake (her name is Brannagh, she's a bit bigger now than in this picture but remember she's quite a good sized female BP)....



If there is a concern about size I'd really recommend you purchase a nice normal (non-morph) male ball python. He will very likely stay smaller than a female would. These males aren't needed much by breeders so they generally are sold very reasonably priced and even with shipping won't be much more than a pet store ball python, sometimes even less considering the ridiculous price most pet stores put on their bps.

Since you are new to ball pythons you want to avoid problems and unfortunately a lot of pet stores sell recently imported baby bps that may never have eaten, may have internal parasites and generally are just not in great shape.

We have many breeders here, big and small, that could perhaps assist you in picking out a lovely male 2008 ball python. They'll be able to provide you with information about him such as his hatching date and weight, what he eats, how he eats, his whole history basically from the time he was in the egg. This really is a better way for a younger person or anyone who hasn't owned a ball python to start out I think.

I have a lovely 08 normal male BP that I would have offered you but funny enough he's being adopted by my own daughter, Katie. LOL I know though that this site's membership would be pleased to help you find a reputable breeder with the perfect snake for you. Also please don't hesitate to encourage your mom to read threads here or contact any of our bpnet veterans or staff if she has concerns that she would like addressed about you owning a ball python.