Males stay pretty small, if that helps you any on your quest to own a ball python

If youre looking for a pet only snake, a BP would be a good first bet! Theyre docile, dont require too much in the way of expenses. ( Set up the enclosure right the first time, and you dont really have to worry about much!)

To Mom, your kid here is showing GREAT resourcefulness for researching a pet BEFORE they get one! Sounds to me like they are on the right track to owning a pet snake and doing it responsibly! I say, give them the OK once you feel they have learned enough to properly care for one of these animals