As a snake ages, its symmetry changes. If you are looking purely for a pet ball python than a normal non morph male will be your best bang for the buck. Many top breeders have a number of normal males for sale and even with shipping they will be a much better snake for someone new to snake keeping. Does a ball python bite hurt? You will probably feel the effects of a python bite because it can cause scratches, puncture wounds, bruising, and even possibly deeper internal damage.
These bites may be painful during the bite and as your injuries heal. Snakes will grow in size regardless of their habitat, as long as they have access to the correct diet and climate.
However, some snakes exhibit stress when in a tank that is too large or too small. An adult Ball Python measure 3 to 5 feet long and weigh 1, to 2, grams. However, those who are fed and grown on a slow schedule, might not reach this milestone until 4 or 5 years of age. Snakes grow really fast. Opt for a terrarium that will be large enough for your breed of snake. Small snakes should be placed in a terrarium that is gallons large in size and for other species such as king snakes the structure should be approximately gallons.
Most snakes do not need much space. Ammonia: Snakes dislike the odor of ammonia so one option is to spray it around any affected areas. Another option is to soak a rug in ammonia and place it in an unsealed bag near any areas inhabited by snakes to deter them away. What scents do snakes dislike? Boas usually live for 25 to over 50 years. Many colubrids have a life span of between 15 and 25 years and smaller species live for 5 to 10 years.
There are around 3, different types of snakes with the widest variety of adaptations and specialisations. You can distinguish some young snakes from the adult animal by both their size and pattern. Young animals are often coloured differently to adults — this special colouration is called juvenile colouration. Snakes from the little known Xenopeltidae family with only two species even lose and grow new teeth, just like we do. There can also be differences between young and old animals in terms of diet.
Size plays a role, of course — a small snake eats smaller prey such as mice and a large, adult snake is more likely to eat rats. Larger snakes can weigh as much as seven pounds. Babies hatch at only 10 to 17 inches long. This may seem small, but these hatchlings burst into the world ready to eat their way to adulthood. Both sexes grow at a nearly identical rate for the first six months, after that females begin to grow roughly 1.
When compared to other pet snakes this species is classified as medium-sized. Ball Pythons have a thick, stocky body shape because of their weight. Adult males are slimmer and weigh between two to three pounds, but females are much heavier and will pack on weight.
They have a more rounded, full body. This body condition is directly linked to their ability to produce offspring. These snakes are sedentary and have a slow metabolism, this makes it easy for them to put on weight quickly. Enclosure enrichment and feeding schedules are important to stop them from becoming obese. Females can become overweight quickly if not monitored.
The following is a weight to age chart for an average Ball python. Ball pythons grow at different rates depending on how often you feed them. The following is only average and may vary. If you have concerns please seek out a competent vet.
The growth rate of a snake is calculated by measuring the total size gained within a year, but what does this mean for your pet? The natural growth rate of a Ball Python is different for males and females. Females have a growth rate of nearly 1. A female grows at nearly one foot per year for the first four years.
After four years her growth will typically slow until it plateaus at around five years old. On the other hand, males will grow eight inches per year until they reach sexual maturity at three. Researchers discovered that females are hatched with a higher postnatal growth rate. This means that they start growing faster than males within three months of hatching.
As they age this becomes very clear. All ball pythons are hatched at 10 to 17 inches long. With a consistent feeding schedule, females will reach four to five feet long in five years. Males typically only reach 2. After reaching three, their growth rate slows down considerably. At roughly three years, females can be up to a foot longer than males. Weighing your snake is very important, especially during the first three years.
It will help you to track their growth, keep them within a healthy weight range and stop obesity. If your snake is growing faster than the charts below, make sure your tank setup and husbandry is correct and that your feeding schedule is appropriate for their age.
As long as your ball python keeps a healthy body condition, it is okay for them to be heavier than normal. Just make sure they do not put on weight too fast and become obese. A healthy body condition looks at the overall girth i.
To judge body condition, lay your snake down with the tail towards you and look at the shape of the thickest part of the body:. Choosing prey based on the size of your ball python is very important.
It is one of the most important things a keeper can do. It will help to ensure your snake has a healthy growth rate and will prevent obesity. Juveniles and adults should have more time between feeding.
This allows them to grow without gaining too much weight. If you feed your snake at a fast pace, they will grow faster, but they become at risk of becoming overweight.
If your snake is on the smaller size , you may need to feed smaller prey items for longer. Females that are being prepared to breed may be fed more.
The diet schedules below outline the best feeding guidelines for your snake using either mice or rats. Feeding guidelines can be adjusted depending on the body condition of your snake. To judge this, you need to know the signs of being underweight or overweight. An underweight Ball Python will have a triangular body shape with a sharp spine shape.
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