Hi what are the diementions needed for a fully grown ball python? And what size do ball pythons get to.
Thanks ben

A 20 gal tank can house an adult, but I would recomend an even larger. Balls generally get up to 4 feet in length though 5 feet can be possible.

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Ken
" The United States Marine Corps......sure we are a department of the Navy,,,,,,we're the MENS department "

Many males don't get to be much bigger than 4 ft and a very large ball female would be 5 to 6ft, although 6 ft is rare. You can expect an average size to be between 3 and 4 ft long...... as with alot of terrestrial species the cage should be at least half the snake's length and around 1.5 to 2 ft wide. Height is not really an issue but I regularly see balls climbing..its probably better to keep the cage size as close to this as possible as too big of a cage I find isn't great for balls.. they are very shy and need a nice dark hide at each end of the viv. A small dark viv seems perfect although not crowded and with space for the python to move. Keep in mind that a baby will require a much smaller cage, about the size of 10-20 gallons.

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chris

An adult female can top out at 6ft but these are rare. for the most part expect a BP to reach 4-5 ft.
The minimum suggested tank size for an adult ball python is a 20 long though a bit bigger would be better. I keep my pair in a 55 gallon in my living room. I am personally not a subscriber to the idea that a small ball python has to be in a small enclosure. I have never seen any evidence that these animals will suffer if not kept cooped up in a small tank. Now if the larger tank is basicly bare with just a hide and a water bowl without suitable cover through out the tank it could concievably stress them being forced to be exposed out in the open.These animals did not evolve in an aquarium! As long as there is plenty of cover for them to feel secure and easy access to water a larger tank will do just fine. It will also make it easier to establish a thermal gradient.
As for BPs being shy,... perhaps at first.
My pair is out and moving all over the tank every evening no matter who is in the room or what is going on!

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Hi. Not sure who is right, some say that bigger enclosure is ok but others say too big is not good. Assuming that I have plenty of hides etc., is 4 feet by 20 inches by 20 inches too big for an adult? Mine is a baby now in a 20 gallon but I have an oportunity to get a cage that size now for a cheap price.

Anthony that will be fine. Mine are in a 55 gal tank and when they are out at night they use every inch of it!

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

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chris

merlin, yours are in 55 gallon tank, does that mean you have more than one in one tank? Or that you have a few tanks? I didn't think it was a good idea to house them together?

Oh I have a few tanks! The BPs are the only ones that share a tank. However they are taken out and fed seperately
Mine have been together since they were hatchlings without problem.
They are always together and if one is out the other cruises looking for it. But they are male and female. I have heard that males don't do well together and may engage in combat.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!