Lifespan of a Ball python; CBB vs. WC?

M2788 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 12:04 PM

Hello everyone; I have a question for all of the Ball python keepers on here that I am hoping I’ll finally find an answer to.

To give some background information; I have a Ball python named Apophis that I know for a fact is at least thirteen years old based on how long I've had him (which is why I generally list thirteen or over thirteen as his age when asked), however I was told from the dealer that I purchased him from all of those years ago that he was originally wild caught. He was an adult when I got him. I’ve consulted with my two reptile vets and several breeders over the years and they have estimated his actual current age to be somewhere in his mid teens to early twenties, which brings me to my question:

Does anyone know if there is any significant difference in the life expectancy between a captive bred Ball python and a wild caught? I have been searching for quite some time and unfortunately have been unable to find any solid data on the subject. I love this snake more than I can say and I hope to have him around for another 10-20 years or so, but I haven’t been very successful at finding any sound information in regards to how likely that will be.

Thanks in advance!

AGActaeonia · #2 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 12:22 PM

With no solid evidence to back up my opinion, I'm inclined to believe that a CB animal's lifespan would outdo that of a wild animal, even if the CB animal was given a flat feeding regimen and experienced no seasonal cycling, the captive environment is much more forgiving.

Despite the snake in questions WC-status, I would expect him to continue thriving on the premise that he's long since enjoyed captive care and been able to acclimate effectively enough that he's provided you with so many happy years.

Without statistics, I would expect a wild BP to live between 5 - 10 years. I would be impressed to learn one without human influence would make it passed 15. If this theory is off, then I admit I grossly underestimated the hardiness of wild Ball Pythons.

I doubt this was at all useful, what with no solid info simply my hearsay, but that is a very good question and I'd also like to know.

Rachel SS · #3 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 12:31 PM

with wild caught snakes there is a higher chance of them having parasites, disease, so on and so forth as everyone knows.... The stress from trying to acclimate them can be overwhelming to more "sensitive" species. I would say they would live a shorter life than a CBB.

But, I've also heard that most ball pythons are actually farmed in other countries and shipped here, so I guess that would make them wild as well.... hmm...

edit: I know this post doesn't answer your question. I guess I'm thinking out loud and curious to see what other people say also.

Breed and Feed · #4 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rachel SS

But, I've also heard that most ball pythons are actually farmed in other countries and shipped here, so I guess that would make them wild as well.... hmm...

Not really... a lot of baby ball pythons you find in pet shops etc are imports, but they were hatched in captivity from wild-caught gravid females (thats usually what farmed/ranched babies are). So while they are a step closer to wild caught than something you bred yourself, they were still in captivity their entire lives.

Anyways, I have heard of lots of ball pythons over 15 years old (one of mine is supposedly about 15 or 16 but that's based on what her previous owners told me so who really knows)

BlackLava · #5 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 07:10 PM

i believe someone told me about a wc ball python that was kept in a zoo lived at the zoo for something like 47 years? and since it was WC there is no telling how old he really was. i wish i could remember what zoo it was

i would love to know how true that statement was....

AGActaeonia · #6 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackLava

i believe someone told me about a wc ball python that was kept in a zoo lived at the zoo for something like 47 years? and since it was WC there is no telling how old he really was. i wish i could remember what zoo it was

i would love to know how true that statement was....

A zoo in Philadelphia, if I remember correctly. Whether or not it was WC, I don't recall... It was donated to the zoo in '45 as a young male, and yes, did live for 47 years, passing in 1992.

BlackLava · #7 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 07:18 PM

yes, thats the one!! that seems like the exception rather than the rule though for bp lifespans

and of course at the zoo, it will always get the best care, a specialized exotics vet at any little sign of illness, and a nice exhibit, so that prob paid a role in its long lifespan.

Breed and Feed · #8 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 07:20 PM

I'd also say that if your snake is still in good health and showing no signs of age limitations, then it will probably still be around for some time to come. You've obviously done a good job taking care of it so far

AGActaeonia · #9 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackLava

i believe someone told me about a wc ball python that was kept in a zoo lived at the zoo for something like 47 years? and since it was WC there is no telling how old he really was. i wish i could remember what zoo it was

i would love to know how true that statement was....

I've had all of mine since they were newborns... I look at them, surveying their antics, cherishing their every periscope-mode...

I can't imagine not having them around anymore, any of them. I have been extremely lucky that I've experienced absolutely zero health issues, been able to maintain the proper setups despite the stigmas attached.

I hope they set a record... Or I may just set a personal by crying myself to sleep for months. ;(

Haha.

Rachel SS · #10 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lizard of ozz

Not really... a lot of baby ball pythons you find in pet shops etc are imports, but they were hatched in captivity from wild-caught gravid females (thats usually what farmed/ranched babies are). So while they are a step closer to wild caught than something you bred yourself, they were still in captivity their entire lives.

That's kind of what I was getting at, but I thought that the females were kept in an area to breed and watched over, not that people went on a manhunt to find gravid females, it seems like that would take more time.

And that the females weren't given special treatment when they were gravid, people just left them alone and took their eggs when she popped 'em out.

M2788 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-13-2009, 02:48 AM

Thanks so much for all of the information so far everyone! I am hoping that my boy will be a record breaker as well; he probably has the best temperament out of any Ball python I’ve ever come across, and given how sweet they tend to be that is really saying something.

It is very interesting hearing about the Ball that lived 47 years; I will have to do some digging to find out if he was WC or not.

Thanks again!

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