Female ball pythons can become aggressive after laying eggs.
The pros and cons of choosing a female ball python over a male generally center around size, habitat requirements, and chance of breeding. Females are usually larger and may also have more pronounced and defined patterns. This can make them immediately more attractive, but it also often requires a bit of extra work. In general, females require larger habitats with more places to hide and isolate; they also tend to eat more. Depending on the snake and how she was bred, live prey may be needed, which can be a concern for keepers. People interested in breeding pythons often choose females because of their ability to lay eggs. Fertile females typically produce between three and 11 eggs in each reproductive cycle, and there may be two or three such cycles each year. However, perhaps because of this, women are often considered more aggressive than men. Both are considered docile, but especially after egg-laying, females tend to be more sensitive and more likely to bite or attack. Making the best choice usually requires a balance of several factors, plus a bit of research on the species as a whole.
Understanding the snake in general
Pythons can eat mice.
The ball python is a breed of snake recognized for its striking colors and patterns. It is native to many parts of central Africa, but is a common pet around the world thanks to its generally small size, at least compared to other snakes of similar coloration and origin, and its non-venomous and non-aggressive nature. Ball pythons typically grow to between four and six feet (1.22 to 1.83 meters) in length. It is common for the female to be slightly longer and wider than the male at maturity, but this is not considered a very large snake either.
All pythons are generally easy to care for and are non-venomous.
When threatened, these snakes usually curl up into a ball or coil their bodies to protect themselves, hence their name. In most cases, they only attack if the attacker constantly provokes them. The female ball python is generally no more or less aggressive than a male, unless she is protecting her eggs. In general, aggression often varies from snake to snake rather than being determined by sex.
Color and size considerations
Many snake owners see the female’s bolder and more conspicuous patterns as one of the biggest advantages. Like most domestic snakes, ball pythons are often kept for the pleasure of their owners. While the snake’s personality is often the most important part of a good bond with the snake’s owner, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to discern at the time of purchase. When given a choice, buyers often choose the woman for aesthetic reasons.
This does not mean that men are stupid; their pattern is generally the same, but tends to be less pronounced and not always as vibrant. Males also tend to be smaller. This can be a pro or a con, depending on the circumstances. In general, these snakes are already at the lower end of the spectrum of African breeds sold in the country; sometimes people want them because they are more compact; in that case, a man can be the best. Someone who wants to show off a larger, more powerful-looking snake might be better served with a female.
required habitat
With size comes habitat considerations. Ball pythons, whether male or female, tend to be very intimate creatures that need a lot of “alone time” to hide. Experts often recommend providing a tank or terrarium for the snakes to live in, and females often need a little more space than males. Particularly if owners are expecting eggs, tunnels and burrows are really important, and more often than not owners will need multiple options to ensure the snake stays comfortable and doesn’t become stressed.
Aggressiveness
The aggressiveness of the female snake is usually a con, but in most cases this temperament reaches its peak during breeding. Females tend to be very protective of their nests and eggs, and are often more sensitive to handling and contact when the eggs are also on their way. Homeowners who can anticipate this often find it to be very doable.
Importance of the source
Most generalized pros and cons report the ball python in general, regardless of gender. They tend to be picky eaters, especially when caught in the wild, usually requiring live prey rather than pre-frozen or slaughtered food. Some owners try to avoid this by purchasing a captive-bred baby python and starting with pre-frozen mice right away to ensure they are eaten.
Wild-caught snakes may also be subject to more health problems, particularly when it comes to parasites and stress. In general, snakes of any variety should only be purchased from reputable breeders who have a history of keeping animals healthy and humane breeding practices.