If you’re looking for a pet snake, you may be considering a Burmese python or a ball python. While both of these pythons can make wonderful pets, they have some important differences that you should be aware of before making your decision. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the Burmese python and the ball python, so that you can make an informed choice about which one is right for you.
| Burmese Python | Ball Python |
|---|---|
| Larger than the ball python | Smallest of the African pythons |
| Can grow up to 20 feet in length | Can reach up to 5 feet in length |
| Typically found in Southeast Asia | Typically found in Central and Western Africa |
| Has more of a triangular head | Has more of an oval head |
| Has a yellow/brown body with large dark patches | Has a brown body with numerous small dark spots |
Burmese Python Vs Ball Python: Comparison Chart
| Burmese Python | Ball Python |
|---|---|
| Size | Size |
| Can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh up to 200 lbs. | Typically grows to a length of 3 to 5 feet long and weighs 2 to 3 lbs. |
| Coloring | Coloring |
| Has a dark brown, yellow, and tan patterned body. | Typically has a pattern of black and brown spots on a light yellow background. |
| Behavior | Behavior |
| Very aggressive and can be dangerous to humans. | Generally docile and docile; can be handled safely while they are young, but they become increasingly aggressive as they age. |
| Diet | Diet |
| Primarily carnivorous, feeding on small mammals, birds, and other reptiles. | Primarily carnivorous, but also eats small rodents and reptiles. |
| Habitat | Habitat |
| Native to Southeast Asia and India, but can be found in many parts of the world, including the United States. | Native to Africa, but can also be found in many parts of the world, including the United States. |
Burmese Python vs Ball Python
Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) and Ball pythons (Python regius) are two species of python which are commonly kept as pets. Both species are native to Africa and are non-venomous and easy to handle. Although they have many similarities, there are some key differences between them which are important to consider when deciding which species to keep as a pet.
Physical Appearance
Burmese pythons are typically larger than Ball pythons, growing up to 20 feet in length in comparison to the Ball python’s average length of around 4 feet. Burmese pythons are typically a dark brown color, with a pattern of lighter brown or yellow spots, while Ball pythons can have a variety of colors, from yellow to black. Both species have a triangular shaped head and a long, muscular body.
Burmese pythons are the heavier of the two species, weighing up to 200 pounds, while Ball pythons rarely exceed 10 pounds. Burmese pythons have longer tails in comparison to Ball pythons, and their scales are coarser and less smooth.
Burmese pythons have a more aggressive temperament than Ball pythons, and may strike or bite out of fear or aggression. Ball pythons are typically more docile, and rarely bite unless they feel threatened.
Habitat
Burmese pythons are found primarily in the tropical forests and river deltas of Southeast Asia, while Ball pythons are found in the savannahs, grasslands, and rainforests of Central and Western Africa.
Burmese pythons prefer to live in a warm and humid environment, while Ball pythons prefer a cooler and more arid environment. Both species prefer to hide in hollow logs and other natural shelters during the day, and hunt at night.
Burmese pythons are excellent swimmers and can be found near lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water, while Ball pythons are more terrestrial and spend most of their time on the ground.
Diet
Burmese pythons are carnivorous, with a diet consisting mainly of rodents, birds, and other small mammals. They are also known to eat fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Ball pythons are opportunistic carnivores and mainly feed on rodents, but they will also eat birds, lizards, and other small animals.
Burmese pythons prefer to hunt live prey, while Ball pythons will take both live and pre-killed prey. Both species will swallow their prey whole, and can consume animals that are up to half their own body size.
Burmese pythons have a higher metabolism than Ball pythons, and as a result, require more frequent meals. Ball pythons can survive for months without food, while Burmese pythons should be fed at least once a week.
Lifespan
Burmese pythons typically live for around 15 years in captivity, while Ball pythons can live for up to 30 years. Both species can live longer if they are provided with the proper care and diet.
Burmese pythons grow quickly and can reach their full size in as little as two years, while Ball pythons take four to five years to reach their full size. Burmese pythons also reach sexual maturity faster, with females reaching maturity in as little as four years, while Ball pythons take up to six years.
Both species are slow-growing and require plenty of space and a stable environment to thrive. They are also long-lived animals, and should not be taken on lightly.
Care Requirements
Burmese pythons require a large enclosure, with a temperature gradient of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity level between 50-80%. They should be provided with plenty of hiding places and a large water bowl for soaking and swimming.
Ball pythons require an enclosure with a temperature gradient of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity level between 50-70%. They should also be provided with plenty of hiding places and a large water bowl for soaking and swimming.
Both species should be given a varied diet of rodents, birds, and other small animals. Burmese pythons should be fed at least once a week, while Ball pythons can be fed every two to three weeks. Both species should have their enclosures cleaned regularly to prevent the spread of disease.
Behavior
Burmese pythons are usually more active and can be aggressive if startled or threatened. They are also more likely to escape from their enclosures than Ball pythons. Ball pythons are generally more docile and are less likely to try to escape.
Both species are solitary animals, and should not be kept together in the same enclosure. They should also not be handled too frequently, as it can cause them stress.
Burmese pythons are more active during the day, while Ball pythons are more active at night. Both species are generally docile and can be handled with care if they are used to human interaction.
Burmese Python Vs Ball Python Pros & Cons
Pros of Burmese Pythons
- They are quite large, making them impressive.
- They are often considered to be more attractive than ball pythons.
- They are incredibly hardy and can take a lot of handling.
Cons of Burmese Pythons
- They require a large enclosure.
- They can be very aggressive and difficult to handle.
- They have been known to be carriers of salmonella.
Pros of Ball Pythons
- They are smaller than Burmese pythons, making them more manageable.
- They are generally more docile and can be handled more easily.
- They are less likely to carry salmonella than Burmese pythons.
Cons of Ball Pythons
- They require a smaller enclosure than Burmese pythons.
- They are not as hardy as Burmese pythons and can be more easily stressed.
- They are not as impressive to look at as Burmese pythons.
Which is Better – Burmese Python vs Ball Python?
When it comes to choosing between a Burmese Python and a Ball Python, there are several factors to consider. Both snakes are beautiful and exotic, but each has its own unique characteristics that can make one more appealing than the other.
Burmese Pythons are larger, faster, and more active than the Ball Python, making them a good choice for experienced snake owners. They are also more resistant to disease than Ball Pythons, and require a larger habitat. However, they also require more maintenance and can be more aggressive than Ball Pythons.
Ball Pythons are smaller, calmer, and less active than the Burmese Python. They are also easier to care for and require less space than the Burmese Python. Ball Pythons also tend to be less expensive, which makes them a more accessible pet for many people.
It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. The following list outlines a few of the advantages of each type of snake:
- Burmese Python: Larger size, faster, more active, and more resistant to disease.
- Ball Python: Smaller size, calmer, easier to care for, and less expensive.
Ultimately, the decision of which is better – Burmese Python vs Ball Python – comes down to personal preference. Both snakes are beautiful and exotic, but their individual characteristics may make one more suitable for your lifestyle than the other.
Frequently Asked Questions: Burmese Python Vs Ball Python
What is the difference between a Burmese Python and a Ball Python?
Burmese Python vs Ball Python
The two most commonly kept species of pythons are the Burmese Python and the Ball Python. Both species are found in the wild, but they have some distinct differences that can help you distinguish one from the other. The Burmese Python is a large snake, reaching lengths of up to 18 feet. They are native to Southeast Asia, and have become invasive species in the United States. The Ball Python, on the other hand, is a much smaller snake, reaching lengths of up to 5 feet. They are native to West and Central Africa and are one of the most popular pet snakes in the world.
The biggest difference between these two species is their temperament. Burmese pythons are usually more aggressive and can be more difficult to handle than ball pythons. Ball pythons are generally more docile and easy to handle, making them a better choice for beginners. They are also much less likely to bite than Burmese pythons.
What is the natural habitat of a Burmese Python?
The Burmese Python is native to Southeast Asia and lives in a variety of habitats such as jungles, swamps, marshes, and forests. They are semi-aquatic and can be found near bodies of water, such as rivers and lakes. They are also found in dry areas and can often be found basking in the sun on branches and rocks.
Burmese pythons are excellent swimmers and can stay submerged for up to 30 minutes at a time. They are also excellent climbers and are able to climb up trees and other surfaces. They are also very strong and can easily overpower prey.
What is the natural habitat of a Ball Python?
The Ball Python is native to West and Central Africa and is typically found in grasslands, scrublands, and forests. They prefer areas with plenty of vegetation and are often found near bodies of water, such as rivers and streams.
Ball pythons are not as strong swimmers as the Burmese python and are usually found basking on rocks and branches. They are also excellent climbers and can easily climb up trees and other surfaces. They are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night.
What is the average lifespan of a Burmese Python?
The average lifespan of a Burmese Python is around 20-30 years in captivity. In the wild, their lifespan is much shorter due to predation and other factors. With proper care and a healthy diet, a Burmese Python can live for many years in captivity.
Burmese pythons can grow very large and will require a large enclosure to accommodate them. They should also be provided with a variety of items to climb and hide in, as well as a water dish to soak in. They should also be provided with a diet of rodents and other prey items.
What is the average lifespan of a Ball Python?
The average lifespan of a Ball Python is around 20-30 years in captivity. In the wild, their lifespan is much shorter due to predation and other factors. With proper care and a healthy diet, a Ball Python can live for many years in captivity.
Ball pythons do not require nearly as much space as a Burmese Python and can be kept in a smaller enclosure. They should still be provided with items to climb and hide in, as well as a water dish to soak in. They should also be provided with a variety of rodents and other prey items.
Can a Burmese Python and a Ball Python be kept together?
No, it is not recommended to keep a Burmese Python and a Ball Python together in the same enclosure. Even though they are both pythons, they have very different temperaments and this can cause aggression and stress between the two snakes.
It is also important to consider the size difference between the two species. A Burmese Python can reach lengths of up to 18 feet, while a Ball Python typically reaches lengths of up to 5 feet. This size difference can also cause stress and aggression between the two snakes.
For these reasons, it is not recommended to keep these two species together in the same enclosure.
Differences between a Ball and Burmese python! PLUS FEEDING TICKTOK! (Rescued Ball Python)
The Burmese python and the ball python are two of the most popular snakes in the pet trade. Both of these species have unique characteristics that make them ideal for captivity, but they also have some differences that should be taken into consideration when choosing the right species for your situation. Both species are beautiful and can provide years of enjoyment and companionship, but the Burmese python may be more suited for those who are looking for a larger and more active pet. On the other hand, the ball python may be the better choice for those who are looking for a more docile and manageable pet snake. Whichever species you choose, you’ll be getting a fascinating and rewarding exotic pet.
