<P> Females are oviparous , with 3 to 11 rather large , leathery eggs being laid ( four to six are most common ) . These are incubated by the female under the ground ( via a shivering motion ) , and hatch after 55 to 60 days . Sexual maturity is reached at 11 -- 18 months for males , and 20 -- 36 months for females . Age is only one factor in determining sexual maturity and ability to breed ; weight is the second factor . Males breed at 600 g or more , but in captivity are often not bred until they are 800 g ( 1.7 lb ) , although in captivity , some males have been known to begin breeding at 300 -- 400 g . Females breed in the wild at weights as low as 800 g though 1200 g or more in weight is most common ; in captivity , breeders generally wait until they are no less than 1500 g ( 3.3 lb ) . Parental care of the eggs ends once they hatch , and the female leaves the offspring to fend for themselves . </P>
<P> Females are oviparous , with 3 to 11 rather large , leathery eggs being laid ( four to six are most common ) . These are incubated by the female under the ground ( via a shivering motion ) , and hatch after 55 to 60 days . Sexual maturity is reached at 11 -- 18 months for males , and 20 -- 36 months for females . Age is only one factor in determining sexual maturity and ability to breed ; weight is the second factor . Males breed at 600 g or more , but in captivity are often not bred until they are 800 g ( 1.7 lb ) , although in captivity , some males have been known to begin breeding at 300 -- 400 g . Females breed in the wild at weights as low as 800 g though 1200 g or more in weight is most common ; in captivity , breeders generally wait until they are no less than 1500 g ( 3.3 lb ) . Parental care of the eggs ends once they hatch , and the female leaves the offspring to fend for themselves . </P>
how old is a full grown ball python
how old is a full grown ball python
at 11 -- 18 months for males , and 20 -- 36 months for females
at 11 -- 18 months for males , and 20 -- 36 months for females