I breed Ball Pythons and kept ferrets in the same room for years with
no issue. And I know plenty of other breeders and snake keepers who own
ferrets as well. Honestly, I'm more worried about the ferrets killing
the snakes than the other way around.

Ball Pythons are indeed a smaller species of python. They only get
about 5 feet at the very max, but most won't even reach that length.
My adults are about the width of a 8-16oz water bottle. My absolute
largest is about the width of a soda can and she is at the higher end
of the size spectrum.

A Ball Python will never eat or attack a ferret. *FACT*

1) They will never be large enough to eat a ferret. African Soft Furred
Rats, which is their natural prey in the wild are as large as a 'small'
domesticated rat . Or around 100-150grams. I feed my adult ball pythons
a small rat weekly. A medium rat would be the max appropriate size for
the really big girls. (Funny enough, my ferrets eat whole prey larger
than that)

2) They imprint on food. They are very picky eaters. They wouldn't
recognize ferrets as prey. They often have issues with eating normal
rats and mice because they are so picky.

3) If alarmed or frightened, they will not constrict a ferret or
anything for the matter. They ball up in defense or flee rather than
fight. Hence the name "Ball" python. They are a very shy and docile
species.

Rats have been seen to kill ball pythons because they are balled up
sitting ducks when frightened.

If anything, your ferret will be the one to kill the ball python. Not
the other way around.

4) Yes, they are escape artists. However, they don't really roam
around. They find a tight corner or cubby hole to hide in. They don't
like open spaces, so they seek small shelters. They wouldn't seek out
your ferrets or prey. Snakes are ambush creatures. They would rather
just hide in one spot and wait around for their food than hunt. And
no, they won't ambush your ferrets.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about this kid because he has a ball
python. They are of no dangerous concern. I would concentrate on
worrying about seeing if he's a responsible owner or not. Maybe even
tell him to ferret proof his snake enclosure, because the ferrets
would be the ones to worry about. Not the snake(s).

Cheers,
Nikki K
(Pacific Coast Serpentry)

[Posted in FML 8116]