Are you looking for a long-lasting pet reptile? You should consider an octopus ball! The snake would be ideal for the first time owners and is perfect for people who are looking to expand their collection.
These snakes of the era are tough, easy to handle and live up to 30 years in the wild. They are fed an entirely rodent-based diet and do not have any special lighting or housing requirements (apart of a properly-sized cage)!
Ball pythons do not sting, are simple to handle and come in a wide variety of forms; there’s a shade for each persona. Keep reading to learn the details about their food habits, habitat, and tank needs, and the most suitable sources to purchase one.
Are A Ball Python A Good Pet?
Ball pythons are very popular pets because of their affectionate nature, long lifespan , and various appearances and shades.
The areas of grassland in West as well as Central Africa, ball Pythons are carnivores, which includes small mammals. In their natural environment their diet includes rodents, shrews and birds. They are not venomous as they strike prior to closing their prey to kill them without the need for venom.
Because of their popularity the snake is easily discovered, however, careful attention must be given to ensure you’re not participating in the illegal trade in pets and only buy captive-bred snakes. The Pet Ball Pythons simple to feed and are docile nature towards humans and generally healthy.
Their name refers to an unnatural behavior they display when stressed or in a state of shock. when they are under stress, they curl up, forming their bodies into a ball!
| Summary Table | |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Ball (or Royal Python |
| Scientific Name | Python regius |
| Adult Size | Females ranging from three to five feet as well as Males between 2 and 3 feet |
| Adult Weight | 2-4 pounds |
| Lifespan | 20-30 years |
| Diet | Mice & Rats (Pinky, Small and Medium) |
| Tank Size | Plastic, 30-40 gallon vivarium |
| Temperature | Humidity between 50and 60 percent Temperatures ranging from 85-90degF (daytime) and temperatures of 82-83degF (night-time) |
| Popular Alternatives | Corn snake, Boa constrictor |
Ball Python Care Sheet
Ball pythons originate from West as well as Central Africa where they typically live in grasslands and in the shrublands.
As many snakes When they aren’t searching to catch prey reptiles like to relax in hidey-holes that are close to the ground. When in the wild it’s been reported that males sometimes go vertically in trees, and females prefer to stay on the ground..
In captivity, Ball Pythons are easy to maintain and don’t require special diets.
Housing Requirements
Plastic vivariums (with sides, tops and sides) are the preferred choice for Pythons due to the privacy as well as the security it provides the animals with. A cage made of plastic be ideal for keeping the right temperature and levels of humidity with a safe top to deter any aspiring escape performers!
The cage’s size will depend on the size of your reptile
- It is recommended to start with a container of 10 gallons for your eggs, anything bigger will put stress on your hatchlings.
- Juveniles may be kept in enclosures of 20 gallon size
- A mature ball python must have an enclosure of 30-40 gallons.
Make the enclosure look more attractive by adding fake fauna, rocks , and areas to hide in order to encourage exploration:
- The hatchlings must have at a minimum, a hide box as well as some fake fauna and rocks within their enclosure
- Make sure you have at least 2 hideboxes (half wood or cork bark tubes are great) in your adults ball pythons. one on the cooler side and one on the warmer part of the enclosure.
Heating and Lighting
Ball pythons are not required to have any extra lighting (e.g. UVB) inside their tanks However, normal night-day cycles must be replicated in the event that it is feasible.
Do not put the enclosure right next to the window It is impossible to limit the duration or intensity of sun’s radiation! A basking-bulb is available. But, it’s only going to provide a tiny amount of heat that is large enough that your snake can coil beneath.
Like all pet snakes Ball Pythons require supplementary heating in their enclosures.
The majority of plastic enclosures purchased from shops for snakes come with heating tape at the bottom. Heating mats or heating tape is ideal since it heats from the snake’s underbelly , and can be used to heat the specific part of the tank.
It is recommended to only warm one third of the snake’s enclosure.
Offering both a cooler and warmer side to their tank is vital since it allows your ball python an option and helps replicate their natural habitat.
| Heating Guidance* | |
|---|---|
| Ambient | around 82degF |
| Cooler-Side | 76-80degF |
| Warmer-Side | 88-92degF |
Do not exceed 95degF , or drop below 75degF. This can be dangerous the snake.
Substrate
The ball python generally thrives in humid, warm environment. The most effective substrates to hold humidity can aid to ensure that you have the right humidity within the enclosure.
A material like cypress mulch is the ideal choice of your snake ball. Cypress mulch helps keep moisture in, is cheap and allows the snake to dig just a bit!
The low cost of the product allows it to clean and replace it during the regular deep-cleans.
| Tank Tips | |
|---|---|
| Tank Type | Plastic vivariums – 30-40 gallons for adults |
| Lighting | No special lighting |
| Heating | Heating tape |
| The Best Substrate | Cypress mulch |
What should you feed a Ball Python?
In their natural habitat the diet of the ball python is comprised of tiny mammals (e.g. rats, shrews) as well as birds. They strike to capture the prey they are hunting with their mouths. They then wrap around and restrict them.
It is advised to feed your python rodents since they differ in size. Medium-sized rats are enough for adults. Mice are a good choice during the time of the hatching phase However, those who are new to the hobby should know that the transition from rodents to mice can sometimes be challenging.
Don’t provide your snake with live prey because the prey may attempt to defend themselves and could cause harm to your snake.
The frozen mice and rats are available through commercial sources and should be warmed up and thawed prior to feeding:
- The hatchlings must be fed one tiny rat or crawler mouse every five days
- In the early stages your snake will transition to fuzzy or pinky-colored rats. They could be fed once every seven days.
- Adults are recommended to feed an average-sized rat each 7-10 days. As your ball python develops in size, you should increase the size and quantity to the extent that is needed.
The majority of captive ball pythons fed by frozen-thawed rodents at the moment they are born and generally become accustomed to this type of food. Utilize tongs or gloves to tempt your snake to “catch” their prey.
| Diet Summary | |
|---|---|
| Fruits | The diet is 0%. |
| Insects | The diet is 0 percent. |
| Meat | 100percent of the diet small or medium-sized rats. |
| Supplements Are Required | N/A |
Common Health Problems
Python regius in a ball.
The majority of health and disease issues are preventable by taking care of your snake with an appropriate diet, the correct size of enclosure appropriate temperature and humidity and decreasing stress. Ball Pythons are robust snakes and don’t have a predisposition to serious health issues.
Common problems to be aware of are the inability to shed of mites, respiratory infections..
Complete shedding is a possibility for all snakes and can be easily avoided if you maintain enough humidity within the enclosure. It is most common to see this occur is during the time when your snake is getting used to its new environment. Most often, sheds are insufficient and cause ‘caps’ to shed hair over the eyes of your ball Python. If you see this, you could wash your python with lukewarm water for 15 to 20 minutes.
It is crucial, prior to buying, to ensure that the ball python you purchase is free of mites since they can be difficult to eliminate. Mites appear as small black specks that appear on lighter scales and can be more difficult to detect in darker areas the snake. The process of getting rid of mite problem can be difficult and time-consuming, particularly for those who are new to the hobby.
Another respiratory issue is a health issue that may be present in Boas. It can be caused by an insufficient temperature control within your snake’s enclosure. If you observe that your snake isn’t eating, aren’t as active as normal or if they have bubbles or saliva around their nose and mouth it could be an indication. It is recommended to consult with a vet immediately for treatment.
How Long Will Ball Python Live?
Captive Pythons have a lifespan that is between 20 and 30 years. A proper vet care as well as a balanced diet and husbandry is crucial to living a long, joyful life! Healthy ball python excrement is made up in solid brown waste, an urate cap of white and a small amount urine.
Wild, because of things like disease or predation, environmental influences or competition life span is significantly shorter, at 10 to 15 years.
Tank Cleaning
Spot-clean your snake’s cage every day and remove any dirt or wet substrates to stop unpleasant odors, mold and undesirable bacteria.
Deeply cleanse your enclosure every two to three months by taking out all the items and cleaning them along with your enclosure. Also, you should change the entire substrates during every deep cleaning, too.
Misting your ball Python or the enclosure it is in, is usually not necessary however, it may be required if the snake is shed or if the humidity is lower than the optimal.
| Health Signs That They Are | The symptoms of sickness |
|---|---|
| Bright, clear eyes and clear coloring | Inability to eat for an extended time |
| Moving and exploring regularly throughout their area | Overly extensive concealing |
| Tongue moving | Lethargy |
| Constrict and strike prey | Complete shedding |
Are A Ball Python Dangerous?
No. Ball pythons are gentle and spend the majority of their time within their enclosure. They are usually hidden in boxes.
Single reptiles, and, besides breeding, they spend the bulk of their time alone.
Wild ball pythons are an array of yellows and browns that allows them to blend in with their natural surroundings. They hunt by digging in the midst of a hideout (e.g. under a stump of a tree or inside the small mammal’s habitat) and wait for the prey is struck and then constricts.
It is never advisable to keep the ball Pythons. The only way this could be allowed to happen is when it’s an breeding couple however, particular care and attention should be exercised in these situations..
Snakes are known to investigate and perceive their surroundings using their tongues. One of the most common defense mechanisms as well as the place they got their name is to encase themselves into an elongated ball and place their head inside the middle.
Handling Advice
Begin by washing your hands with soap and water prior to and after handling. This will help prevent the spread of infections.
It isn’t as difficult as a novice may think. In the first place, you must be careful not to startle your snake.
- Begin by gently touching your ball pythons ‘ backs as they’re safe inside their enclosure
- When your snake has figured out you are there, grab the body of your snake’s mid-section and, while it is supporting the bulk of its body weight, firmly and carefully take them up into your arms.
- Let the snake coil around your body and then explore
Do not hold your snake because this can make them protective. Ball pythons will not bite unless they are provoked and aren’t venomous. Hissing, biting, and leaning up is your snake’s method of communicating “I don’t like that/I am uncomfortable”. Be careful not to touch or disturb your snake if it exhibits defensive behavior.
Once you’ve adopted your reptile give them a couple of weeks to adapt to their new surroundings prior to taking care of them.
Once you’re both at ease to go for a short session, begin at least once a week. These sessions can take between 5 and 10 minutes. As your snake gets bigger and becomes more comfortable, you can extend these sessions up to 30 mins. A routine approach to handling can aid in maintaining tameness.
Handling Tips
- Ball Pythons are generally more manageable in the daytime when they aren’t as active or alert.
- Be careful not to handle the time of shedding
- Make sure you wait at minimum 24 hours following the feeding prior to handling your snake in order to minimize the risk of regurgitation
Appearance of Ball Pythons
A fully-bodied snake with the snout pointed females are usually larger than males. Both genders are medium-sized snakes and are available in a range of colors, with some variations in their markings.
It has thirty principally recognized forms although the majority appear like the eyes of an untrained person however, there are some that have distinct distinctions.
Normal balls can be found in shades of black, brown and yellow. However, other morphs, for instance the blue-eyed leucistic or ivory, don’t have any marks and are a solid color.
The most popular patterns are spider, pastel mojave, pied ball and pinstripe.
How Big Can Ball Pythons Have to Get?
The snake that is the tiniest snake species of pythons in Africa. Females expand to an average of 3-5 feet. While males can only reach 3 feet in length. Females in this species grow larger than males and some studies suggest various diets may be the reason for the.
Although the mean length for female snakes with ball pythons is five feet however, most snakes aren’t the length of 5 feet. In captivity, ball pythons usually grow to their full size by 3 years of age. Expect your adult python weigh anywhere from two to four pounds, depending on its size and sexual sex.
Ball Python Buying Guide
Although it is not uncommon in the reptile trade it is important to ensure that you are able to trust the breeder (or the seller) prior to purchasing. Contact the breeder to inquire about what you feed them and how many meals this snake had and how old they are or are they. A breeder ought to be able answer these questions without issue.
You’re looking for a snake that is fully-bodied, with clean eyes, a tongue that flicks and normal movements.
What is the cost of a ball? Python Price? ?
Due to the diversity in Ball Python morphs, prices can vary widely between $40 and $60 USD for standard morphs to more specialized morphs like the stranger, sunset and monsoons that cost more than 1000 USD.
Although most snakes are bought as young animals, other aspects like breed status, age and size are a factor in the price. Since captive breeding is constantly evolving rarer morphs become more frequent while new varieties are created.
Young Ball Pythons
The eggs hatch and the babies generally measure 10 inches long. The hatchlings shed more often when they are younger and shed their hair for the first time during fourteen days after hatching. It is common for hatchlings not to eat during the first 7-10 days.
Males are able to court females with their belly against the female, while the male’s tail is tucked under the females. Snakes are only put together to reproduce in the wild. This is the only instance where ball pythons do not live together.
Ball pythons have one clutch every season and on average the clutch contains six eggs laid per clutch. Once eggs have been laid, they are typically 6-8 weeks before they hatch.
Care Summary of the Guide
| Why We Are In Love With Them | What is it that makes them difficult? |
|---|---|
| A calm disposition | It is recommended to house each one separately |
| Easy to feed | Long-lived, 20-30 year olds |
| A variety of colors | Usually, sedative |
There are numerous reasons why ball pythons are among of the most sought-after species of snakes in captive. Their easy maintenance and gentle nature makes them ideal for numerous herpers.
If you’re looking for something different, think about an energetic snake like the corn snake who are keen to explore and move about in their enclosure.
If you feel that the Ball Python is too small for you, you could consider boa constrictors! Although they are similar to temperament, boas can be much larger than pythons so ensure that you’ve completed your study.
Remember that even though they are ball snakes are low-maintenance, they are durable and you should prepare to have one for a lengthy duration. Check that your home has enough room for an enclosure as well as that you provide the proper diet, the right environment and treatment for your pet.
