Care Sheet for Ball PythonsAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 4.20 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 11/25/2003 |
Main Category: | Snakes |
Sub Category: | Ball Pythons |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Clown |
Years Experience: | 10 to 15 Years |
Species: | Ball python |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | ball pythons |
Sexing and Characteristics: | In most cases the female is generally larger than a male. also the spurs on either side of the vent under the tail of a female in most cases will be smaller than a mail. but the only way to be 100% accurate is to probe the snake if you have never done this take your snake to the vet to have it done so you dont hurt them. there may be a small charge from the vet to do this but it will be worth the cost if you have never done this. |
Mostly Active During: | Night |
Substrate and Water Needs: | I have used many different types but i find no print news paper the best for me. it is inexpensive, easy to change and most important wont hurt your snake. my snakes water dish is large the reason for this is so he can soak in it if needed. keep in mind that the dish needs to be both large enough for the snake to soak in and heavy enough so the snake will not be able to tip it over ball pythons are very strong. |
Lighting and UVB: | Ball pythons are fine with out any artificial lighting but you can use it with out hurting them. i use a day light for 8 to 12 hours and nothing at night. ball pythons need 8 to 12 hours of dark so they dont hurt their eyes. ball pythons do have very sensitive eyes. if you want to see your snake at night use a night light that is low in watts you can get them at any pet store. |
Temperatures and Humidity: | I keep my tank during the day 75 to 85 degrees and at night 65 to 70. ball pythons do not need a lot of humidity their water dish with the proper temp tank heat should be enough. to much moisture could cause problems to your snake. |
Heating and Equipment: | I have a UNDER tank heater. the UNDER tank heater should only cover about 1/3 to 1/2 of the bottom of the tank. i cant stress enough the word "UNDER"enough. heat rock and heating pads that are in the tank could burn your snake. i also use a light bar separated from the tank so my snake can not get in contact with it to heat my tank when needed. ceramic heaters could dry out your snake and cause a bad shed if not carefully used. |
Caging Provided: | Ball pythons are easy to care for all there is really to care for them is to keep the enclosure clean, fresh water, feedings, and love. |
Diet: | Carnivorous |
Description of Diet: | I suggest frozen mice or rats but unfortunately mine will not eat frozen so i have to feed him live mice. if you do feed live mice or rats be careful that your snake does not get bit and if it does get it checked out by a vet. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | None i have A VERY HEALTHY SNAKE. |
Maintenance: | CLEAN TANK AND GIVE FRESH WATER DAILY. FEED 1 MOUSE TWICE A WEEK. I FOUND OVER THE YEARS THAT MY SNAKES WERE MUCH HEALTHIER WITH EATING TWICE A WEEK VERSES ONCE. IF YOU DO THIS YOU WILL HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE FOOD THAT YOU GIVE THEM IS NOT TO BIG YOU DO NOT WANT TO OVER FEED THEM NEITHER AN OVER WEIGHT SNAKE IS NOT HEALTHY NEITHER. |
Some Words on this Species: | Ball Pythons, Python regius (also know as Royal Python) are a relatively small and docile specie of snake, which are native to Western and West-Central Africa. If you have purchased a Ball Python from a pet store, chances are it was born in either Togo, Benin, or Ghana. They are called ’Ball Pythons’ because, when frightened, they coil around their head and into a ball.
Ball pythons are in the same scientific family as other Boas and Pythons, as such they are constrictors. The term constrictor refers to their method of subduing food by coiling around the intended item, a small mammal, and suffocating it. Ball Pythons prefer to live in areas of mixed grassland and trees (savanna), and are active at night (nocturnal). They hunt at night with the help of their labial heat pits×, and their Jacobson’s Organ×. During the day, they spend their time hiding in underground rodent burrows or termite mounds.
The average hatchling is about 16-18 inches long, and adults can pretty easily reach 36-48 inches. In captivity they can live up to about 50 years, but 20-30 years is probably more likely. Unfortunately due to the pressures of habitat fragmentation and destruction, as well as commercial collecting for the pet trade, skin trade, and the killing for food, Ball Pythons in the wild do not live as long. "It (Python regius) is considered a threatened species and permits are required for its legal export |
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