Care Sheet for Ball PythonsAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 3.17 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 06/11/2006 |
Main Category: | Snakes |
Sub Category: | Ball Pythons |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Lovable sam |
Years Experience: | Under 1 Year |
Species: | Ball/Royal Python |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | Pythons in general, not all information will be useful for caring for pythons other than royal pythons. |
Sexing and Characteristics: | The only sure-fire ways of sexing royal pythons are the following: "Popping", most hatchling pythons can be sexed by popping or everting the hemipenes. This should only be used on hatchlings less than a few days old, otherwise you stand a serious chance of damaging your snake for life. I will not go in depth on how to pop as I am not an expert on it, nor do I plan to ever use it. Popping is to be avoided if you are at all unsure what to do. The second way of sexing is probing. In this process a lubricated shaft is inserted into the snake’s cloacal opening of the snake.The depth to which the probe is inserted determines the sex of snake. It is inadvisable to probe a snake unless you have veterinary experience. There is a myth that the sex of boidae (constrictors, boas and pythons) can be determined by the length of cloacal spurs. This is not true as some males have long spurs and some females have long spurs, the same is true of short spurs. |
Mostly Active During: | Night |
Substrate and Water Needs: | Substrate is a personal choice. Newspaper is simple and easy to remove when dirty. However, it has been known for the newsprint to rub off on the snake’s belly, turning it black and it can be difficult for the snake to move on, as it can have little purchase on it. One very attractive substrate is Aspen shavings (wood chips), it’s is also relatively easy to remove. However, it can be ingested (eaten) by the python accidentally. |
Lighting and UVB: | It is best if the lighting is on a 12/12 system (12 hours on, 12 hours off). |
Temperatures and Humidity: | The ambient (cool) temperatures should be between 80-82 degrees F and the basking temperatures at 88-92 degrees F. Humidity should be 50-60%, 60-80% when the snake is going into shed. If the water bowl isn’t enough for the humidity then you may want to mist the enclosure. |
Heating and Equipment: | A heat mat, or lamp,with a thermostat is required for heating, if this is not enough then a heat lamp, or mat, (with mesh cage) is required. You will obviously need to monitor the humidity and temperature in the enclosure constantly, for this Digital thermometer and hygrometers with probes are head over shoulders of stick-on thermometers and hygrometers. A water bowl is an essential and should be large enough for your royal python to soak in. Royal pythons are shy snakes that can be easily stressed, so multiple, snug-fitting hides should be available all around the vivarium. |
Caging Provided: | A wooden vivarium with a screen-front is attractive and relatively easy to maintain, although some might say that it can be difficult to maintain humidity in such an enclosure. Vivariums with screen-tops are not advised as it can be much harder to maintain humidity in them. Many herpetoculturists keep their snakes in tubs and use the shelves they are stacked on as lids. |
Diet: | Carnivorous |
Description of Diet: | Captive-hatched juvenile pythons will readily eat on f/t pinkies. However, wild-caught pythons may have trouble adjusting to pre-killed, white mice. If this problem occurs, it is advisable to feed live mice, carefully monitoring the situation. It is not uncommon for royal pythons to go on long fasts. The most important thing to remember is to stay calm, Royal Pythons are very good at surviving very long periods of time without food. However, if the fast continues after a significant amount of time then it’s a good idea to go and see a vet about it. Force-feeding may even be in order. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | |
Maintenance: | Royal pythons can be very easy to care for if looked after properly. Wild-caught adult or sub-adult royals should not be considered beginner snakes. Captive-hatched, juvenile royals can be brilliant beginner snakes if in-depth research is carried out by reading care sheets, such as this, reading books on royals and then expending on your knowledge by asking questions in the Repticzone forums. |
Some Words on this Species: | Royal pythons are fantastic snakes with a gentle disposition, attractive appearance and modest size. They are fantastic snakes to either start or add to your collection. However, at all times responsibility must be taken. The snakes welfare is more important than your pleasure. |
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