Animal Type

Snake

Breed

Ball Python

Introduction

Ball pythons, also known as the Royal Python, are a non-venomous, constrictor species native to the bushlands and savannas of Central and Western Africa. They are a medium-sized snake ranging from 3-6 feet. These snakes are crepuscular, which means that they are most active at night, but especially active around dawn and dusk. As ambush hunters, they actively track down and then wait for prey such as rodents, birds, and lizards to scurry past before striking. Ball pythons are sexually dimorphic, which means there is a noteworthy difference in size between males(smaller) and females (larger), but not as large in some other snake species. Ball pythons have a 15-30 year lifespan in captivity.

Difficulty

Beginner

Difficulty Notes

Ball pythons are among the most popular pet snakes. They are good beginner snakes because they are docile and easy to handle.

Basking Temp

95-104

Ambient Temp

80-86

Lowest Temp

72-78

Temp Notes

The use of undertank heat mats with glass tanks or radiant heat panels as internal heaters for night heat, and cage guarded halogen/incandescent bulbs as day heat is preferred. Never install any heating device without plugging it into a thermostat and always securely wire the thermostat probe within the heating range of the device generating heat.

Diet

Carnivore

Diet Notes

Frozen thawed rodents in sizes equal to the girth of your snake at its center. Feeding frequency in general is 1 prey item fed in intervals coorisponding to the length in feet of your snake. A one foot snake would be fed weekly, a 4 foot snake every 4 weeks, etc. As ball pythons get larger their metabolism slows down. This is a guidleine, so adjust to the health of your specific snake to maintain a healthy weight.

UVA Intensity

Shade Dweller

UVB Intensity

Low/Occasional

Ferguson Zone

2

Lighting Notes

Provide 12hrs of both light and darkness on a timer for consistancy. Never use colored bulbs.

Enclosure Size

Large Semi-Arborial

Enclosure Notes

While females are largely terrestrial, males and juviniles are considered semi-arborial as they have a liking to climb and hunt in trees.

Substrate

Coco Chips

Substrate Notes

Coconut husk chip substrate absorbs odors and moisture very well. A layer of about 4" is preferred.

Humidity

High (70-100%)

Humidity Notes

Ball Pythons prefer humid environments and should be provided a humid hide if possible.