Ball Pythons

Averaging in only 4 feet in size, ball pythons make excellent pets because they are easy to handle, have the appeal of larger python, and will never need anything larger than a mouse to eat!

Because Ball pythons stay small they’ll only need a 20-30 gallon tank with a full and clamping cover. The habitat will also need two types of lighting. The first type of bulb provides the full spectrum light including UVA and UVB. Reptiles need the UVB bulb so that they can properly absorb calcium. Because reptiles get their heat from outside sources it is important to provide the second type of light. The second type of light is for heat and there should be different temperature throughout the cage so the snake can change location if he is hot or cold. The daytime heat light is should be used during the daytime to achieve a temperature of about 84-88 degrees. At night the temperature should range between 70-75 degrees. Hot rocks are discouraged with Ball pythons.

Humidity within the cage should stay high. Large shallow water dishes keep the humidity high and provide a place for the snake to bathe. Be sure that this dish is easy for the snake to move in and out of. A typical reptile litter or substrate should be placed at the bottom of the cage and needs to be cleaned as often as needed. Ball pythons may also enjoy a branch or two inside of their habitat to climb on. Be sure these branches do not come from outside as they may introduce outside pesticides and diseases.

Ball pythons can eat mice and some will eat frozen mice. It is important hat their prey size be the correct size in proportion to their bodies. When feeding frozen mice, you must wait until the mouse is thoroughly thawed out before offering it to the snake. When feeding the snake live food place the snake in a different location such as a large tray. The snake will associate the new location with food instead of its home. If the snake does not seem hungry when the live mouse is offered you may “tease” the snake with the mouse in tongs. Never use your fingers to hold the prey. If the snake is still not hungry take the mouse away. The mice may hurt the snake. Check the temperature of the cage to be sure it is correct and offer the mouse again in a day or so. Vitamin/mineral supplements containing calcium and phosphorous are necessary for their daily nutrition. These can be sprinkled on the snakes’ food on alternating feedings and will be more frequent with younger snakes.

Ball pythons are hardy snakes and are a great alternative to the normally massive pythons. Provide a healthy environment by monitoring your snake’s temperature and water. Any other questions and concerns may be brought up at your local AllPet store.