Ball Python Care Sheet

 

Scientific Name: Python regius
Common Names: Ball Python, Royal Python
Origin: West and Central Africa
Average Size: 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Lifespan: 20-30 years in captivity

Overview

Ball pythons are one of the most popular pet snakes due to their manageable size, calm demeanor, and striking appearance. Known for their habit of curling into a ball when stressed, they are relatively easy to care for and make excellent pets for beginner and experienced reptile keepers alike. With proper care, a ball python can live for many years and grow into a healthy, gentle companion.

Housing Requirements

Enclosure Size

  • Young Ball Pythons (under 2 feet): Minimum 20-gallon tank (2 feet long)
  • Adult Ball Pythons (over 3 feet): Minimum 40-gallon tank (3 feet long), but larger enclosures (55-75 gallons) are ideal for comfortable movement.

Ball pythons are relatively small snakes but need enough space to roam and explore. Providing an appropriately sized enclosure helps them feel secure and reduce stress.

Enclosure Setup

  • Substrate: Use coco husk, aspen shavings or cypress mulch. Avoid cedar or pine, as they are toxic to snakes.
  • Hides: Provide at least two hides—one on the warm side and one on the cool side of the enclosure. Ball pythons are secretive by nature and need places to feel safe.
  • Climbing: While ball pythons are not arboreal, adding some climbing branches or logs can enrich their environment and encourage natural behaviors.
  • Water: A clean, shallow water dish is essential for hydration, soaking, and thermoregulation.

Temperature & Humidity

  • Temperature Gradient:
    • Hot side: 88-92°F (31-33°C)
    • Cool side: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
  • Basking Spot: Create a basking area with temperatures around 90°F (32°C).
  • Nighttime Temperature: Maintain temperatures around 75-80°F (24-27°C) at night.
  • Humidity: Ball pythons thrive at humidity levels between 50-60%. Increase humidity (60-70%) during shedding periods to aid in skin sloughing.

Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity and a thermometer to keep track of temperatures. Proper humidity is especially important during shedding to prevent retained skin.

Feeding

  • Diet: Ball pythons are carnivorous and primarily eat rodents, such as mice and rats. In the wild, they may also consume birds and other small mammals.
  • Feeding Frequency:
    • Young Ball Pythons (up to 2 feet): Feed every 5-7 days.
    • Adult Ball Pythons (over 3 feet): Feed every 7-10 days, depending on the size of the prey.
  • Prey Size: Offer prey that is roughly the same size as the snake’s girth (around the width of the snake’s body). Overfeeding or feeding prey that is too large can cause digestive issues.
  • Feeding Method: Live or thawed, appropriately sized prey items may be offered. Use tongs to avoid associating hands with food.

Shedding

Ball pythons shed their skin periodically, and the process can take several days. Proper humidity (60-70%) is crucial for a successful shed.

  • Shedding Box: Provide a humid hide with damp sphagnum moss to help with shedding.
  • Signs of Shedding: Your snake’s eyes may appear cloudy or blue just before shedding. Ball pythons may become less active during this time.
  • Retention of Shed: If any part of the shed remains stuck (such as on the eyes or tail), this can cause health issues. Provide proper humidity to help prevent this.

Handling

  • Temperament: Ball pythons are generally calm and gentle. They tend to curl into a ball when stressed or scared, which is why they are called "ball" pythons. With regular handling, they can become accustomed to human interaction and tolerate handling well.
  • Handling Frequency: Start with short handling sessions and gradually increase their duration as the snake becomes more accustomed to it. Handle your ball python regularly to promote socialization, but avoid excessive handling during feeding or shedding periods.
  • Safety: Always support the full body of the snake when handling. Do not grab it by the head or neck, as this can cause stress or injury.

Health & Veterinary Care

  • Common Health Issues:
    • Respiratory infections (often caused by improper humidity or temperature)
    • Mites and other external parasites
    • Obesity from overfeeding or offering too large of prey
  • Routine Checkups: Have your ball python checked by a reptile-savvy veterinarian annually. Ensure your snake has regular health assessments to detect any early signs of illness.
  • Signs of Illness: Lethargy, lack of appetite, unusual feces, labored breathing, or visible wounds may indicate a health problem.
  • Signs of Stress: Hiding more often, defensive behavior, or refusal to eat can indicate stress. Stress may be caused by incorrect temperatures, humidity, handling, or changes in the environment.

Breeding Information

  • Sexing: Males are typically smaller and have a shorter tail than females. Tail length and shape can be useful for determining sex.
  • Breeding Season: Ball pythons generally breed during the cooler months (fall and winter). Mating can be triggered by changes in temperature and photoperiod.
  • Egg Laying: Female ball pythons will lay 4-10 eggs per clutch. Eggs should be incubated at around 88-90°F (31-32°C) with humidity levels of 80-90%. The incubation period lasts 55-60 days.

Conclusion

Ball pythons are fascinating, low-maintenance snakes that make wonderful pets for both beginners and experienced keepers. With their docile temperament and manageable size, they are ideal companions for reptile enthusiasts. Providing a proper environment, appropriate diet, and regular health checkups will ensure that your ball python thrives for many years.

Note: Before acquiring a ball python, make sure you understand their long-term care needs and are prepared for the responsibility of keeping this species for up to 30 years in captivity. Proper care and attention are key to keeping your ball python happy and healthy.