Ball Python

Ball pythons are native to central and western Africa. They stay at a smaller size. Hatchlings start at roughly ten inches long. Males are about three feet long, and females closer to five feet. Females are usually bigger than the males. With the proper care, they can live to about thirty years old. 

CARE:

Hachlings can be housed in a ten gallon tank- 20'“ x 10” x 12”

Juveniles around three feet in length can be housed in forty gallon tanks- 36” X 18” X 18”

Subadults and adults over three feet can be housed in 120 gallon tanks or larger- 

48” X 24” X 24” 

The basking temperatures should range from 94-104 degrees F. 

The warm hide temperatures should range from 86-90 degrees F. 

Cool hide temperatures should range from 72-80 degrees F. 

Humidity levels need to be around 80 percent. 

There are a few different types of bedding that can be used for the ball python. ZooMed ReptiSoil is the most commonly used. A DIY topsoil can be created with 40% topsoil, 40% ReptiSoil, and 20% play sand. 

• Do not use Aspen shavings, Pine/Cedar shavings; and a reptile carpet is not recommended due to the hassle of cleaning. 

Place a large water dish in the tank. It’s a place for the ball python to soak and to stay hydrated. 

Feeding ball pythons ranges from their ages and weights. This chart from ReptiFiles is a great resource.                   

HANDLING:

Hatchlings and juveniles require more patience since they tend to be more defensive at this stage and might strike at everything. 

It’s easiest to use a snake hook to pick them up at first, then moving hands slowly with them as they move. 

The caution with salmonella is low risk; provided with proper hygiene between animal and handler and clean husbandry.