|
Submitted by Jeffrey Stilwell
|
| Latin name |
Python regius |
Maximum length |
3 - 5 feet |
| Native to |
West Africa |
Approximate life span |
15 - 20 years |
GENERAL INFORMATION
Ball Pythons are one of the most popular pet snakes. Varying colors and
patterns, docile nature and its small size, when compared with other
pythons, make this a very desirable pet. The name "ball" comes from the
defensive nature of the snake. When it feels threatened the Ball Python
will coil into a ball with it's head protected in the middle. The
Europeans refer to this snake as the Royal Python. This comes from it's
species name "regius". Ball Pythons reach sexual maturity in 3 years.
All baby Ball Pythons sold by California Zoological Supply are farm
raised in West Africa.
ENCLOSURE
The Enclosure should be no shorter than ½ the snake's body length. Baby
Ball Pythons can live in a 20-gallon aquarium up to a year. Pythons are
notorious escape artists! Your enclosure can never be too secure.
Provide plenty of ventilation and a secure hiding place. Baby Ball
Pythons like to climb, so provide them with lots of sturdy climbing
branches.
SUBSTRATE
Pine shavings, Zoo Med REPTIBARK ™, rabbit
pellets or Zoo Med CAGE CARPET. Do not use cedar shavings! It's oils
are toxic to reptiles.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
Daytime temperatures 85 - 88°f. Do not let nighttime temperatures drop below 78°f.
HEATING
Reptiles need to be able to regulate their body temperature, so a
temperature range must be provided. Use a Zoo Med REPTITHERM®
UNDER-TANK-HEATER (UTH). Leave it on 24 hours a day. UTH's take a few
hours to reach their optimal temperature. For easy control, use a Zoo
Med REPTI-TEMP™ RHEOSTAT in conjunction with the UTH's or rock heaters.
They will also slightly help to increase the air temperature if needed.
Always use at least one thermometer in your reptile enclosures although
two is optimal; one on the cool side and one on the warm side. A Zoo
Med DELUXE ANALOG MIN/MAX THERMOMETER works great to show the high and
low temperatures in a 24-hour period.
LIGHTING
UVB is not a necessity, but not harmful. If desired, use a Zoo Med
REPTISUN™ 2.0 fluorescent 8 - 12 hours a day. The UVA this bulb
provides is beneficial to the psychological well-being of reptiles. all
reptiles and amphibians need a photo period (light cycle). A plug-in
timer (for your lights only; do not use a timer for your heating
devices) works well to develop a regular photo period of 8 - 10 hours
of lighting 14 - 16 hours of dark. Reptiles and amphibians cannot see
the red spectrum of light, so a large wattage red bulb is ideal for
nighttime viewing.
FOOD & WATER
Ball Pythons are very shy eaters. You
may find it takes your new pet a while to adjust to it's new
surroundings. Avoid handling your Ball Python until it has eaten on
it's own. Ball Pythons accept food best at night. Feed multiple Ball
Pythons in separate containers. Baby Ball Pythons should be offered
pinky to fuzzy mice once a week. Increase the size of the food as the
snake grows. Once the snake starts eating weaned mice or rats, be sure
you offer the food pre-killed. If the snake gets a bad strike on the
rodent, the rodent may be able to turn its body in order to bite the
snake. Severe damage to the snake or even death may occur. Keeping a
supply of dead rodents in the freezer will ensure a steady supply of
food in case obtaining them becomes a problem. Be sure to thaw rodents
at room temperature before feeding them to your snake. Do not use the
microwave! Liquids inside the rodent may become extremely hot and cause
severe burns to your snake even if part of the rodent is still frozen.
Do not attempt to pick up any snake with the scent of other animal on
your hands or clothing. This may entice the snake to strike in hunger.
Provide a sturdy water bowl that the snake can get in and out of easily
and make sure the water is always fresh and clean.
NOTES
Always wash your hands before and immediately
after handling reptiles and amphibians. Never leave live food long term
with reptiles & amphibians. They can inflict severe harm, even kill
your pet. If your animals take some time to eat or you feed them at
night, leave a slice of potato, carrot or dry dog food for the live
food items to eat. Your local pet shop is an ideal source for reptile
and amphibian related books and supplies. Please make sure you read and
become familiar with any instructions provided with reptile support
products you may purchase. For further information on reptiles and
amphibians we recommend you read the following magazines REPTILES,
REPTILE & AMPHIBIAN, THE VIVARIUM and REPTILE HOBBYIST. California
Zoological Supply hopes you have enjoyed reading this reference sheet
on Ball Pythons. We hope that our guidelines will assist you with the
care or possible purchase of your new pet.
|
Reptiles 
