Ball Python Origin
The name "Ball," comes from the snake's tendency to curl into a tight "ball" with their heads hidden. The name "Royal," on the other hand, derives from Cleopatra, who supposidly wore the snakes around her wrists.
Ball pythons, also known as Royal Pythons, are a nonvenomous snake that is native to the savannahs and the rain forests of western Africa. They prefer to live in areas of mixed grassland and tress, and are most active at night, spending most of their days hiding in rodent burrows and termite mounds.
Ball pythons are considered constrictors, meaning they subdue their prey by coiling around them to suffocate it.
Ball pythons are typically light brown-green and black with a tan-yellow underbelly. But, they are available in many morphs.
Books About Ball Pythons
Ball Pythons As Pets
The only downfall to owning a ball python is that they are known as picky eaters. They can become stressed at a number of things, and decide not to eat.
But, on a brighter side, being that they only reach an average of 3-6 feet in length, they are realitively small compared to other snakes in the pet trade. The average female will range from 3-5 feet, while the average male may range from 2-3 feet. Becuase of their smaller size, they are easier to manage than other large snake species, such as the Burmese python and Anaconda (Yes, anaconda can be pets with a special license, in some states, and experience).
Ball Python Lifespan
Feeding A Ball Python
Ball Python (Python regius) feeding video reptilestv
What animals do Ball Pythons eat? Should you feed live or frozen? Under what conditions would you remove a food item from a snake's enclosure? How often does the Ball Python shed? Do they prefer privacy while feeding? Learn the answers from ReptilesTV's Senior Herpetologist Ron Dupont, as he explains it to Host Bill Horneck. for more visit http://www.reptilestv.com
Ball Python Enclosure Size
If you get a baby python, do not purchase an overly large aquarium, as it will overwhelm the snake. 10-20 (20"L x 10"W - 30"L x 12"W) gallon aquariums will suffice for snakes that are under 1.5-2 feet long.
For adult balls, a minimum of a 30 gallon (36"L x 12"W x 18"T) aquarium will be fine.
Ball Python Morphs
Ball pythons vary in several different morphs (colorations and patterns). Even, to date, more morphs are showing up.
Standard Ball Pythong
Piebald Ball Python
Hypomelanistic (Ghost) Ball Python
Albino Ball Python
Caramel Albino Ball Python
Bumblebee Ball Python
Mojave Ball Python
Lesser Platinum Pastel Ball Python
Spider Ball Python.
Striped Ball Python
Ball Python Stuff
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Ball Python Substrate and Decor
I always recommend a solid substrate for almost all reptiles. I would say placing a ball python on paper towels, slate, or reptile carpet, is just as good as using
You can use more decorative substrates that are commerically prepared. Shredded cypress or fir bark can be used as the ground cover in the enclosure. ZooMed has aspen bedding, designed for snakes, that can also be placed in the aquarium.
If you use any type of loose bedding, you should monitor your snake closely when feeding because these particles can be ingested and lodged in the snakes mouth when eating, which an cause respiratory as well as other health problems. As for aspen shavings, they should also be monitored for any wet places, which can harbor bacteria and fungal growth, and should be removed as soon as it is noticed.
Decor:
Ball pythons love dark places, as they are nocturnal creatures. Provide them with at least one hide that they can use as shelter. Half logs are perfect for hides. Empty cardboard boxes, or any upside-down dark plastic container can be used as a hide for your ball python. Any piece of decoration that is meant for your snake to find shelter, must be large enough for it to fit its entire body. Do not use something that is too big for the snake's size, as they do like to sleep in shelters that are close around them.
Also, place a climbing branch or two in the enclosure. Possibly, even add some fake plants around, or near, the branches.
Have fun decorating your snakes cage. Find what your snake likes best.
Mopani Wood
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byBall Python Lighting and Heating
Lighting is not necessary for a ball python, but you can use light bulbs in porcelain and metal reflector hoods can also provide the proper temperatures. At, night red lights or any dark light bulb can be used, for viewing purposes or to even out the heat requirments.
Do remember to properly adjust the bulb away from the snake so that it cannot burn itself.
Heating:
The proper air temperatures for ball pythons range from 80-85 degrees during the day, with a basking area kept at 90 degrees.
At night, the air temperatures can be kept around 73-75 degrees, with the basking area of no less than 80 degrees.
Under tank heating pads can be placed underneath the enclosure to provdie the snake with belly heat necessary for proper digestion. Do watch out for the temperatures with these heating pads, as they can reach temps 20 degrees higher than necessary. Using a thermostat will control the temperatures.
DO NOT use hot rocks, as they can cause serious thermal burns.
Add two thermometers with probes to the aquariums, one on each side to be able to properly watch the temperatures. The last thing you should do is guess the temperatures; snakes that are too cold, won't eat, and those that are too hot will become ill, and possibly die.
Caring for Ball Pythons
How to Care for Exotic Pets : Caring for Ball Pythons
Learn how to take care of a Ball Python in this free exotic pet video.
Ball Python Humidity
If you bathe them in a warm bath the day their eyes clear, they should shed completely within 24 hours.
Feeding Baby Ball Python
baby ball python feeding
this is my baby ball/royal python feeding had him for about a month as u can probably tell he is quite young i feed him pre killed mice he recently moved onto biger prey than this but these where left overs and he got a snack as a result
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Ball Python Diet
It is always recommended to feed frozen mice and rats because they can cause serious damage to you snake.
Ball pythons can be VERY picky eaters, but they can survive several months without eating. If you notice that you ball is loosing significant weight, you need to consult a veterinarian who can assist you with force feeding your snake (something you shouldn't try alone, especially if you do not have any experience doing it).
Do provide a water bowl in the snake's enclosure, filled iwth fresh water every day. Ball pythons will both drink and soak, possibly even defecate in the water bowl, which is why it needs to be checked daily.
Soaking is good just before a shed. When they eyes clear from their milky or "blue" state, soak the snake in a tub of warm water for ten minutes or so, then lightly dry it off, and return it immediately to its tank; it should shed within twenty-four hours.
Ball Python Gifts
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Ball Pythons: The History, Natural History, Care, and Brreeding by David G. Barker
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Ball Python Tips
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football-fanatics
Hi great site I have a corn snake named samie he is growing quick is it ok to feed him live mice? Posted August 23, 2008 |
