Female ball pythons will grow to around 3’ to 5’ in length, males to around 2’ to 3’. You will need to provide enough space for a fully grown ball python. You will need to feed a snake of this size large rodents.
Ball pythons have lived up to 40 years. Generally, ball pythons will live between 20 to 30 years.
Reptile breeders will likely have ball pythons available. Attending a reptile expo can also help you find your new ball python. Ball pythons should already be eating and well fed before you buy them.
Allow your snake to eat one meal in its new home before trying to handle it. Wait at least a week before handling new snakes. Don’t be afraid to hold the snake after that week. Young snakes should be held no more than once a week. Adult snakes can be held around once a week. Don’t interact with your ball python after it’s eaten. Wait around two days after your snake eats to make sure it is comfortable.
A ball python should normally sit in a coil. Snakes that lay straight out or keep their head up may be ill. Ball pythons that spend a lot of time soaking may be ill or uncomfortable. In the case of respiratory issues, your snake may wheeze or have mucus come out from its nose. Runny or bloody stool can indicate a digestive issue. Snakes who don’t void after ten days may be constipated. Refusal of food may indicate an infection.
The container needs to be long enough that an snake can completely stretch out in it. Mesh cage lids can work. However, it can be difficult maintaining humidity levels in the cage. For younger snakes, you will need to find a smaller enclosure.
Remove any waste from your snake every day. Any other obvious messes left in the cage should be removed.
Take your snake out of the enclosure during the time you are cleaning. Remove everything in the cage for cleaning. Any sticks, hiding boxes, or other decorations will need to be cleaned. You can clean the cage with a water and bleach solution. Make sure the bleach content is only 5%. Wait for the cage to fully dry before putting it back together and reintroducing your ball python.
Any doors or openings need to be closed and locked. Lids need to be secure. Your snake shouldn’t be able to push the lid away from the cage. Make sure there are no small gaps or openings that your snake can escape from.
The basking area should be 88 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit. The overall temperature of the cage should be 78 to 80 Fahrenheit. Use two thermometers to monitor both the cool and warm areas of the cage. You can heat the cage with under-cage warming pads or heating lights.
Use 12 hour cycles of lighting. Keep the light on for 12 hours during the day and off for 12 hours at night. Do not leave the light on at night. Leaving the light on too long will stress your snake out.
Humidity needs to be between 50% to 60%
Aspen shavings will work well. Cypress mulch is okay to use. Most other mulch based substrates can be a good pick. Never use substrates that contain cedar or pine.
Make sure you clean the hide box whenever you clean the cage. You can buy premade hide boxes from pet stores. Make your own hides by cutting a small, round door out of a plastic Tupperware container or bowl. [15] X Research source
Prey should be no bigger than the widest part of the snake. Prey that is too large can cause injury to your snake. Prey that is too small may not provide enough nutrition.
Feeding pre-killed items to your snake is safer. However, these items will decompose and need to be removed if left uneaten. Feeding live prey animals can bring harm to your snake. Mice or rodents have been known to attack and kill ball pythons.
For adult ball pythons, offer food once every one or two weeks. For young ball pythons, offer food once or twice a week. Appetites may change normally over the year. Colder months usually result in lowered appetites.
Young snakes should only have about 1” of water. Make sure the container can’t be tipped over. Water temperature should be between 72 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Your snake will often defecate in the water. Change the water at least once a week.
