Ball Python Snake Care Instructions
About:
Ball Python – Royal Python (Python Regius)- python species native to West and Central Africa. A Nonvenomous constrictor, smallest of all the African pythons. The name “ball python” refers to its tendency to curl into a ball when stressed or frightened.
Personalities:
Friendly and docile, making them fantastic beginner pets. As any living creature, each ball python has its own personality. They are nocturnal and spend most of their time hiding.
Lifespan:
20 to 30 years. Be prepared to commit to a “family member”.
Size:
When born will be roughly 10-17 inches in length and weigh about 0.11 – 0.18 pounds. Adults will range 2.5 – 4 feet in length and weigh 1200 – 2500 grams.
Diet:
Most owners feed ball pythons rats (though they can also eat rabbits, ducks, lizards, ect.). Most are willing to eat frozen/thawed in lieu of live, making the owners life easier. Proper sizing is key to a healthy feeding for your snake. See chart below.
Habitat:
Being shy, smaller snakes, Ball Pythons prefer dark, quiet places where they feel safe from predators and exposure. They require warmer temps (85-88 degrees on the warm side) and moderate humidity (55-70%). Your cool side should not dip below 75 degrees even at night.
Tips for your new “Family Member”
• Let them settle in the first couple of weeks before attempting to handle them.
• Pick up slowly. Fast movements can startle them.
• Do not handle for 48 hours after feeding to prevent regurgitation.
| Snake Weight (grams) | Prey Weight | Prey Size Name | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 - 200 | 12 - 20 | Rat Fuzzy or Small Mouse | 5 - 7 Days |
| 200 - 299 | 22 - 34 | Rat Pup or Md to Lg Mouse | Weekly |
| 300 - 499 | 35 - 44 | Weaned Rat or 1 Xl or 2 Lg Mouse | Weekly |
| 500 - 699 | 55 - 74 | Small Rat or 2-3 Lg/XL Mice | Weekly |
| 700 - 999 | 75 - 99 | Large Small to Smaller Medium Rat | 7 - 14 Days |
| 1,000 - 1,499 (female) | 100 - 149 | Meduim Rat | 10 - 14 Days |
| 1,000 + (male) | 75 - 99 | Lage Small to Smaller Medium Rat | 14 - 21 Days |
| 1,500 + (female) | 120 - 165 | Medium Rat | 14 - 21 Days |
Who we have available for adoption is constantly changing. We have new arrivals from rescuing and breeding happening on a regular basis. Please reach out to us via email, phone or text for pictures and a list of who is currently available.