Badgerland Reptile Rescue

Ball Python Care Guide

Ball Python

Python regius

Native Range

Ball pythons are native to Western and Central Africa, and can be found primarily in Benin, Ghana, and Togo.

History

Ball pythons have been extremely popular in the pet trade since the early 1990s, with the first morph produced in 1992 by breeder Bob Clark.

Enclosure

The absolute minimum size enclosure for an adult ball python is the equivalent to a 40-gallon breeder tank (36″ x 18″ x 16″). Ball pythons are best kept in enclosures that are 4′ x 2′ x 2′ (or even larger, if possible).

While some individuals may be tempted to allow two or more ball pythons to live together in the same enclosure, Badgerland Reptile Rescue strongly advises against cohabitation for this species.

There are many different substrates available for ball pythons, including paper towels, newspaper, cypress mulch and coconut husk. We do not recommend using reptile carpet or pine/cedar shaving substrates.

Heating & Humidity

Adult ball pythons should be provided a warm side of 85-92° and a cool side of 75-80°. In most cases, the ambient humidity should be between 60-70%

Please note that a reliable thermostat must always be used with any heat source!

UVB Lighting

Because ball pythons are crepuscular, UVB lighting is not required. However, you may find that including UVB lighting promotes more natural behaviors. We recommend the following: Arcadia ShadeDweller 7%, Zilla Tropical 25, ZooMed ReptiSun 5.0

Diet

Ball pythons are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat whole animals in order to get the right nutrition. Most ball python keepers feed appropriately-sized mice or rats, though other sources like African soft furs, chicks, and quail may be offered as enrichment. Badgerland Reptile Rescue only recommends feeding only pre-killed prey that has been frozen & thawed, as live rodents can severely injure or kill a snake.

Average Lifespan

20-30 years

Signs of a Healthy Animal

  • Alert and energetic
  • Bright, clear eyes
  • Intact skin without any ulcerations or stuck shed present
  • No shaky or “wobbly” movement
  • No swelling or bumps throughout body
  • Clean vent
  • No discharge appearing from nose or mouth
  • No open mouth breathing
  • Relaxed demeanor, regularly flicking tongue

Sources

“Ball Python Care Sheet.” Avian and Exotic Animal Care & Veterinary Hospital, www.avianandexotic.com/care-sheets/reptiles/ball-python/.

Bortz, Joel. “Care Sheet for Ball Python – Python Regius.” World of Ball Pythons, www.worldofballpythons.com/python-regius/care-sheet/.

Dukart, Seri. “Ball Python.” Creature Care Cards, www.creaturecarecards.com/ballpython.html.

Hallatt, AJ, and Nicole D’Avignon. “Ball Python Care Guide.” BeWild Reptile Rescue, bewildnc.org/ball-python/.

Healey, Mariah. “Ball Python Care Guide.” ReptiFiles®, 22 July 2017, reptifiles.com/ball-python-care-guide/.

“Husbandry Handbook: Ball Python – Python Regius.” Zilla Reptile, www.zillarules.com/information/care-sheets/ball-python.

Kaplan, Melissa. “Ball Pythons.” Melissa Kaplan’s Herp Care Collection, 1996, www.anapsid.org/ball.html.

Mede, Erica. “Ball Python Care.” Edited by Susan Horton, Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital, www.exoticpetvet.com/ball-python-care.html.

“Thread: A Brief History of Ball Python Morphs for Beginners.” BallPythons.Net, 10 Sept. 2009, ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?101716-A-Brief-History-of-Ball-Python-Morphs-for-Beginners.