Care Guide
Overview
- Common Name: Ball Python
- Scientific Name: Python regius
- Origin: West and Central Africe
- Size: 3-5 feet
- Lifespan: up to 30 years in captivity with proper care
- Temperament: Generally a calm, shy demeanor
Enclosure Setup
Tank Size
- Recommended: 120 gallon tank equivalent (4' x 2' x') prioritizing floor space over height.
Substrate
- Our Mixture: Bio-Active Mix
Decor
- Large heavy water dish for drinking and soaking
- Multiple hides, with at least one on the cool side and one on the warmer side of the enclosure
- 1-2 sturdy branches to crawl over
- Several types of foliage to populate the enclosure
Temperature and Heating
Temperature Gradient
- Warm side: 88–92°F
- Cool side: 78–80°F
- Night temps: Can drop to 73–75°F
Heating Equipment
- Halogen basking bulb (preferred)
- Ceramic heat emitter (if needed at night)
Humidity
- Target: 50-60% maintained with moist substrate, occasional misting, and a large water dish
Lighting
- UVB: Recommended (Not optional for best health)
- Use 5-7% UVB tube placed over basking area
- Photoperiod: 10-12 hours daily
Diet
Staples
- Appropriately sized rodents, frozen/thawed mice or rats. Some breeders (including us!) prefer the Natal multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis), also called the African soft-furred rat, is a common sub-Saharan rodent known for having an unusually high number of mammary glands (8 to 12 pairs)
Feeding Schedule
- One feeding every 1-2 weeks
Water:
- Provide a large shallow water dish at all times, they may soak occasionally
Behavior and Handling
- Naturally shy and docile
- Will usually curl into a tight ball and tuck its head when scared rather than striking unless provoked
- Can be handled, but do so with care. Wait 1-2 weeks after getting the snake and avoid handling it 48-72 hours after a meal. Approach it slowly from the side or behind and support the body around the mid section especially. Try not to squeeze and attempt to keep handling sessions under 30 minutes
Key Care Tips
- Large Enclosure with plenty of floor space and some low climbing branches
- Keep multiple hides and a large heavy water dish
- Only feed every 1-2 weeks
- Maintain a constant temperature and humidity in the enclosure
- Handling is safe but ensure to read our handling section and do so with care and focus on your particular animal's behavior