BALL PYTHON GENERAL OVERVIEW
The scientific name for ball pythons is Python Regius but they are most commonly known as Royal Pythons or Ball Pythons in North America. They earned this name based on their habit of curling up into a tight ball when feeling threatened. That is their primary defense and are known for their gentle personalities. Very rarely will a ball python ever bite, and when they do it is usually a case of mistaken identity.
Ball Pythons originate from west Africa. Ghana, Benin and Togo are the main countries that they populate although small groups are being discovered and bred elsewhere.
They live right on the equator and experience a 12/12 light cycle. They are primarily a nocturnal animal that leave their dens, usually made up of old termite mounds, at night in search for food. They primarily feed on rodents and are constrictors, meaning they are NOT venomous.
Ball pythons can grow to be 6 feet in length, but 4 to 4 1/2 feet is more common. Females are bigger with males averaging out at 3 - 4 feet in length.
As a general rule of thumb, females reach sexual maturity their 3rd winter although some reach it earlier. This is certainly the exception and not the rule. Many breeders try to grow their females past 1200 grams before entering them into a breeding program.
Males achieve sexual maturity as early as 6 months but again this is the exception and not the rule. Usually their second winter is the time they start to breed.
Ball pythons come in many different morphs. Probably more morphs than any other snake today. They are easier to handle then your typical corn snake and more passive then most of the bigger boids such as boa constrictors.
They are quiet and with water can be left while going on vacation without a problem. They can be fed every 7 - 14 days without any negative effects. They have a higher metabolism when young and can eat up to two or three times a week if you are looking to grow them quicker, as they age and when breeding season comes most adults tend to slow down and will eat less or not at all during the winter months. It is common for adults to go off food for up to 6 months with out their weight or health being affected.
Some ball pythons have been known to be problem feeders. This is typically a result of hatchlings being started poorly on food. If you are planning on purchasing a ball python, I would strongly suggest purchasing one from a reputable breeder who has quality stock. There are some specialty reptile pet stores that sell quality stock, but most that dabble in all kinds of pets are not a good choice. We start all our hatchlings on rat pups or mice hoppers. We try to match the girth of the snake with the size of the prey. When they leave our facility they are guaranteed eaters. A full grown Ball Python can consume large rats but will never have to be fed anything larger.
The general rule of thumb is an aquarium or better yet, terrarium, that is 2/3 the length of your snake. Newspaper or paper towels work well for a substrate if you do not care about the "look" or the terrarium. Cypress mulch and other reptile branded bedding also works well and is more visually appealing. An ambient temp of 80 is good with a hot spot of 90 - 92 F is recommended. Ball pythons need heat in order to properly digest their food. A basking light or under tank heat pad can provide a good hot spot. Try to purchase all your equipment from a specialty reptile pet store. They sell products that are specifically made for these purposes. A large water bowl for soaking will work well, something the snake can not easily flip. If humidity becomes a problem you can always move the water bowl over the heat pad and this will create more moisture during shedding. A humidity level of 60% is recommended.
All in all Ball pythons will make a greater starter pet, not only are they simple to house an care for but there is a genetic morph our there that can appeal to almost anyone. Over the last 10 years the Ball Python trade has exceeded and took on new heights, not only are new base morphs being discovered every year but the designer morph possibilities are endless. Ball Pythons can be the simple answer to the beginner, novice or advanced snake breeder.
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