Ball Pythons are one of the most popular pet snakes. The name ball comes from the defensive nature of the snake, when it feels threatened it will coil into a ball with its head protected in the middle.
Enclosure- The enclosure should be no shorter than ½ the snakes body length. Babies can live in a 20 gallon tank for up to a year. Be prepared.Ball Pythons are very good escape artists. Provide plenty of ventilation and a secure hiding place. Sturdy climbing branches are a must for these climbers.
Substrate- Pine shaving, bark, and carpet are great. However, NEVER use cedar shavings. The oil in these shaving are toxic to reptiles.
Temperature- Day temps should be about 85°-88°f. Do not let night temps go below 78°f.
Heating- Use a under the tank heat pad 24 hours a day in conjunction with the appropriate light. UVB light is not a necessity for these snakes. Be sure to provide a regular photo period of 8-10 hours of light and 14-16 hours of dark. A red bulb is great for nighttime viewing of your snakes.
Food and Water- Babies will feed on pinkie or fuzzy mice. Increase the size of the mice as your snake grows. Always feed your snake in a separate container, never in their habitat. Provide a sturdy water bowl with clean water for your snake to get in and out of easily.
Note: Never leave live food in with your snake for extended periods of time. They can inflict harm or even kill your pet.
