What Type Of House Does My Ball Python Need? They also have issues with balance, which makes it difficult to enjoy climbing like other ball pythons do. However, my husband thinks it is best to only do this occasionally, because they do not like it and it stresses him out. These tiny parasites feed on the snake’s blood provoking physical distress in the snake. The capture of ball pythons for pets has also resulted in a population decline in the wild. Majorly, Ball pythons are night creatures and do not really need a UVB light to live during captivity. Like all pythons the ball python is non-venomous and is a constrictor snake meaning that it crushes its prey. A Ball Python with a respiratory infection will have labored breathing, make unusual breathing sounds. A study published by the U.K.’s Royal Society of Biology found that at least 75 percent of pet snakes, lizards, tortoises, and turtles die within one year in a human home. However, the oldest ball python recorded had a lifespan of 48 years in 1991 at the Philadelphia Zoo. Like many other animals and even people, snakes can catch a “cold” from time to time. Ball pythons, like other snakes, eat varying sizes of pre Feeding is one of those things that people often overlook when first getting a pet snake. The world record for oldest Ball Python is forty-three years, set by a snake living at the Philadelphia Zoo. Because they spend most of their time underground, ball pythons have no need for good vision. World Animal Protection (CC BY 4.0) Neil D’Cruze et al. Aside from major medical conditions, snakes can refuse to eat for a multitude of reasons. Iguanas liked to be stroked on the top of the head. Yosmary is an animal fanatic and an unconditional pet lover. To make their Ball Python feel more at “home” plenty of snake owners design a dark, hiding space in the snake cage perfect for the snake to laze around there. If you get a captive-born snake and you provide it an appropriate home and treat it well, your Ball Python will be a lovely pet. In the wild, female ball pythons (larger and heavier than males) prefer to live a more terrestrial (on the ground) lifestyle. Mature adults can grow up to 3 to 5 feet in size. Ball pythons, being exotic pets, are more rarely owned than cats, dogs, and rodents. I don’t mean to sound like a children’s book author here. Ball pythons tend to not eat very much and may do fine being fed as little as once a week and may, in some cases, fast for extended periods of time. The snake is a ball python (Python regius), a species named after its habit of coiling up into a ball-like shape when distressed. Handle your snake at least 1-2x weekly, but no more than once daily. Ball Pythons are constrictor snakes; therefore, they are naturally sturdy and thick. As with all albino animals, the albino ball python can be prone to illnesses and skin problems, but it is a stunningly beautiful variety, not to mention extremely popular. Snakes have been known to show excitement and curiosity, too. They are called 'ball' pythons because they coil around their head and form a ball. They can only focus on moving objects, and can perceive a limited range of colors. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Female Ball Pythons grow till they reach 4 ft. in length, but other specimens have reached the awesome mark of 6 ft. They are low-maintenance compared to most pets. It’s possible that they do, just on a much more basic level. Ball pythons are short-sighted, so they can’t see far away. Ball Pythons are considered sacred in the Igbo tribe of Nigeria, the story tells that as long time ago this snake helped the people of the Igbo tribe. While many illnesses can befall a ball python snake, it is easy to watch for signs of sickness … This is the most common reason for them to be aggressive. The baby Ball Python is 10 inches long, they come in various colors, and patterns such as brown, yellow, or golden- and have “mud-patch” like blotches that cover their backs. And they will likely climb in captivity if their enclosures have proper branches. The name Ball Python comes from the defensive act of rolling itself into a “ball”, is not the only name it receives tough. Ball pythons make great pets for a vast number of reasons. It is threatened by hunting for its meat and for the international pet trade. 3 Minute Read. Constrictor snakes aren’t venomous; they kill their prey by literally “squeezing” the life out of it. but ball pythons are calm snake and will wrap around your arm or neck and just sit there so you can carry them around. Yes, in the wild ball pythons love to climb. Ball pythons like to bask, so you’ll need a warm area in the cage. These are actually vestigial hind legs. The Ball Python body is thick and sturdy with a small flat head. 7. This may make them more appealing than having a more common pet; having a pet snake is cool. Ball Pythons don’t rely on their eyesight to hunt or protect themselves from predators; they detect any possible prey by their heat. Another reason why Albino Ball pythons make good pets is because they enjoy being held from time to time. It’s like they enjoy your body heat and like being outside, not cooped up in a tank,” she says. Instead, they apply pressure to the prey’s body, restricting its oxygen supply to vital organs, including the brain and the heart. They live a good 10 years in the wild. They do certainly not usually smash their target to death, instead of contrary views, they simple asphyxiate their prey to ensure they may consume it easily. Ball Pythons, like a lot of pythons, are constrictors-using their pointy, backward-curving teeth; they will certainly comprehend the prey to restrain it, and at that point wrap it around along with coils. They are constrictors like all the other members of the boa and python family. As if this weren’t alarming enough, he admitted that he had been out of town for “a couple weeks” and wasn’t exactly sure when Bruno the snake had finally gotten hungry enough to make a break for it. Ball pythons have a reputation for being generally docile and friendly. As a result, whenever a Ball Python enters the village no one bothers it or carefully return it to the woods. That being said, it’s normally a very bad idea to try housing two ball pythons together regardless of whether or not they will eat each other. Conclusion. Why Your Ball Python May Not Want to Eat . This makes them much more forgiving when it comes to handling, cleaning and feeding than skittish snakes. These snakes can be fed frozen-thawed rodents. “At the zoo,” says Dr. Denish, “we see snakes that are interested in new forms of enrichment like bedding, housing, or a new scent.” Some reptiles will also show pleasure at human contact. Estivation is like hibernation, with the animal being inactive with a lowered metabolic rate, except this behavior happens in hot dry seasons, not cold. To learn a bit more about what owning a pet ball python is like, I’d suggest taking a look at this pros & cons list of ball python pet ownership. So, as beautifully striking as their eyes are, they probably have a blurry sight of you. Decades ago, African royals used to wear these snakes around their necks as necklaces, or around their arms and wrists like bangles. This breed can only reach a maximum length of 6 feet. He had stopped by to warn me that his “pet” python had escaped the tank in which he kept him confined and was now on the loose. It’s crepuscular, meaning the snake is active the most at dawn and dusk. The Royal python (Python regius), also called the ball python, is a python species native to West and Central Africa, where it lives in grasslands and shrublands.It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List because of its wide distribution. The ball python is a good snake for a beginning snake owner.They typically grow between 2 to 5 feet (though some can grow to 6 feet), ball pythons are not as large as many of the other constricting snakes that are kept as pets, are quite docile, and are easy to handle. However, as there haven’t been many studies on the subject, that doesn’t mean that they don’t feel it to some extent. Questions around the size a ball python will get are among some of the most commonly asked. If you do go with a ball python as your next pet, then make sure you’re ready to care for your pet for a long time to come. It should help you decide if ball pythons are the right fit for you. Responsible pet owners then may … Once the snake is used to being handled carefully, it is more disposed to just affectionately curl in your arm. Ball pythons do not mind being handled often, which is another reason why they are so popular to have. So, despite having all the good qualities, the risks of having a ball python as a pet … Not Endangered. And not just for beginning snake owners, but for expert snake handlers as well. They only get 3ft to 5ft. This process takes me about 20 minutes per snake, because I use frozen / thawed rodents. Let’s take a closer look. She lives in Venezuela along with the friendly Benito, her half-breed dog. When captured, the sudden change in temperature and environment can quickly result in the death of a snake. Ball pythons captured for the pet trade. This misconception does not take into consideration the totality of their behavior in the wild. They don’t show an owner bond in the same way as a cat or a dog would. Do Ball Pythons Make Good Pets? Do ball pythons like to be held, or do they prefer to be left alone? What Type Of Bedding Does My Ball Python Need? Among snake pet lovers, Ball Pythons are the most popular choice at the moment; for good reasons! Do Ball Pythons Like To Climb? 6. They enjoy strokes and pets, sure. What Kind Of Lighting For My Ball Python? Even in complete darkness, ball pythons have adaptations to hunt at night. Pythons also have the remains of a pelvis and two hind limbs, known as vestigial organs. One of the things that make the Ball Python so popular among pet lovers is how calm and well-behaved their demeanor is towards their human owners. Ball pythons are submissive and should not be a threat to you or other pets, as long as you keep them in an environment that meets their needs. They could care less either way about being held. In addition to being Old World snakes, ball pythons can also be found under the entry “primitive species.” Unlike every other snake, which have evolved to only need one lung, pythons still have two lungs. Keep the other side of the cage cool, at about 70-80 degrees. Copyright 2018 | Pet Comments | Privacy Policy | About. Ball python hatching are just 16 to 18 inch long. Typically, a Ball Python would be of different shades of brown, going from dark brown to very light brown with black and yellow. She is usually my “go to” snake whenever somebody wants to see a ball python. A well-balanced ball python diet consists of: 1. However this does not mean that the ball python doesn’t have a set of sharp teeth in its mouth. Additional to them being one of the most tolerant snakes (if not the most tolerant one), they are relatively low maintenance. In fact it has a lot of sharp fangs as can be seen in the photo below! This is no real surprise considering the fact that they are notorious for being one of the biggest pet snakes available. Loved and feared by many people alike, Ball Pythons have their fair share of admirers. The ball python can live a complete lifespan of 20-30 years on an average in a controlled environment. Ball pythons are sometimes hunted for their meat in local areas. If a Ball Python is killed in an incident, they will make a simple funeral for the animal. Do Ball Pythons make good pets? Ball Pythons are long-lived creatures. In their natural habitat, these snakes experience high levels of humidity, as well as dry and wet seasons. They don’t show emotions like love, or pleasure. Ball pythons are quite popular pets because they have various and beautiful color mutations. This may all sound as if your ball python can bite at any time, but this isn’t the case at all. They will roam all night long. A ball python, disregard of being a wild or a pet one, will bite if it’s afraid. Feeding: I feed my ball pythons once every 7 - 10 days. Read more. Moreover, the mice and rodents found there form lovely meals. However, unlike humans “just a cold” can prove to be fatal for snakes. How do ball pythons live? They’re usually fun and interactive, and like sitting on your shoulder, according to Tibbetts. Forty-seven years is the official record for the oldest ball python in captivity; it lived at the Philadelphia Zoo. Absolutely! Ball Pythons (and snakes in general) are extraordinarily good at squeezing their way out of their cage or into a tiny space. But, before rushing to your nearest pet store, here at Pet Comments we’ll give you all the info you need to know about this popular snake. If you’re looking to own a pet snake, a ball python is one of the snake species that’s ideal for first – time owners or even for experienced hobbyists. Too much humidity can lead to skin infections and too little make defecating and shedding impossible for the snake. My ball pythons also have different temperaments when handled. But a common concern among ball python owners everywhere is getting their pet snake to eat regularly. Happily, obesity is a completely avoidable issue if the Ball Python is fed a proper diet. However, some snakes are quite content to be stroked and pet and will remain relaxed while being pet. The Ball Python is reasonably easy to take care of even for a novice snake pet owner. One of the characteristics that makes the Ball Python a popular pet choice among reptile enthusiast is that it is the smallest of its kind. The average ball python has a lifespan of 20-30 years. Therefore, before jumping to the next reptile expo, investigate all the necessities of having a Ball Python. If you have adopted a ball python for yourself, you should make it feel at home and give some time to adjust to the new situation. A juvenile python's water dish should be no more than 1 inch deep. It tends to have pink or red eyes. Snakes are on the rise as pets in North America, and the two most commonly debated between are the Ball Python and the Corn Snake. Ball pythons dwell on trees, as well as on the grounds of the savannas and grasslands of Africa. Ask a store partner about Petco's selection of books on ball pythons and the variety of private brand products available for the care and happiness of your new pet. Every pet is a good pet so long as it has the qualities you’d like your pet to have. Although ball pythons are natural adaptive creatures, they prefer to live in savannas, grasslands, and sparsely wooded areas. The pet trade isn’t the only thing putting ball pythons under pressure. Do ball pythons need a day night cycle? This is more of a question of whether or not snakes mind being pet. Yes, Ball pythons are nocturnal they need a day\night cycle. If feeding your snake live rodents, do not leav… If you just brought your new pet ball python home, give it at least one week to adjust to its new environment …   Being too cold is a common problem for many pet ball pythons, especially in the winter months, but is easily corrected by providing a heat light. The Python regius is also known as the Royal Python; apparently, this flashy snake was used as jewelry for the royalty, hence the name. Bearded dragons are another species that like to be held. This article helps you choose the right one. Ball pythons hail from sub-Saharan Africa. Ball's are very docile and move slowly. The ball python is a good snake for a beginning snake owner.They typically grow between 2 to 5 feet (though some can grow to 6 feet), ball pythons are not as large as many of the other constricting snakes that are kept as pets, are quite docile, and are easy to handle. Humidity is the key to helping the shedding process; still, a damp setting is not recommendable for a snake at all. Although most experts find this unlikely. This is the most common reason for them to be aggressive. If it is unavoidable, be sure to thoroughly disinfect the area. Once the snake is used to being handled carefully, it is more disposed to just affectionately curl in your arm. The acres of grasslands form perfect habitats for these reptiles. 2. If it suits your way of living, go for it! After bringing home your new ball python, do not handle for the first two weeks or until it is eating regularly. The Ball Python, scientific name Python regius, also known as “Royal Python” is a non-venomous constrictor snake. Instead, ball pythons have a highly developed sense of smell, and can detect infrared radiation. Ball pythons also go by another name: royal pythons. Of course, these are not dogs you can pet all the time and young Ball Pythons (called hatchlings) will bite out of fear. I have experience with mostly mammals, and I prefer to give him attention. For example, you don’t have to feed your Ball Python three times a day. Ball Pythons are currently the most popular snake pet, regardless of being slightly demanding for a novice owner, Ball Python’s tame and calm nature attracts reptile pet lovers. I worry about him getting bored and lonely in his tank. If it feels threatened, instead of biting, it will tangle itself into a ball, hiding its head beneath its body. The reason is that snakes cannot cough whatever is affecting them out of their system, so is very easy for them to accumulate fluid in their respiratory tracks. What Do Ball Pythons Eat? Do Male Or Female Ball Pythons Make Better Pets? Turtles will hurry over toward you if reptile food is being offered. Snakes do not require social interaction for their mental health, but regular handling helps the snake stay tame and can be a good opportunity for exercise. Another reason why ball pythons hiss is to communicate when their territory is being occupied. See the Feeding Frozen/Thawed Foods Care Sheet for more information. bonus question - Do males or females get bigger within BP's? They are fairly docile, but may bite you for one reason or another. They’re also regularly hunted for their meat and skin, and for use in traditional medicine and spiritual practices. They all tolerate being held, but one of the four seems more relaxed than they other three. The pet industry has produced other Ball Python colors like albino (that are completely white and yellow), pastel, lesser, and so on. That Cleopatra used to wear this python species around her wrists like bracelets may be a bit too far-fetched, but there do exist some interesting facts about the ball python, which make it one of the most desirable exotic pets in the world. While this can be an attractive feature of keeping ball pythons as pets, as an owner does not need to spend a lot of time or money on feeding and pet food, some pythons may refuse to eat to their own detriment. Of course, these are not dogs you can pet all the time and young Ball Pythons (called hatchlings) will bite out of fear. Ball pythons are found in a multitude of habitats in various sub-Saharan West African countries, including Togo, Ghana, and Benin, which are the most popular locations where they are exported for the pet trade [9]. Like other animals, the Ball Python can become the prey of bigger predators like bigger snakes, carnivorous mammals, big birds and so on. Can snakes get sad or be happy? Additional to them being one of the most tolerant snakes (if not the most tolerant one), they are relatively low maintenance… Yes, snakes can be fat too! Over the course of their life, a ball python requires a number of different sizes of enclosure in order to meet its needs as it grows; their enclosures can consist of designated reptile terrariums, plastic tubs, or aquarium tanks. In the wild is not difficult to find a Ball Python near a source of water, as they love to refresh themselves in the water. Depending on the morph, some baby Ball Pythons have white-like lines that run down their bellies also. They get this name by literally being worn like jewelry. One of the most common types of these exotic pet that people are buying is the ball python. That is far longer than any mammal species kept as pets. In captivity, ball pythons can live up to thirty years with the proper care and husbandry. Their patterns provide them camouflage, but when disturbed, they may bluff, flee, or threaten to bite. How long do ball pythons live as pets? How We Perceive Reptiles. Male Ball Pythons grow till they reach 3.0-3.5 ft. Lays Eggs in Abandoned Mammal Burrows. Author; Recent Posts; Richard Adams. First-time snake owners must be warned that all the needs and attention the Ball Python requires are far from the ones a typical pet like a dog or a cat would need. This is why snake owners must keep a tight watch on cage security. They prefer savannahs, woodlands, and grasslands, but are also commonly found in areas disturbed by humans, including different plantations [5] where they may even be … As an example, say you have a favorite table to sit at during lunch. They are easy to take care of and unlikely to bite. They need higher humidity (60%) They like to hide during the day. They dont need a lot of room. On average, they measure around 4 feet. Poor conditions during importation can also lead to stress, disease, and premature death. The ball python average life span is about 50 years and generally live for 20 to 30 years in the wild. 3. Ball pythons and other constrictor snakes do not kill their prey via asphyxiation or suffocation, which involves the cessation of breathing. And many turtles love to have their shells scratched or rubbed, she says. A heat lamp or heating mat monitored with a temperature gauge can give your banana ball snake an ideal 90 to 95-degree heating area. Housing two ball pythons together will increase stress on both snakes, even if one does not try to eat the other. They are the perfect pet for a first-time snake owner because of their calm nature and low maintenance lifestyle, but that doesn’t negate the fact that they are a little large for comfort. Ball Python Appearance. Your body’s temperature is much hotter than the pythons, which means they will use your body as a way to stay warm when their body is too cold; thus, giving off the impression that Albino Ball pythons like … However, it’s also not bad to use a full spectrum light with a small output of UVB light, like … All rights reserved. Could I keep an eye out? so when handling a snake leave the snake in charge and don't force it to do things. In captivity, there should be a bowl of water deep enough for them to immerse in, but not so deep to make getting out difficult for them. Why they make such good pets. While it is possible that a ball python could lash out, it is very rare for this to happen. Ball Pythons raised in captivity rarely bite their owners but even if they do is not a mortal bite, just cleaning and disinfecting the wound is enough. If you’re considering getting a pet ball python, it’s important to know that these snakes have long potential lifespans. Ball pythons are popular pets — for those who have snakes as pets, that is. It’s believed that most of these newly acquired animals die from stress related to captivity. Generally speaking ball pythons don’t like their heads being touched, so only stroke them further down their body. These snakes are also popular among young children to have because of their friendly disposition. In the case that a snake does not want to be pet, you will know because the snake may react by hissing, striking, or actively trying to get away from you. In addition, moisture is important. Albino Ball Python – As the name suggests, this is a pale snake, typically bright white with yellow markings, although it can be completely yellow. In captivity, with good care and attention, Ball Pythons can live from 20 to 30 years, the record being 47 years. “Must-have pets” become inconvenient burdens very quickly. This particular behavior is what gave the Ball Python its name. Sadly, these parasites are common and difficult to eradicate. In the wild, Ball Pythons hide in dark caves or under rocks. Why an 8-Foot Pet Python May Have Killed Its Owner . You just need to learn what your snake likes and doesn’t like and then you will have a friendly and docile pet. Subspecies differences: There are no recognized subspecies of the Ball Python, although colors and patterns may differ from region to region. Also unlike hamsters and other rodents, ball pythons do not smell. My husband and I debate over whether it is good to take our pet out to be held and to explore around the house. Dogs and cats lovers both fear and expect to find ticks or fleas on their pets, reptile lovers, on the other side, worry about the infamous reptile mites. Appropriately sized frozen rodents, thawed/warmed to above room temperature. I have experience with mostly mammals, and I prefer to give him attention. One of the things that make the Ball Python so popular among pet lovers is how calm and well-behaved their demeanor is towards their human owners. Your email address will not be published. A ball python is a very docile, quiet, good-natured reptile but there are always some possible dangers to be aware of if you wish to welcome a wild animal in your home and make it live in a different society than theirs. You sit there as often as you can because you like the chair or the view from the window, or it’s quiet. They will also need a water dish that is large enough for them to soak their whole body but shallow enough that they don’t need to swim to keep their heads above the water. If you see small “dots” moving in your snake, between the scales, swollen eyes due to the mites beneath the scales, or the snake constantly soaks itself in water, it is probably infested with mites. Even wild caught ball pythons rarely bite. Selective breeding has produced numerous different mutations in the Ball Python. Most ball pythons are quite docile, which is why they are recommended as one of the beginner pet snakes. The pet industry has produced other Ball Python colors like albino (that are completely white and yellow), pastel, lesser, and so on. Like other snakes, it has a highly sensitive forked tongue which is used as a sensory organ. Ball pythons are most active at dawn and dusk (crepuscular), though they slither around throughout the night. There is also a small feral population of ball pythons living in the Florida Everglades due to being released as pets. Home / Pet Types / Reptiles / Astounding Facts About the Ball Python. By … Ball pythons thrive in a warm environment, and you can monitor the temperature and humidity of their enclosures with simple tools. On the other hand, ball pythons will not have to be fed as regularly as corn snakes, which may be an advantage or disadvantage depending on whether you like feeding snakes or not! The best way for your snake to become more accustomed to you is literally to just handle it, but reward it every so often. The color and patterns in its skin changes from one specimen to another; especially if the specimen comes from the pet industry. Ball pythons make great pet snakes for both beginner snake enthusiasts and more experienced owners who enjoy the varying color morphs. It definitely shines a new light to the Bangles song “Walk Like an Egyptian,” doesn’t it? Ball pythons are nocturnal and don’t like being out in the sunlight for very often and having a hide spot will help them feel safe. While ball pythons can make excellent pets for those unfamiliar with keeping snakes as a pet, ball pythons still require specialized care and attention. 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