If you’ve purchased a ball python, congratulations!
This is a fantastic snake pet, especially for new reptile owners. If you’re wondering how to take care for a ball python, you’ve come to the right place.
Ball pythons can live comfortably in captivity, and most importantly, they’re low-maintenance snakes. Read on to learn all about this fun, popular pet.
Housing Requirements for Ball Pythons
When housing ball pythons, it is important to provide adequate space, a secure lid, and good ventilation. Ball pythons require an enclosure that is at least 20 gallons in size for an adult and slightly smaller for a juvenile.
To ensure the ball python stays warm, make sure to purchase an appropriate thermal gradient and under-tank heater as well as a temperature gauge. Depending on your climate, an appropriate temperature range should be between 80-85°F (27-29°C) during the day and 78-80°F (25-27°C) at night.
If you decide to keep more than one ball python in the same enclosure, ensure that the enclosure is enlarged accordingly. The lid should be tightly secure and escape-proof for your ball python to avoid escape or potential danger to your snake. Make sure to provide adequate ventilation to ensure your ball python is comfortable and healthy.
Food & Feeding Habits of Ball Pythons
Ball Python food and feeding habits should be given careful consideration as they are a unique species and have varied nutritional needs. In general, the rule of thumb should be to feed a ball python live prey and put it on a regular feeding schedule.
Live food, such as mice, should be offered to a ball python at least every 5-7 days and should always be slightly larger than the size of the snake’s widest body part, which generally will be its midsection. The food should also not swallow the prey item in one bite since the prey may not be dead yet, and if it is not dead, it can cause harm to the snake.
After feeding, ball pythons generally like to hide, so it is important to give them plenty of hiding spaces and to make sure the terrarium maintains proper temperature and humidity.
General Health & Grooming Needs
Proper care is essential for keeping your python healthy and happy as a pet parent. To ensure your ball python’s general health and grooming needs, you must provide them with the proper nutrition.
You’ll want to feed them mice or rats, but you’ll want to adjust the size of the prey depending on the size of your python. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure they have access to fresh water with a water bowl large enough for your python to submerge itself.
In terms of grooming, it is rare for ball pythons to require any sort of grooming. However, you’ll want to occasionally check their eyes, nose, and mouth for any signs of respiratory infection. Consider The Unusual Pet Vets for all your vet needs if you need help.
Discover Care for a Ball Python Today
Overall, you can make great pets if provided with proper care for a ball python and its environment. They require daily maintenance and careful observation to ensure that they’re healthy and happy.
It’s important to remember that ball pythons are living creatures and should be treated with love and respect. If you’re looking to add something unique to your home, consider adopting a ball python!
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