Pet ball pythons are mostly fed domestic mice, rats and chicks. Just as wild pythons eat a variety of prey, it is important for your pet snake to have variety too. Mice and rats are the staple of a ball python’s diet, but adding the occasional chick, quail, or young rabbit can provide enrichment.[1]
What Is The Biggest Thing A Ball Python Can Eat?
Larger ball pythons typically eat larger mice or rats. Selecting prey for a ball python. As a general rule, you should select a rodent that is 1 to 1.25 times the size of the midsection of your snake. Smaller prey is fine, but avoid getting food that’s too large.Jul 7, 2021[2]
What Temperature Should A Ball Python Heat Mat Be
This can be done with an appropriately sized Zilla Heat Mat adhered to the bottom of the tank on one side and add proper lighting. Ideal temperatures for Ball Pythons range from 75-80°F on the cool side and 80-85°F on the warm side. Provide an 88-92°F basking area on the warm side.[3]
How Hot Should Ball Python Heat Pad Be?
Based on their natural environment, and ball python breeder/keeper’s success, approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2C) is your goal hot spot in the enclosure. Some people go a bit warmer or cooler, ranging from 85 to 95 degrees depending on who you ask.[4]
What Temperature Should A Heat Mat Be?
Most seeds germinate best in temperatures between 70-90 F. (21-32 C.), although some, such as pumpkins and other winter squash, are more likely to germinate in soil temps between 85-95 F. (29-35 C.).[5]
What Temp Will Burn A Ball Python?
It is possible to make your snake too hot as well, which is the main reason why a snake needs a cool-down location. If the temperature in the tank, but particularly the basking spot, is too warm, it can burn your snake. Any temperature above 95°F is too hot for your ball python, especially without a cool-down spot.[6]
What Should I Set My Ball Python Thermostat To?
However, keep in mind that ball pythons prefer to live in burrows, where temperatures are cooler and more stable than the open air above.1Basking surface temperature: 95-104°F (35-40°C)2Warm hide temperature: 86-90°F (30-32°C)3Cool hide temperature: 72-80°F (22-27°C)4Nighttime temperature: 70-78°F (21-26°C)[7]
Why Is My Ball Python So Small
The main factors that can affect ball python size include the snake’s food consumptions and its habitat size. Snakes that are not able to stretch out in their tanks may be smaller in size than those with more room. Females tend to be slightly larger than males, but this is not always the case.Aug 7, 2022[8]
Can Ball Pythons Be Small?
The smallest measured adult male was only two feet long. Female Ball Pythons are much larger due to their genetically faster growth rate. Many females are between four to five feet long, some have been measured as large as 6.5 feet![9]
How Big Should A 1 Year Old Ball Python Be?
Juvenile Ball Python Size
It’s reasonable to expect a juvenile Ball Python to measure 16 to 24 inches long and weigh between 500 to 1000 grams. A baby Ball Python that has doubled its weight may weigh as little as 80 grams or as much as 300 grams.[10]
How Long Does It Take For Ball Pythons To Get Full Size?
A Ball Python will reach its full-grown size between two to three years old. Most pet Ball Pythons will grow at least three feet long. A male will typically top off at only 2.5 to 3.5 feet long, while a female can grow anywhere from 4 to 6 feet long. Both sexes are fully grown within three years.[11]
How Big Should My Ball Python Be?
Adult female ball pythons average 3 to 5 feet long, and adult male ball pythons average 2 to 3 feet in size. This is a species in which mature females are typically much larger than the males. A 5-foot ball python is considered big, although lengths of 6 feet or more have been reported.[12]
What Is A Good Temperature For A Ball Python
Ideal temperatures for Ball Pythons range from 75-80°F on the cool side and 80-85°F on the warm side. Provide an 88-92°F basking area on the warm side.[13]
What Temp Is Too Cold For Ball Python?
What Temperature Is Too Cold for Ball Pythons? The absolute coldest temperature that any snake can survive in is 65°F. But since the ideal cool-down temperature for a ball python is 75°F, anything that is colder than that can cause your snake to become too cold and his body will start to shut down.[14]
What Temperature Is Too High For A Ball Python?
General air temperatures in a ball python’s enclosure should never exceed 95°F (35°C)! Temperatures can typically drop to room temperature at night without negative effects, and may actually be more beneficial for the snake’s long-term health.[15]
What Is Perfect Temp And Humidity For Ball Python?
You want the temperature gradient to be between 75°F and 95°F, while you want the humidity levels to be between 55% and 60%. If you take the time to perfect your snake’s condition so that the tank has this temperature and humidity, the snake should live a very long time.Jul 26, 2022[16]
How To Tell If Ball Python Is Boy Or Girl
Tail Characteristics
Male snakes have a pair of tube-shaped hemipenes (sex organs) that normally sit inside their bodies. They are basically two small penises that are kept safe inside the snake’s tail. Female snakes do not have hemipenes.Jul 12, 2021[17]
Why Is My Ball Python Striking At Me
What does it mean when your Ball Python strikes at you? Obviously, if your snake strikes at you at feeding time, this is pretty normal, it’s just hungry and getting over-excited. It’s also fairly normal for some snakes to strike when they’re getting ready to shed. This is because they feel vulnerable at that time.Dec 6, 2021[18]
How Do You Stop Snakes From Striking?
How to Calm Down a Snake1Move Slowly. Quick movements can frighten snakes and send them into fight or flight mode. … 2Good Behavior. Snakes typically react to handling with fear or, if they are calm and relaxed, curiosity. … 3Guide, Don’t Restrain. … 4Cutting Your Losses. … 5Provide a Comforting Home.[19]
Do Ball Pythons Strike Humans?
Ball pythons can bite but they don’t usually attack humans. Younger ball pythons may be more prone to biting, but even this is unusual. Ball pythons have small inward-sloped teeth.[20]
Why Does My Ball Python Keep Trying To Bite Me?
As we’ve established, they’ll bite most often when they’re hungry, stressed, or feeling threatened. If you give your snake a minute, it will realize you aren’t prey and will likely release you. If it still doesn’t release you, you can pour cold water or drinking alcohol over the bite area.[21]
What Is A Bumblebee Ball Python
The bumblebee ball python is a morph that has striking yellow coloration, combined with brown or black. The bumblebee ball python has bright coloration and a docile temperament which make it an ideal pet.Sep 21, 2021[22]
How Much Is A Bumblebee Ball Python?
Most Bumblebee Ball Python Morphs cost anywhere from $200 to $300.Jul 26, 2022[23]
What Makes A Killer Bee Ball Python?
Killer Bee Ball Pythons are known for their striking color combination and distinctive markings. This type of snake has gorgeous yellow scaling with purple accents. As it matures, the purple will fade to light lavender or grey. It has a unique spider web pattern over its entire body.[24]
How Long Do Bumblebee Ball Pythons Live?
With proper care, ball pythons can live 30 years or more. The record age for a ball python is more than 40 years – so plan on a long life for your new pet snake. Spider Killer Bee Axanthic Ball Python.[25]
What Size Hide For Ball Python
A 36-inch by 18-inch by 12-inch enclosure will more than comfortably house an adult ball python. The one cage accessory that is required for a happy ball python is a good hide box.[26]
What Kind Of Hides Do Ball Pythons Need?
Hides. As a rule of thumb, ball pythons need at least 2 hides: one on the cool end of the enclosure, and the other on the warm end. But it’s better to offer as many as you can possibly cram into the enclosure. For best results, fill one or two of the hides with moist sphagnum moss to facilitate shedding.[27]
Do Ball Pythons Need 2 Hides?
An absolute necessity for any ball python enclosure is two or more hides or shelters. Most snakes prefer a dark secure place to spend much of their time. The hides you provide give your ball python a secure place to feel safe.[28]
Do Ball Pythons Need A Humid Hide?
If you use a glass tank, provide a humid hide–that is, a hide that has some damp moss in it for extra humidity. A shy ball python will feel more secure if there is a hide for them on the cool side and the warm side of the enclosure (more about that in the heating section).[29]
Do Ball Pythons Like Small Enclosures?
Juvenile ball pythons seem to do well in small enclosures that make them feel secure. A small snake in a big cage can become overwhelmed and stressed. Adult ball pythons do not require exceptionally large or elaborate enclosures either.[30]
Resources
[1]https://www.everythingreptiles.com/ball-python-feeding/
[2]https://pets.webmd.com/feeding-a-ball-python
[3]https://www.zillarules.com/information/care-sheets/ball-python
[4]https://www.goherping.com/ballpythontemperature
[5]https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/how-to-use-a-heat-mat-for-plants.htm
[6]https://petkeen.com/how-long-can-ball-pythons-go-without-heat/
[7]https://reptifiles.com/ball-python-care-guide/ball-python-humidity-temperatures/
[8]https://www.allthingsnature.org/what-factors-affect-ball-python-size.htm
[9]https://www.everythingreptiles.com/how-big-do-ball-pythons-get/
[10]https://reptile.guide/ball-python-size/
[11]https://www.morereptiles.com/how-big-do-ball-pythons-get/
[12]https://reptilesmagazine.com/ball-python-care-sheet/
[13]https://www.zillarules.com/information/care-sheets/ball-python
[14]https://petkeen.com/how-long-can-ball-pythons-go-without-heat/
[15]https://reptifiles.com/ball-python-care-guide/ball-python-humidity-temperatures/
[16]https://petkeen.com/ball-python-temperature-humidity/
[17]https://www.thesprucepets.com/how-to-tell-sex-of-snakes-1239488
[18]https://ballpythonbreeder.co.uk/2021/12/06/why-is-my-ball-python-striking-at-me/
[19]https://animals.mom.com/calm-down-snake-10358.html
[20]https://www.healthline.com/health/ball-python-bite
[21]https://www.reptiledirect.com/ball-python-bite/
[22]https://reptile.guide/bumblebee-ball-python/
[23]https://petkeen.com/bumblebee-ball-python-morph/
[24]https://petkeen.com/killer-bee-ball-python-morph/
[25]https://reptilesmagazine.com/ball-python-care-sheet/
[26]https://www.snakecountry.com/learn/ball-python/
[27]https://reptifiles.com/ball-python-care-guide/ball-python-terrarium-decorations/
[28]https://reptileroommate.com/the-only-ball-python-care-guide-needed/
[29]https://reptilerapture.net/ball-python-caresheet.html
[30]https://reptilesmagazine.com/ball-python-care-sheet/