Ball Python Essential Care Information

General Information

  - Native Habitat: Western and central African semi-arid grasslands, forests, and near agricultural areas. 

  - Commonly found in burrows and termite mounds.

  - Lifespan: Up to 30 years with proper care.

  - Typical Temperament: Calm, Reserved, Slow-Moving

  - Care Difficulty: Intermediate

Physical Characteristics

  - Size: 3-5 feet long; males are usually smaller than females.  

  - Appearance: Thick, muscular body, large round eyes with circular pupils, heat-sensing pits, naturally brown with black pattern and a pale belly.  Available in hundreds of different colors and patterns - called “morphs” - due to selective breeding. 

Enclosure Setup

  - Size: Minimum 4'x2'x2' (120 gallon) enclosure recommended for adults. 

  - Solitary: Not a social species. House one snake per enclosure for comfort and safety

  - Clutter: Does best with lots of places to hide and feel secure. Use plants and wood to minimize wide open areas.

Lighting, Temperatures & Humidity

Lighting Schedule: 12 hour on / 12 hour off. 

- UVB Light: Beneficial, but not required for survival.

- Use an 18 - 22” 5.0 or 6% T5 linear UVB bulb over half the enclosure, placed 9 - 11” above basking surface above mesh, 15 - 18” mounted inside. 

- Full-spectrum LED recommended (6500K).

Heat: 90W PAR38 halogen flood blub adjusted with a dimmer

• Basking Surface Temperature: 95 - 104ºƒ

• Basking Ambient Temperature: 86 - 90ºƒ 

• Cool Side: 72 - 80ºƒ. 
• Night Drop (Recommended): 72 - 78ºƒ. 

Humidity: Daytime gradient of 60-80%; mist at night time to achieve 80-100%. 

Substrate (Bedding)  

  - Use top soil, sphagnum, and peat moss mix for moderate to high humidity; layer 2-4” deep.  

  - Top with leaf litter and sphagnum moss

  - Spot clean as needed; replace every 3-4 months.  

Decorating

  - Use environmental enrichment items like cork rounds, flats, branches, and plants.  

  - Secure all items to prevent accidents as the snake grows.  

Feeding  

-  Diet: Carnivorous; feed whole prey (mice, rats, quail, etc.).  

  - Prey Size: About 10% of the snake’s weight; no larger than 1.5x the snake's width. 

  - Feeding Method: Prefer frozen-thawed prey warmed to lukewarm (~104ºƒ); use feeding tongs/forceps to prevent accidental bites.  

Feeding Frequency (Depending on Body Condition):  

    - Hatchlings (up to 5 weeks): Every 5 days.  

    - Juveniles (<200g): Every 7 days.  

    - Juveniles (200-300g): Every 7-10 days.  

    - Juveniles (350-500g): Every 10-14 days.  

    - Subadults & Adults (500-1500g): Every 2-3 weeks.  

    - Adults (>1500g): Every 4-6 weeks.  

Handling Tips  

  - Wait about 2 weeks before handling new snakes; ensure they’re eating regularly first.  

  - Start with brief handling sessions, gradually increasing time.  

  - Be gentle: support the body, move slowly, and avoid touching their head.

By following these guidelines, you can provide a healthy environment for your ball python.