There are at least 26 species of pythons. Ball pythons are just one of a kind in this class of reptilian animals. Pythons are constrictors, which means that they wrap their bodies around their prey and squeeze them until they suffocate. Ball pythons are one of the smallest of all, only growing about 3-4 feet long.
Informational/Interesting facts about Ball Pythons
Knowing and understanding some basic python facts will help you decide if you would like to have one as a pet. Below are some important facts about the ball python.
An Appearance of a Ball Python
A ball python has a flat head and a square snout. The color is black with pale stripes on the face and black stripes that form a mask over the eyes. The body of a ball python has large brown spots outlined in black and white. The spots on young ball pythons are yellow and green outlined in black and white. A healthy ball python will be round and firm.
The lifespan of a Ball Python
Captive ball pythons, with good care, can live up to 50 years, but the average lifespan of a specimen is approximately 30 years. In nature, due to predators, their lifespan is much shorter.
Origin of their name
In Europe, the ball python is known as the royal python. In the United States, they were called ball python because they curl into a ball with their head in the center when they are nervous or upset.
Natural habitat: Where do they live?
Ball pythons originated and live in the dry grasses of the savannah desert or along the edges of the forest. They can climb trees, but they rarely do. In captivity, these pythons need a safe habitat, such as an aquarium with a lid that they cannot escape from. An adult ball python will need a cage that is at least 36 inches long, such as a 30-gallon aquarium.
Heat and lighting in a terrarium for your snake
Ball pythons require a warm environment, therefore the cage should also contain a light and heat lamp to simulate desert weather and keep the snake warm. Keep a thermometer in the cage so you can monitor the temperature and keep it at approximately 80º – 85º F / 26.5º to 29.5º C. Ball pythons have sensitive skin and burn easily, so using a heating rock is not recommended. on the premmises. Specialized reptile heating pads are recommended.
The humidity in your Ball Python’s terrarium
Ball pythons are used to a moderately humid environment. If the habitat is too dry, the snake may not be able to shed its skin or defecate. The humidity should be around 50% for the ball python to remain healthy.
Hideout for the Ball Python
In the wild, ball pythons hide under rocks or inside dark crevices. Therefore, it is important to provide your pet with a place to hide in their cage. Most pet supply stores have hiding places made of bark, cork, and other suitable materials that will serve this purpose and also look very natural in your pet’s habitat.
Diet
What do ball pythons eat? Ball pythons hunt rodents in the wild, such as rats, gerbils, and mice. In captivity, ball pythons will eat a live mouse or small rat once a week. Some pet pythons can be trained to eat pre-killed mice, and this is best done while they are still young. However, you can train an adult ball python to accept non-live food if one is patient and persistent.
Reproduction
Ball pythons are sexually mature at around 5 years of age. Breeding usually occurs in late December and January. These snakes lay eggs that have a leathery shell. The female will reproduce only once every two to three years, and each time she will lay between four and ten eggs. You can tell that a female is having eggs because her color will turn dark. After she has laid her eggs, she will wrap herself around them to keep them warm. Incubation lasts approximately 80 days, during which time the female stays with the eggs and does not eat.
Skin change
Ball pythons shed their skin periodically. Once your eyes start to look cloudy, the shedding of that skin will start very soon. The process takes about a week or two. It helps to have a tree branch in the cage so the snake can rub it against the skin.
Their predators
Ball pythons in the wild have many predators, and very young and small snakes are the most vulnerable. Its predators can include:
- Other larger snakes
- Birds
- Carnivorous mammals
- Spiders
- Insects
- Big frogs
Are Ball Pythons Dangerous?
Ball pythons are docile snakes, but they can be very friendly and can feel comfortable being handled by humans if you hold them once a day. An adult ball python will enjoy wrapping itself around your arm or wrist, but you can easily unwrap it whenever you want. After holding your snake, always wash your hands.
Are they poisonous?
They’re non-poisonous snakes. They are constrictors that subdue their prey by squeezing it.
They can live for many years
If you are interested in keeping a ball python as a pet, visit your local pet store or find a local reptile club to find a breeder. Remember that these pythons can live up to 50 years, so it is very likely that you are making a commitment for life to care for your pet.
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