ball python?

Question

what do i need to know about keeping a ball python

Answer 1

Make sure your temps are correct. Warm 88-92 and cool 78-82 is where I try and keep mine. Also make sure the snake has a hide or two. Humidity at 50% and bumped up to 60-65% during a shed. A fresh supply of water and a photo period (meaning day and night, a normal household bulb is ok ,no fancy uv bulbs needed unless you need an infared heat lamp) As for the feeding part, it depends on the size of the snake. Mine is 3.5' and eats 2 live mice a week. (Some will tell you to only feed frozen but, if you feed mice there usually isn't a problem.If you were to feed rats, I'd suggest f/t.) I have NEVER had a refusal EVEN WHEN SHE IS BLUE! (The starting of the shedding process) Also some will tell you that you should feed out of the enclosure but I think that is unnecessary. My other ball was fed in her tank as well as my current snake. I have not been tagged in the whole 10 years I've had bps so I don't believe for one minute that they will associate hands with mice. If there is not a mouse "smell" they are usually not on the hunt, therefore probably won't bite unless it's because they don't like you! Also, feeding outside the tank means that you have to move the snake when it is done eating. I don't bother mine for about 48 hours after eating other wise they might regurgitate their lunch. (Never had this happen and don't want it to because I imagine it's pretty rancid!) I hope this helps you.

Answer 2

Ball pythons are very easy to care for. You need five things.

-Heat lamp or heating pad.
-Secure* enclosure (aquarium)
-Hiding place
-Fresh water
-Food

A heating pad at night and a heat lamp during the day is a good combination. The bulb in the light doesn't need to be special (uv rays), just warm.

*A secure enclosure is a must! My python was fine for two years, one weekend I went on a canoe trip and he managed to push the lid up enough to get his head out but not the rest of his body and he died. Make sure your lid is on tight.

A hollowed out log or a makeshift tent made from a towel work well for hideouts. Balls are timid by nature and need some place they feel secure and hidden.

Fresh water is a must. Balls love to take baths and go swimming, it helps keep their skin moist, especially when shedding. I recommend you change the water often, at least every other day.

As for food, frozen mice work the best. Live mice can potentially harm your snake. Rodents have sharp teeth and they go right for the spine of whatever is attacking them. When feeding you should warm the mouse up in hot water until it is no longer stiff, this will help your snake know its food since pythons sense heat. Use a tongs and dangle the mouse by the tail when feeding to prevent being bitten. Also, do not feed your snake in his enclosure, have a specific area outside of the cage for feeding otherwise, if it becomes used to you putting food in its cage it might mistake you reaching in to pick it up for you feeding it.

That's the basics, also make sure whoever you live with is okay with you having a snake that can potentially grow to five feet or more.

Answer 3

http://www.repticzone.com
Go to this site...click caresheets on the lefthand side and then click Ball Pythons for everything you need to know.Also,visit the Ball Python forum as the people there are very helpful and will answer all your questions profesionally.I have been going on this site for years and its the reason I bought a Ball...I know own 7.

Answer 4

All you need to know:

http://www.anapsid.org/ball.html
http://www.wnyherp.org/care-sheets/snakes/ball-python.php
http://www.coloherp.org/careshts/snakes/ballpyth.php

Answer 5

Research them on google.

I have one, if looked after properly they are very nice snakes to own.