A Look at Ball Pythons

An animal enthusiast, Josh Ruffell has more than 25 years of experience with exotic animals. Josh Ruffell’s deep appreciation for animals began when he was a child and learned to care for his first pet snake, a ball python. Later, Mr. Ruffell volunteered at a variety of animal care facilities and eventually became an animal trainer, wildlife consultant, and zoo curator.

Experts consider the ball python to be an ideal pet for beginning snake owners. They are a small python species and are generally known to be docile and easy to handle. These characteristics make them the most popular python around the world.

Native to central and western Africa, ball pythons come in a wide variety of colors and patterns and live an average of 20 to 30 years. Adult females can grow to a length of 3 to 5 feet, while males can reach 2 to 3 feet. Experts recommend purchasing a snake that has been bred in captivity.

Pet ball pythons typically eat every one to two weeks. A good rule of thumb is to feed a python mice or rats that are no bigger than the largest circumference of the snake.

The ball python's enclosure should be kept at 80 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. A basking spot with a maintained temperature of 88-90 degrees should also be provided within the habitat. Ball pythons like to feel safe and secure, so it is important for owners to provide their pets with hide boxes. There are a number of high quality reptile enclosures available on the market to safely and securely house juvenile to adult animals.