Read About Ball Python Snakes

Ball Python snakes, also known as Royal Python snakes, can make good pets if they are handled properly. Everything you need to know about them is contained in this article.

Ball Python snakes - Facts

1. Description:

   The Ball Python is a ground dweller native to western Africa.

2. Varieties:

   The Ball Python has had their color "morphed" to a wide variety including Albino, Albino Spider, Black Stripe, Bumble Bee, Coral Albino, Coral Glow, and Killer Bee Spider.

3. History:

   Ball Pythons are in the same family as Boas and other Pythons. They are constrictors, which mean they suffocate their food before eating.

4. Physical Traits:

   Ball Pythons are usually black and brown, but breeders have obtained over 60 color "morphs". Adults will grow to 3-6 feet and can live over 20 years.

5. Other Defining Characteristics:

   The Ball Python got its name from the fact that it curls into a ball to protect its head when threatened.

6. Habitat:

   Pythons are ground dwellers, usually in the rain forest. In the wild, they diet on birds, lizards, other snakes, amphibians, and small mammals.

Ball Python snakes - Concerns

1. Benefits:

   Ball Python Snakes can live to be over 20 years old and can provide you with a long term companion. They are mostly docile, so they rarely "attack". Most Ball Python "attacks" simply come down to the snake getting overly excited at meal time and mistaking your finger for food.

2. Liabilities:

   Many Ball Pythons can be very large. It becomes harder to care for them as they grow because they not only need larger quarters, but they also need more food.

3. Health Issues:

   As with all reptiles, Salmonella bacteria is a concern. Good hygiene by a handler of these pets is essential and should be observed.

4. Specific Care Needs:

   Most captive bred Ball Pythons will eat mice as young snakes, but will need to eat rats as they get older and larger.

5. Reaction to Children and other Pets:

   Most snakes are loners. If you have multiple snakes, keep them in separate containment. Also, children should be highly supervised with your snake.

6. Special Household Needs:

   There are no special household needs for a Ball Python.

Ball Python snakes - How to Choose

1. What to Look for:

   You should look for signs of a healthy snake. You should ask for a health history on your snake before you purchase one to make sure it is eating properly.

2. Supplies:

   Ball Pythons need to be in a tank with an under-tank heater, along with heat lamps. An adult Ball Python will need at least a 55-gallon tank.

3. Expense:

   Raising a Ball Python can be a very expensive affair. The cost of food, supplies, and vets can be overwhelming at times, so make sure you are prepared to make a long-term financial commitment.