Ball Python Care Guide

LIFE SPAN

Approximately 25 years

AVERAGE SIZE

3-4 feet on average but have grown as large as 5 feet; females will grow larger than males.

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Ball Pythons are nocturnal; however, they do not mind out-of-cage time during the day. They are calm, usually non-aggressive, very curious and like to explore in and out of the cage.

NOTE: All snakes should be housed separately and apart from other snakes, even those of the same species.

CAGE TEMPERATURE

Warm Side: 85-90°F

Basking Temps: 90°F

Cool Side: 75°F 

HUMIDITY

50-60% humidity levels

NOTE: May need humidity box for shedding time.

FEEDING

Ball Pythons can be fed in the morning or in the evening. A healthy snake will usually eat about every 7-10 days. DO NOT handle your snake for 24 hours after eating to allow him to digest properly.

DIET

Ball Pythons are carnivorous and eat frozen, thawed mice or rats (size depending on age and size of snake).

DO NOT FEED LIVE PREY

SHEDDING

Depending on the snake’s age and size, he or she may shed 2-6 times a year. Young snakes shed more often than older snakes, smaller ones more than larger. If the shed does not come off in one piece, it is a sign that its environment is not ideal and a shed/humidity box with wet terrarium moss should be provided. 

SOAKING

Snakes benefit greatly from a good deep-water soak at least once a week. Fill a container deep enough so the entire snake’s body can be submerged under water, but the snake’s head can be out of water. The water should be nice and warm (about 70-80°F). Soak your snake for about 30 minutes at a time. 

WATER

A large bowl of clean, fresh and chlorine-free water must always be available and changed daily.

ENCLOSURE 

The enclosure should be a solid glass sided tank long enough to create the two separate temperature gradients with a solid escape proof cover. A Ball Python tank should be at least 40 Gal or larger for an adult ball python and at least 20 Gal long for a baby. It is not true that a reptile will only grow as large as its enclosure. We recommend a shredded aspen bedding or cypress mulch for your Ball Python.  

BRANCHES & PLANTS

Ball Pythons do enjoy climbing, so sturdy climbing branches can be included.

UVB LIGHT

While Ball Pythons do not require UVB, exposure to it can be beneficial for the snake's overall health. 

HABITAT MAINTENANCE

Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate, cleaning water bowl thoroughly and wiping glass clean. The entire tank should be cleaned thoroughly at least once every month.

DAY/NIGHT CYCLES & HEATING

All snakes must have distinct day and night periods in their enclosure to maintain their biological rhythms. Ball Pythons need 12 hours of daytime and 12 hours of nighttime.  

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• 40 Gal (or larger) breeder reptile tank with secure mesh top (36”L x 18”W) Smaller enclosures are acceptable for babies
• Large dome with appropriately sized heat light for basking
• UVB bulb & housing (optional)
• Under tank heating pad
• Temperature/humidity gauge
• Shredded aspen bedding or cypress substrate
• Large crock water bowl - big enough to soak in
• Frozen mice
• Dry hide house
• Humidity box for shedding time
• Water dechlorinate drops
• Spray bottle 

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.