Ball Python

Enclosure type

Terrestrial PVC or wood enclosure; glass tanks lose heat and humidity

Substrate

Cypress mulch, coconut husk, or aspen shavings. Paper towels or newspaper for juveniles or quarantine. Avoid cedar and pine.

Hides

At least two hides: warm side and cool side; snug-fitting hides reduce stress

Notes

Minimum 40-gallon enclosure for adults (4x2x2 feet preferred). Provide at least two hides (warm and cool), climbing branches, and secure locking lid. PVC or wood enclosures retain heat and humidity better than glass.

Ambient / cool side

78-80°F (26-27°C)

Basking spot

88-92°F (31-33°C)

Nighttime

75-80°F (24-27°C)

Heating method

Heat pad, heat tape, or ceramic heat emitter with thermostat

Humidity range

50-60%

Maintenance

Use a hygrometer to monitor. Mist enclosure or add humid hide with damp sphagnum moss. Increase to 65-70% during shed.

UVB

Not required; 12-hour day/night cycle with ambient lighting

Photoperiod

12 hours on / 12 hours off

Lighting notes

No UVB required. Provide day/night cycle with ambient lighting (12 hours on, 12 hours off).

Staple food

Frozen-thawed mice (hatchlings) or rats (adults)

Variety

No live prey; size prey to approximately the same width as the snake's widest point

Frequency

Hatchlings: every 5-7 days. Juveniles: every 7 days. Adults: every 10-14 days.

Supplements

No supplements needed if feeding whole prey items.

Notes

Carnivore: Feed appropriately-sized frozen-thawed rodents (mice for babies, rats for adults). Never feed live prey.

Water bowl

Large bowl for drinking and soaking; change every 2-3 days

Notes

Provide large water bowl for drinking and soaking. Change water every 2-3 days or when soiled. Ball pythons may soak before shedding.

Disposition

Very docile; excellent beginner snake; may curl into ball when nervous

Recommendations

Handle 1-2 times per week for 10-15 minutes. Avoid handling for 48 hours after feeding. Support the snake's body fully and never grab or restrain the head.

Respiratory infections (from low temps/humidity), scale rot (from wet substrate), mites, inclusion body disease (IBD), and obesity from overfeeding.

Ball pythons can live 20-30 years. They are notorious for going off feed, especially during breeding season (winter). A ball python may fast for weeks or months and still be healthy. Check temps, humidity, and husbandry first. Handle hatchlings gently as they may be defensive initially but calm with age.