Guest Author - Christina Borders

Written by previous editor: Christina Borders

Ball pythons are probably the most common constrictor found in the pet trade. They are one of the smallest pythons and have a fairly docile nature. The are aptly named because when frightened they curl their bodies around their heads forming a tight ball of protection.

Though ball pythons are much smaller in size compared to a Burmese or reticulated python, the small 12 inch snake you buy as a baby can still reach 3 to 4 feet in length as an adult. A formidable size considering this snake is a constrictor.

Ball pythons housing needs are relatively simple, but don’t skimp in this area just to save a few bucks up front. A 15 – 20 gallon aquarium, longer than it is tall, should be the minimum and a secure lid is a must. Snakes are escape artists at heart and the last thing you want to discover upon returning home is your snake missing from his cage and on the prowl. You will also need a heat source, either a clip on lamp or an under tank heating pad or both. (EXTRA TIP: DO NOT use heat rocks. These devices can cause thermal burns and severely injure or even kill your snake.) Your snake will also need a hiding box or two- one in the cool end of his cage and the other in the warmer end.

You’ll need to keep the temperature around 90 degrees F in the basking area of the cage and it can safely drop to the lower 80’s and upper 70’s on the cooler side. Ball pythons are nocturnal UVB light isn’t needed so a heat lamp during the day in combination with the under tank heating pad are great. At night the lamp can be switched off and the heating pad will still provide heat throughout the night. Humidity is also important to ball pythons. These snakes spend much of their time burrowing underground and are rather sensitive to relative humidity. (EXTRA TIP: A good investment for any herp keeper is a hygrometer. These devices measure the humidity level and make it easier for you to maintain.) Shoot for a humidity level around 60%. In the hide boxes, a little higher level is desirable, say around 70 – 80%. A great way to accomplish this is to provide a soaking tub that has a lid with an access hole cut in it. This will allow the snake to soak and hide at the same time.

For the cage substrate, I would recommend newspaper since it is cheap and easy to replace when cleaning or reptile carpet or Astroturf. Do not use cedar mulch as it’s oils are toxic. Reptile bark or cypress mulch are other alternatives.

In next weeks article we'll discuss the feeding and health care of ball pythons. Until then, please be sure to join us on the forum board and tell us a little about you and your reptile pets!