Complete ball python, a comprehensive guide to care, breeding, and genetic mutations kevin mccurley on. In the wild, they are most often found in semiarid grasslands, forests, and near agricultural areas, sheltering in animal burrows, hollow logs, and occasionally termite mounds. Most individuals only reach 34 feet in length as adults. Ball python breeding is fun, and ranks as one of the best things about having a snake as a pet. This setup can be as basic as a ten gallon fish tank or as elaborate as a. This video has some basic information for caring for your ball python. Come join our unique community and create your own photo gallery, compete in monthly contests, classifieds, calendared events and so much more. The ball python manual at amazon this 76page softcover book is considered by many to be the best ball python reference on the market. Growing to a maximum size of 3 to 5 feet, ball pythons are not as large as many of the other constricting snakes that are kept as pets, are quite docile, and are easy to handle. If a hatchling is placed in too large of a container, it may become insecure in its surroundings and refuse to feed. But if youre completely inexperienced with breeding pet snakes, you might not know where to start. Synopsis with quick and easy instructions, ball python care provides all the information you need to care for your ball python. Ball python care sheet caging needed 20 gallonlong terrarium or larger with secure lid.
If you are looking for blue eyed leucistic ball pythons for sale or any of the other combos in this complex then you have come to the right place. Glass aquariums are not a good choice for ball pythons. Adult ball pythons average in size from three to five feet life span. The ball python python regius, also called the royal python, is a python species native to west and central africa, where it lives in grasslands and shrublands. Goherping includes as many arguments and options as possible, so you can decide whats best, and give your python superior husbandry. Our captive bred baby blue eyed leucistic ball python for sale are bred for vivid color and fed a top quality diet to ensure proper growth, raised with the proper humidity, and handled often our blue eye leucistic ball pythons for sale are some of the most docile and friendliest ball pythons for sale online anywhere. They are very docile and not fastmoving like most snakes, which makes them easy to handle. Ball python care sheet enclosure when selecting the proper enclosure it is important to remember that ball pythons originate from africa and as such prefer a warm, humid environment. Ball python care information ball pythons are one of the most popular snakes being kept and bred in captivity. When it comes to breeding, having an albino as the parent is the best way to come about another albino. Housing for a ball python can vary from simple to elaborate. Thankfully, ball pythons are very popular amongst pet owners and they are easy to find in most pet stores.
If you do not plan on breeding them, this could be the only book youll ever need to. Heres a glimpse of what youll find inside the care guide. Vivariums should be secure, made from a solid material, easy to clean and free from hazards. Albino ball python the morph that arguably started the ball python morph craze. Appropriately sized frozen rodents, thawedwarmed to above room temperature. They are good beginner snakes because they are docile and easy to care. A comprehensive guide on caring for your ball python. How to choose a healthy snake from the start 14 pages how to create a proper cage environment for your snake 35 pages how to properly hold. If you are thinking of getting a ball python, this is the first book you. Ball python care sheet avian and exotic animal care.
Avoid handling your ball python until it has eaten on its own a couple of times. It was written by brandon cornett, the publisher of reptile knowledge and a 20year veteran of snake care. It is not unusual for these pythons to live 20 30 years in captivity. Once youve decided that you can provide proper care for a ball python its time to go find your new friend. Ive had my ball python for 3 years and he still lives comfortably in a 20 gallon tank. However there is a significant gap between surviving and thriving, and so as snake keepers we must find a happy medium between respecting the way an animals body has evolved and providing adequate nutrition. How to choose a healthy snake from the start 14 pages how to create a proper cage environment for your snake 35 pages how to properly hold handle a ball python 10 pages. The ball python is a good snake for a beginning snake owner. Ball python care guide tips from home to health to food and fun. When selecting the proper enclosure it is important to remember that ball pythons originate from africa and as such prefer a.
Ball pythons are named for their habit of curling themselves up into a tight ball. Ball pythons are one of the most popular snakes kept in captivity worldwide. Keeping them can be very rewarding and on the whole, is not too difficult. Ball python python regius the ball python is quite simply the most popular pet python in the world. This morph naturally occurs through the breeding of two normal ball pythons, although that occurrence is quite rare. Ball pythons can grow up to 5 feet in length, but on average reach a. Ball pythons are among the most popular pet snakes.
Ultimate guide to ball python care page 3 the ball python a species profile the ball python also known as the royal python in europe is a nonvenomous constrictor thats popular within the pet trade. He even writes about the famous ball python that was known to live 47 years and some days and even then, they still dont know how old the python is. Zilla provides expert care sheets for reptile and amphibian owners and those interested in purchasing a pet reptile. This number doesnt include the thousands of subspecies of morphs. The enclosure, called a vivarium, must be secure to prevent escape and free from hazards that might cause. Daily care replace any soiled bedding and provide fresh water every day signs of illness irregular sheds or difficulty shedding not eating bumps or spots on skin difficulty breathing vomiting white substance in the mouth ball python supply checklist 30 gallon glass tank with. The gentle nature, medium size and the vast array of colors and patterns has catapulted the ball python to becoming one of the most popular snakes kept in captivity. Ball pythons have spurs, the vestiges leftovers of ancestral legs. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. Ball pythons will initially ball up or, less frequently, bite if frightened. While any reptile can and will bite in certain situations, these snakes are usually gentle and tolerant of human handling and care, making it a popular pet snake.
This setup can be as basic as a ten gallon fish tank or as elaborate as a six by two custom made terrarium. It is critically important to have your enclosure complete and ready for your ball python before bringing it home. It might take your new ball python a little bit of time to adjust to its new surroundings. Feed your snake once a week at nighttime, using tongs. A complete ball python breeding guide for beginners. With proper care, ball pythons can live 30 years or more. They grow to around 150cm, but size can differ between males and females. Most ball pythons will become more tolerant and accustomed to handling as they become older. Before purchasing a ball python for your next pet, study this ball python care sheet pdf so you understand how to provide the best habitat and appropriate food for your pet. Whether it is the vibrant colors calling to the avid snake collector or the docile temperament appealing to a family, the ball python has.
Ball pythons are named for their habit of curling up in a tight ball with. The information on this care sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. How to care for your ball python with pictures wikihow. If you need additional information, refer to the sources section or contact your veterinarian as appropriate. As the snake matures, you will need to increase the size of its cage. Ball pythons reach sexual maturity at 5 years of age. Python regius we have thousands of exotic ball pythons for sale from top breeders from around the world. Python regius royal python ball python quick reference diet. There are currently about 26 primary ball python morphs. Better yet, print out a copy so you can easily refer back to it. With proper care, they can live between 2040 years old. Be sure to wash your hands after handling any reptiles. This will give you the best chance of keeping your new pet healthy and happy. They are very easy to care for and come in ton of morphs.
Complete ball python, a comprehensive guide to care, breeding, and genetic mutations. All of those morphs are simply a combination of any of these 26 original morphs you will see below. This comprehensive ebook offers 112 pages of helpful advice, on. The record age for a ball python is more than 40 years so plan on a long life for your new pet snake. Leucistic ball python for sale leucistic ball python. Ball python care sheet i learn how to care for your ball. This snake is native to africa, mostly the northwestern part of the continent in countries such as togo, ghani and mali. Python, these snakes reach a modest size of between 4 to 5 feet in length and can live for up to 15 to 20 years. Like other family pets, your snake should visit your banfield hospital at purchase, and then twice a year for a thorough examination and a microscopic evaluation of the snakes stool. Bear in mind, your snakes vivarium must allow them to.
Ball python feeding tips wild animals rarely eat consistently, and they have evolved to survive this. It is threatened by hunting for its meat and for the international pet trade. We carry a variety of bels made from a combination of mochas, mojaves, lessers, butters, russos and more. Ball python care and information as well as community driven content covering all manner of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates from boas to ball and blood pythons to bearded dragons and brachys. Philippe also confirms that, yes, even large snakes can fit in surprisingly small tanks.
It is listed as least concern on the iucn red list because of its wide distribution. To breed ball pythons, you should get the necessary equipment like an. If you select an enclosure that has too much ventilation such as an aquarium with a mesh top it will be very difficult to maintain the proper heat and humidity. May 31, 2017 ball pythons need 812 hours of light a day. Ball python care sheet housing, heating, feeding, etc. They then shed their skin about 1 month before laying the eggs. Try browsing the ball pythons index if youre looking for something specific. The most basic ball python setup that still meets all the animals needs is a glass terrarium with a screen locking lid. The most important thing is that you follow several rules and check in on your pet often to ensure it appears to look and act healthy. Ball python care sheet i learn how to care for your ball python. Pythons at amazon there is enough general information on husbandry that many owners will find it a useful general resource. Ball pythons are generally a bit shy, but they make for ideal captives, because they are of a small size, are generally friendly, are manageable to care for, and come in a remarkable array of colors and patterns. Daily care replace any soiled bedding and provide fresh water every day signs of illness irregular sheds or difficulty shedding not eating bumps or spots on skin difficulty breathing vomiting white substance in the mouth ball python supply checklist 30 gallon glass tank with a screen top clips to secure the. Complete ball python, a comprehensive guide to care, breeding.
If you are thinking of getting a ball python, this is the first book you should read. Ball pythons also known as royal pythons are a terrestrial species of constricting snake native to regions of eastern, central, and western africa. From this page, you can find resources on every aspect of husbandry for ball pythons, very popular pet snakes. For help looking after your royal python, download our royal python care sheet pdf 321kb. Ball pythons are carnivores and should primarily be fed frozen rodents. Ball python feeding tips reptifiles ball python care guide.
Royal pythons come from areas of central and western africa, where they are often found on the ground or in the trees of forest land. Chlorinefree water should be provided in a large shallow bowl big enough for the snake to soak in. They are native to the sudanese subprovince west of the nile, in southern sudan, the bahrel ghazal and nuba mountains region, from senegal to sierra leone in west africa, and in the ivory coast and some parts of central africa. Warm and thaw the rodent according to package directions, before offering it to your pet at mealtime. When gravid pregnant the females color darkens, perhaps so basking will warm them more.
This nonvenomous constrictor is the smallest of the african pythons. Ball pythons have spurs, the vestiges leftovers of. At night, switch to a nightspecific bulb so you can watch your python with minimum disturbance to your ball python. This is the first proven recessive ball python mutation. Complete ball python, a comprehensive guide to care. This book includes chapters on selection, housing, feeding, breeding and health care. Python regius ball python, royal python animal diversity web. Yellowfooted tortoise care sheet yellowspotted river turtle care sheet edit module show tags. Table of contents snake care tips from the experts. Handle your ball python gently and deliberately taking care not drop or injure the animal. Ball pythons python regius, also known as royal pythons, are found in the grasslands and open forests of west and central africa. If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the faq by clicking the link above. The ball python, also known as the royal python, is a relatively small species of python found in western and west central africa. I know nothing about keeping them in racks or breeding snakes.
Will reach adult size in 3 years, under ideal conditions. Start looking for a ball python that is right for you once you feel prepared to care for it. Your banfield veterinarian can help you ensure the health. Ball pythons are great companions for keepers of any skill level.
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