Ball python hide box series#

Hide boxes are essential for these secretive creatures. The only thing you really need in terms of decorations is a hide.

The porous texture of the wood will soak in water, keeping humidity levels stable. Just avoid cedar, as it has harmful oils.Įxpert Tip: Generally, mulch-based substrates are best when humidity is a concern. You can even use something as simple as paper towels or newspaper. While you can go the extra mile and create a biologically diverse vivarium, a lot of the effort you put in would go to waste with ball pythons.įor substrate, you can use untreated cypress mulch, orchid bark, or aspen shavings. Ideal Habitat Setupīall python habitats should be kept relatively barren. Larger environments tend to make these snakes feel stressed and uneasy. You don’t want to get an enclosure that’s too big. They provide ample ventilation and are best if you live in a warmer climate.Īdult ball pythons do well in enclosures that measure 36 inches long, 18 inches deep, and 12 inches tall. The same goes for glass tanks and aquariums.Įnclosures with a screened top work well, too. They’re affordable and do a good job of keeping humidity levels stable. Plastic-based enclosures are very common for ball pythons. If you’re like most owners, you’ll use a standard terrarium. Larger collectors and breeders can get by with a rack-type enclosure system, which is smaller and focused on keeping many snakes separated. The best one for you will depend on your experience level and how many snakes you have. There are a couple of enclosure types that you can use. Like any reptile, ball pythons have specific condition requirements that will allow them to thrive. That said, there are still some basic care guidelines you need to follow. These are solitary creatures who will spend most of their time balled up in one spot. Unlike other reptiles, you don’t have to go crazy when it comes to setting up their enclosure and habitat. Ball Python Careīall python care is actually pretty straightforward. They are sharp and barb-like, so they can still do some damage.

Ball python hide box series#

Instead, they have a series of small teeth. Like most snakes, they have a long forked tongue.Įxpert Tip: Contrary to popular belief, ball pythons do not have large fangs. Coloration typically extends to the head, so you may see some stripes or patches of color covering their large black eyes. The head of the ball python is triangular. It’s usually a lighter shade of beige or brown.

Generally, the belly is devoid of any patterns. Sometimes, the patches take on a more uniform look, making the snake look striped. The brown colors typically create a splotchy pattern throughout the body. The standard coloration consists of medium browns, dark browns, black, and gray. The most common is considered to be a “normal ball python color.” This is what most people picture when they think of this snake. It’s estimated that there are over 6,500 different morphs in existence! Here are just a few morphs available:īreeders have gotten quite creative when it comes to morphs. You can find white ball pythons, true albino ball pythons, Piebald ball pythons, and so much more. AppearanceĪs we mentioned earlier, these snakes are available in a range of colors and patterns. The goal for any ball python owner should be to provide the best care possible no matter how long you have them. Those kept in poor conditions tend to live much shorter lives. Like any other captive reptile, they can experience health issues. Of course, there’s no way to know for sure what the lifespan of your ball python will be. This makes caring for a ball python a long-term commitment that you should take seriously. On average, the lifespan of a ball python is around 30 years when given proper care. But as you can tell, that doesn’t mean they’re small animals! Lifespan However, larger female ball pythons measuring closer to six feet in length have been reported.įull-grown males are much smaller than females and tend to stay at lengths between two and three feet.īall pythons are considered to be small when compared to other species in the Python family. The average ball python size varies between males and females.įemales are larger and can reach somewhere between three and five feet when fully grown.

With their shy nature and undemanding husbandry needs, ball pythons are a great snake species to own. Today, you can find ball pythons with stunning colors and distinct markings. The popularity of ball pythons has led to some interesting breeding results over the years.