Pythons are a diverse group of nonvenomous constrictor snakes found in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe. They are solitary creatures, preferring to live and travel alone due to their natural fear of one another. Pythons are known for their flexibility and sharp teeth, making them one of nature’s most formidable predators.
Pythons are found in warm, wet climates in Asia, Africa, Oceania, and Australia. They thrive in rain forests, grasslands, woodlands, swamps, and other environments. Ball pythons are easy to handle but sturdy for teens without risk of harming the snake. Snakes always travel in pairs, with the only time two snakes are in the same place being during courtship and mating. Venom production is a characteristic of two groups of snakes.
In areas experiencing flooding, snakes will move to higher ground during a flood. Garter snakes are very social and can live in groups, but prefer to be left alone and only bite humans when they are frightened or provoked. They can move in pairs, with the pythons and boas being constrictors. Pythons can only move about 1 mile per hour (1.6 km) and do not eat every day.
In the wild, Burmese pythons spend their mornings soaking up the sun’s warmth, enabling them to move around to look for food. Pythons are mostly solitary animals and do not live in family groups. They will come together during mating season, which in the South West is October-November. Understanding the habitat of pythons is crucial for understanding their behavior and potential threats.
📹 Would You Enter a Snake Infested Forest?
Snakes on snakes on snakes. Coyote and Will Robertson are heading to the Appalachian Mountains to showcase some of the …
Can snakes feel friendship?
Snakes are generally relaxed and trustable when treated correctly, but they lack the brain structures to feel emotion. They can be loveable and use their owners as climbing trees for warmth. Ophidiophobia is an extreme fear of snakes, leading to harmful misinformation and aggressive behavior towards native snakes. This fear is often misunderstood and persecuted, as adders are unlikely to bite and use their venom, as it takes a large amount of energy and resources. They are also shy and avoid humans at all costs. It is important to understand that snakes are not dangerous and should be used on prey rather than as a threat to humans.
How to tell if a snake is hungry?
Snakes will alert you when they’re hungry by prowling their enclosure and increasing their tongue flicks. Feeding should be done using tongs, as even docile snakes may strike at the scent of food. If you have multiple snakes, feed them in separate enclosures to prevent fighting over food. Snakes have curved teeth that prevent them from releasing prey, and larger snakes may try to swallow smaller ones. Always use caution when changing or adding water, and be aware of their movements near them.
Do pythons stay in one area?
The Diamond Python is a species of snake found in New South Wales, Victoria, and Australia. They are active in November, searching for mates and laying eggs. Males can travel up to 500m daily, following a scent trail left by a female when she is ready to find a mate. Females have a range of around 20 hectares and can live up to 20 years. They are found along the New South Wales coastline, in Sydney suburbs bordering bushland, and in National Parks. These non-venomous snakes are close relatives to the carpet python and are black with cream and yellow patterns. They can grow up to three meters long but are generally around 2 meters in length.
Do snakes move around or stay in the same area?
Snakes often prefer areas with suitable conditions for survival, such as shelter, food, and water. This understanding can help explain why they choose to stay in a specific area or move to a different location after shedding their skin. Snake shedding, also known as ecdysis, is a process that allows snakes to grow and replace old skin. However, there is ongoing debate about whether snakes stay close to the location where they shed their skin. This article aims to explore the factors influencing snake movement and examine case studies and observations to determine if snakes exhibit a preference for staying close to their shedding sites.
Understanding snake behavior after shedding is crucial for understanding their ecological role and habitat preferences. If they do, it could impact their dispersal patterns, population dynamics, and conservation efforts. However, determining this preference requires careful observation, data collection, and analysis.
Can I hold my python all day?
Regularly handle your snake, 1-2 times a week, but no more than once daily, to maintain its mental health and provide exercise. Hatchlings and young juveniles may require special patience due to their defensive nature. With persistence and gentleness, they will eventually see you as a friend. When removing your ball python from its enclosure, wash your hands and scent them with hand sanitizer to remove harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Make your hands smell inedible to avoid confusion with the pet. Remember to be cautious when handling snakes, as they may confuse you for food.
Do ball pythons remember you?
Snakes can recognize and differentiate between humans using their six senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. They can recognize their owner’s scent as familiar or positive over time, but they cannot form a bond with humans like other pets. They rely on smell and taste as their main senses to recognize prey due to their poor eyesight. They may recognize their owner specifically and see them as important in their wellbeing with repetition. However, they wouldn’t feel the same level of familiarity towards humans as pets like dogs or cats.
What to do if you see a python?
It is imperative that pythons, or invasive snakes, be treated with the same precautions as any other wildlife. In Everglades National Park, a python sighting can be reported to a park ranger or via the “Ive Got 1” reporting hotline, EDDMapS reporting site, or the iPhone application, IveGot1 – Identify and Report Invasive Animals and Plants in Florida. These websites facilitate the consolidation of reports across platforms, thereby obviating the necessity of reporting the animal on more than one of them.
Do snakes like to be in groups?
Snakes are shy, secretive animals that prefer to be left alone and do not live in family groups. They come together during mating season in the South West from October to December. Snakes have a home range that can overlap with other animals, but they know where to find food, water, and shelter within their range. They are vertebrates, with their back bone consisting of many vertebrae attached to ribs. Adult humans have 24 ribs, while snakes can have up to 33 ribs, totaling up to 1200 bones. Snakes are not territorial, but they do have a flexible backbone.
Do snakes like to be left alone?
Snakes are renowned for their ability to escape from captivity. Therefore, they should be housed individually, with their enclosures being as minimalistic or elaborate as the owner deems appropriate, provided that they meet the basic requirements for their well-being.
How long can a ball python be alone?
It is possible to leave Ball Pythons undisturbed for extended periods, provided that it is safe to do so. For adult specimens, a typical period of 7-10 days is sufficient, given that they have a relatively low feeding frequency. This allows them to adapt to their environment and maintain their health.
📹 DO NOT Get A Pet Ball Python Until You Watch This!
Ball Pythons are the best pet reptiles right? Well, just because Royal Pythons are the most popular pet snake doesn’t mean they …
Yes I would enter that forest even in my dream. I love snakes. I catch garders all the time. Catch em behind the head carefully and one musked all over my hands.. And one lives right by my house but it bit me I was okay bc they are harmless for the most part and one time I also caught a pearl white water snake with blue sky eyes. She was so pretty. Also all these comments are on my dad’s phone bc I can’t comment on my tablet idk why but I always watch your articles!
I’m a 14 year old girl and I live in Canada. My family bought a land up north in a place called Sudbury, we recently built a deck there and put gravel, crops, storage containers, sheds, and a RV. We have 5 ATVS and usually go out for rides. I love animals and I’ve always been interested in snakes. I love catching frogs up there and especially snakes- we recently went and I caught a tiny snake. I do not know what kind but I do know very well what poisonous snakes look like! Thank you for making these types of articles! 💜
We used to catch garter snakes and keep them as pets when i was a kid. I think if i hadnt i might have more anxiety about reptiles in general. Theyre super nice sometimes alittle territorial but once theyre comfortable with you they love you theyll climb on you and absorb your warmth. I remember a time when we had a female and she took a nap in my shirt cause it was warm 🙂
8:14 a big old six foot rat snake snuck up on me and my cat when we were hanging out in the back garden one evening. There is a foundation stone retaining wall near where I was cleaning out beds, and I saw my cat a few feet behind me sniffing at something, spooked out of her skin. I realized that it was a huge rat snake glaring at her while she sniffed its tail, which was buzzing in the grass, mimicking rattlesnakes. I grabbed the cat, ran her back inside so she wouldn’t get hurt, and grabbed a big branch on my way back, where I used the branch to help scoop up the snake, and then I brought it back to an old wood pile on our property, where i let it go, before continuing to clean out my garden beds. It probably usually suns itself on the wall and sleeps under the rocks there too; it’s not the first time I’ve run into a snake in that part of my garden. I ain’t seen it since though, I hope it’s still around and has lots of babies to keep rodents and rabbits away from my plants. (They eat the baby rabbits)
There was a forest near my neighborhood & a pond in the middle was filled with snakes. Everywhere. They were in trees & swimming in the pond. My friends & I discovered it long ago. As we walked around the pond we had to keep looking up because some snakes dropped out of trees & slithered into the water. One huge snake climbed onto a branch that bent down from the weight & snapped just before it reached the ground. It was about 6 feet long & thick. A little larger than most of the snakes there. Seems like there were maybe 5 different kinds. Some solid colors & some patterned. In the Texas Hill Country area. A year later the land was cleared for building houses.
Hey Coyote, I’m very allergic to poison ivy. I’ve learned to identify and take precautions to avoid it. And when I know I come into contact with it I know the proper procedure. However sometimes I don’t realize it and it’s too late. Itch city. My question is HOW OFTEN DO YOU GET POISON IVY,OAK, SUMAC etc?
Hi Coyote, my name is Caleb and I’m 5 years old this year. I would like to invite you to come to the Singapore Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Firstly, there alot of animals like leopard cats. There are toads, lizards and beetles. It’s snake-infested like this article. It also has scorpions, moths, centipedes and spiders. It also has owls. I love your articles! ❤️
The rarest snake I came across while Looking for snakes when I was 16 was an Eastern Indigo,Super curious and Super friendly,I was riding my bike down a road known to Always have snakes on or around it and I heard a branch break and when I stopped and looked over I saw the indigo snake wrapped around the broken branch,at the time I had no idea how rare the encounter was for something endangered and protected,I let it go near my house which was away from the main roads,So cool it was a jet black with iridescent coloration and not once was it aggressive
I live in an area where those green snakes are supposedly very common, but they’re so well camouflaged that I’ve only ever seen one, and only because it was sunning on out on a path. It was such a vibrant green that I spotted it from over 20 feet away, despite it being perfectly still and very small.
I find it very interesting you found a car, when I lived in Connecticut I would hike in various parks and found a car like that in two different parks, seemingly in areas where it seemed impossible for the car to get there. Now I’m thinking there’s a car stork that is dropping off these rusted out cars in various parks lol.
When I was much younger many years ago, close to 30 years now, there was a place near by we all called snake valley here in western Pennsylvania just outside of Pittsburgh, I probably caught 200 or so snakes in those years, I never seen a copperhead or a rattler, but definitely caught my fair share of garters but would always be kinda disappointed when I found them because I was always on the hunt for the ring necks, big rat snakes, and corn snakes. Plus garters would always bite me and it would itch a lot and musk me too (I’ll never forget that smell) anyways I actually caught an albino corn snake once! it was white and red very beautiful & just a baby, I kept it for a while, but only once did I ever catch a green snake, I was elated to have found, I never seen one like that before, it seemed exotic to me but sadly and I’ll never forget but I was holding it and showing it off then some girl came out of nowhere and cut it in half with scissors! I was furious, I cried and couldn’t do anything about it ended up burying it that day, when I was 12 I was the kid everyone would call to come remove or identify snakes I had one rat snake that was at least 6ft and I just had to catch it that thing was strong and it wrapped around my arm and I got scared also one time I had a 3 foot juvenile rat snake looked kinda like a corn snake idk for sure but it went up inside my friends boom box somehow and wouldn’t come out for days I also remember some of my snakes getting loose in the house lol.
I literally just got back from camping in a national park here in Australia where the park had a list of deadly snakes that live there including – Eastern brown snake King brown snake Tiger snake Death adder Red Bellied black snake Plus a few mildly venemous snakes and harmless snakes. I saw every snake on the list besides the death adder! Every large rock or piece of stone had a deadly snake sunning on it and the creek I used for washing and swimming had tiger snakes and red Bellied black snakes swimming through it! On the plus side I saw a lot of kangaroos and koalas 🤭
Black Racer? I’ve seen and caught Blue Racers but never heard of a black racer. Interesting. Matter of fact I had a blue racer chase me after letting it go. Stood up almost like a cobra and chased me for about 50 yards then went it’s own way. I have a farm so it attracts lots of snakes. Rats snakes, copper heads, corn snakes, blue racers, gerder snakes. I’ve caught them all here in North Carolina.
Someone Else might have mentioned this but i can tell you the Exact Reason why the Black Racer did not race off And why the Black Rat snake was so easy to catch even tho it was charged up sitting in hot sun. (They Were completely blind from blue eyes and why it had blue eyes in the first place!. (this happens to all snakes when they are about to shed their skin) So the Black Racer & Rat Snake were about to shed its skin within next 48-72 hours or so, We in the snake keeping world call it “In blue” – “Gone Blue” The eyes fill with kind of oil also under all the skin just before they shed and this gives their eyes a milky/blue colour,it also makes them Almost completely if not Completely Blind.
I got my 2 male ball pythons when I was 17 years old. Next month, I’ll be 50 – and both snakes are still alive and doing great! They’ve been with me for most of my life now. From living at home with my parents in high school as a teenager to now being married almost 10 years with 2 kids and my own home (and a lot of time in between). I hope they stick around for decades to come. 🙂
I love my ball pythons. They’ve been the best therapy for my anxiety and depression. I can’t imagine my life without them. The feel of them slithering across my arms or neck, the gentle pressure and weight of their bodies just grounds me when I feel a panic attack coming on. I also have a Corn Snake and a Mandarin Rat Snake. I would love to see you do content on Mandarins!
Funnily enough, the “get what you like” rule is exactly what I did–for a ball python! Most of my research indicated they’re more intermediate snakes due to their humidity levels and the way they go off food. But I love their adorable little faces and their colors and their temperaments sounded perfectly matched to me, so I got one anyway instead of going for a cornsnake first. I don’t regret it. (Also anyone who says BP’s are boring clearly just hasn’t given them a proper enclosure. Mine LOVED climbing and exploring and smelling every new thing I put in his enclosure. If you give them the space, they’ll use it).
I’ve always wanted a ball python when I was younger and never was able to have one. And 6 months ago I was gifted one from my uncle who is a snake breeder and I just fell in love with the snake. Fast forward to today and I now have 3 ball pythons and plan to add more to my collection. Caring for them is super easy. And a big thanks to you for make articles on not only ball python but other reptiles, having the right information really makes everything easy.
I was considered terminal as a child due to an aggressive infection of Kawasakis and all I wanted in the world was a tortoise. My mom took me to the reptile store and it was amazing. They didn’t get me one because they were going to be sad when I died and they would have to take care of my tortoise. I ended up miraculously recovering (praise god) but nothing really changed after lol. Man I hate when parents refuse to encourage their kids interests. In my case it was “well we gave you sister ‘X’ and she got bored of it therefore so will you” I wasn’t allowed to play an instrument in school because she quit band. Now as an adult I’m playing piano and guitar and my daughter wants a reptile which is how I found your website
One of the big pluses of having a ball python is if you have really young children like 1-4 years old, or you have friends with children that age, it is really the perfect snake to pull out and show them. It’s big enough where the child won’t hurt it, small enough not to be scary, and slow enough to not just dart to the floor. My first snake was a ball python and while i am not personally interested in getting anymore of them it’s still the first snake i pull out when educating some people.
One of our BP’s is on hunger strike. He’s 17 months old and weighs 1.022kg – he’s just over four feet in length (he’s been in a 4x 2 x2 since we got him 15 months ago) . He’s like a toddler….every time we open the viv, he comes out on our arms…..he periscopes and reaches for my husband or daughter and son. When it’s time for him to go back in his viv, he tenses up like a walking stick! He will go to sleep around my shoulders. I did not want a snake in the house at all but, I’m totally smitten by them both
This is great education! It’s “little” things like this that you don’t always think of before getting an animal, even if you watch/read loads of care guides. I wish I’d had something like this for other animals I’ve adopted. Side note: Fadi’s (Daffy’s Reptiles) newest podcast has a part where the guest talks about how BP’s are found in their native habitat. They actually use a lot more vertical space than we give them credit for!
I’m not saying the stepping stone thing is wrong or anything, because I do agree, I just want to make a comment. It’s not just about if you think you can care for the reptile, but also the money. Snakes are extremely expensive, buying the snake, the enclosures, beddings, food, lights, tank accessories, and more. Not to be a discouragement, though, a 40 gal can be around 200 dollars, but then you can get a used one for 50. You just have to work your way around it. I was unfortunately not allowed to have the snake I wanted for my first (red-tailed boa) and got a ball python instead. What I didn’t know was that this ball python would be one of the most special pets I have ever had, and she was just an amazing little snake. She was so friendly with people, had perfect sheds, never had eating problems (except when I first got her), and just the sweetest, most calm soul ever. Today, I now have 4 ball pythons, and I love them all.
Biggest pet peeve is when I see other reptile owners discourage someone from a reptile they really want & are educated on… and say something like “get a gecko instead” or something. Makes me feel so bad for all of the reptiles who are being bought just for that person to “level up” in reptile keeping. My first reptile was a tegu & EVERYONE said not to do that. Well… who would’ve guessed that getting the pet you’re passionate about would work out. She’s doing amazing and is a great pet. I’m so glad that I ignored the doubters. Now I have a ball python (another dream reptile of mine). Get the pet YOU WANT! Do your research and have passion for the animals you have ❤️
I’ve had my ball python for almost a year now and there’s some stuff I wish I’d have known before hand! I did a tonne of research but ultimately if you decide you’re equipped to keep one well then you just have to go for it and learn through physical experience. The main thing I wish I’d known is how quickly they grow. I got my guy when he was 6 months old, and in less than a year he’s pretty much outgrown his tank and now I’m in the market for a new one. I shouldn’t have wasted my money on a smaller “grow out” viv! Big vivs are expensive and take up a lot of space, and 100% necessary. They are sensitive, if husbandry is off or if they are sick they won’t eat. A lot of people put missed meals down to “typical” BP behavior rather than checking their snake’s home and parameters, or getting them checked by a reptile vet. Yes some do go off food, but its much safer to not assume and investigate everything before assuming its normal! They are expensive because of their size – the current cost of living crisis here is causing a lot of people to abandon their pets, snakes included. Make sure you have the resources to cover every eventuality before you take one in! (that goes for every pet tbh) I love my pal, and don’t regret him at all. I’m looking forward to a hopefully long and healthy life with him! But I feel sometimes reptiles fall victim to the same treatment as fish, people think you can buy a tank and just throw them in and not bother with them and provide 0 effort. I’m glad these kind of articles exist and that we’re finally changing attitudes towards their welfare!
We have 2 reptile pets. A bearded dragon and a ball Python. We absolutely love them so much. The bearded dragon has been great to teach our 2 older kid’s responsibilities whilst caring for her. And our 2 younger children are learning to care for our BP. All supervised of course! But articles and websites like this really help beginners like us with knowledge, so we can share with others when we are asked. Thank you for posting, love all the content!!!
Awesome article! The eating issue scares me a bit but I love Ball pythons so much. Your tip to get the pet you actually want instead of what people tell you to get (as a beginner) is so important. I wanted to buy a corn snake and I love corn snakes too, they’re sweet. But in my head it always felt like I wanted to buy a corn snake just to get experience with snakes and THEN the ultimate goal is to get a ball python. Changed that order now and will get a ball python hopefully soon (after more months of research though)
What makes a “boring” animal? Just because you don’t have to take it out on potty breaks 8 times a day, walk it 3 times a day, feed it twice a day, play with it twice a day, take it to the groomers monthly doesn’t mean it’s “boring.” Just as Wickens Wicked Reptiles said, you want a pet and you feel confident taking care of it, then get that pet. You have money for a big cage, hammocks, chews, toys, bottles, food, time to play with them and responsibility to take them to the vet, then get those dumbo marten rats you’ve always wanted. “The only thing stopping you is yourself.”
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! I’ve been trying to look up animals I can keep in my room. I saw an article about pythons not needing very much space, but I felt off about it, decided to search more, and stumbled across this. I’m glad my gut was right and that I found your article. I’m sad I won’t be able to fit one into my room… I’ll just have to stick with tarantulas it seems. lol
I have 9 year old ball. She is probably five feet long and is pretty thick. We have her in a very large enclosure with some height to it also . I started putting a couple tree branches in it for her to climb on after I watched Dav Kaufmans Ball Python documentary and learned they like to climb in trees also . She utilized it often. Me and my daughter inherited her from my son. She will end up with my parrots and the ball when I’m gone.
I got my ball python a week after I went to a reptile convention. I’ll never regret it. My snakes full name is Sal Monella, and he is my regular 2 year old baby. He is my first ever snake, after owning rats for 6 years. I adopted him from a guy on craigslist, and he came with a 40 gallon tank. I’m upgrading him to a 120 gallon tank this month. 🎉🎉🎉 I love snakes!
I picked up a 3 year old big guy at an expo yesterday and named him Prince. For now he is in a 40 gallon but I have a custom built tank that’s around 120+ gallon. Unfortunately in the process of moving, the tank got damaged a bit. I’ve never worked with wood before so I’m excited to work on fixing it up. There are big tree branches for plenty of climbing and a lot of space to put multiple hiding spots for him.
In the interest of full disclosure, I watched the Dave Kaufmann documentary where he went to Africa. The locals said that they will find ball pythons in the trees after heavy rain when the burrows flood. But, I’ve owned ball pythons my entire life and they have always utilized climbing branches, ledges, etc – so I agree that they need height. The low-height breeder tanks is one of the worst misinformations out there for new owners.
Great article Adam! Thank you for bringing up the importance of enclosure size and offering climbing opportunities for these guys. My bp’s spend a good amount of time daily climbing in their enclosure, and my girl will spend a little time in the morning basking under her heat lamp before going to sleep for the day.
I just got my ball python a big boy enclosure! It’s 4 x1.5 x.1.5 ft and should be big enough for him fully grown since I’ve seen his sire, which was a little under 4ft. Lucky for me my boy is a very good eater. He was picky at first, but experimented alot and learned what he likes. Right now he’s on a 10 day feeding schedule with live rats (and although I don’t like feeding live) I always supervise carefully and it works well for him. I definitely don’t think he’s too easy, he’s my precious baby (and he’s definitely more of a handful than my other snake)
I got a bonus on my recent paycheck and now I’m researching ball pythons again. I’ve wanted one ever since a friend let me hold theirs when I was 9 years old. I don’t think now is the right time for me yet, but some day I’ll get one. Honestly maybe I’ll buy equipment a little at a time so that when the right time comes, I’ll just need the substrate, food, and snake.
Great article, Adam! This is super educational!! I rescue abandoned herps in my free time and you wouldn’t believe how many ball pythons get surrendered due to the “not eating issue”. In my experience, it has always been because of poor husbandry. I love how in this article you mentioned 1) bigger enclosure and 2) SPACE TO CLIMB!! So many of the ball pythons I’ve rescued become so active with just a simple UVB bulb and a few branches going in different directions to climb on. Loved all you said here and Dave’s article is awesome too!! Ball pythons are awesome and so underrated as pets. Some of the rescues we had were so hard to give up just due to how sweet and puppy like they were! Can’t wait for the next article ❤🐢
Love your articles. Yes would definitely keep ball pythons in fact I have a normal male and a GHI soul sucker female. Still working on socializing the female as she is a little flighty, but I always take the male out while I watch a movie. He likes to wrap around my feet and look around the room and stays there the whole time. He also stops eating the months of January and February, but with a corn snake and now the new female, no wasted rodents. Keep the articles coming love perusal them every Monday and Thursday.
I’m proud to say that I’ve done enough research (I plan on getting my python later this year) that everything you covered I already knew :). Also I’ve seen multiple sources note that many BP’s tend to go off food for 2 – 4 months in the winter usually which also tends to supposedly fall in their breeding cycle, which is super interesting. Also funny story, I originally thought BP’s were too big and plain and I wanted a corn snake until I started doing more research and learning about all the different morphs that BP’s can come in and how genuinely cool they are. Also, holding one or two at the reptile store and falling in love definitely helped 😅.
My 2 dream pets. A rhino iguana, and a blue eyed lucy ball python. My mom is terrified of all reptiles, and my dad is secretly afraid of snakes. So growing up i was only allowed to care for then release wild turtles. Now i’m old enough to where i can get my own with enough money, but because i still live with them due to financial and housing market strains, i still sadly have to wait on getting my dream babies.
I really want a ball python. I am blind so I worry about how challenging it would be to take care of. I would love if you could make a article about the most accessible reptiles. For example, best reptile for someone who is blind or low vision, or people who have dexterity issues. Idk how many you could come up with, but I think it would be cool.
I’m excited!! I get my first ball python on Wednesday!!! He is a enchi orange he belly!! I can’t wait for him to come in!! I will say I haven’t always wanted a ball python, mainly because they are soo common to keep. But after getting my first snake Jupiter she’s a scaleless Texas rat snake. I have found that I definitely prefer more tropical species and thicker snakes. I do have a size limit on my tanks and ball pythons fit perfectly on my size list. I also just love how squishy they look! It’s going to be a lot of fun getting one I can already tell. And I think it will be relaxing compared to my crazy rat snake.
My two male ball pythons are my babies. They are dumb AF and BEYOND sweet. My boys definitely get snake “zoomies” I do have both my snakes in 40″ pvc tanks. That being said, they both get taken out of their tanks daily to slither around on the livingroom rug and climb chairs. My snakes LOVE to climb their sticks and vines in their tanks,( I have tall tanks) but for 90% of their time, they sleep in their hide boxes. ❤ They DO love being taken out through! Snake obesity is a real thing. So my snakes get to take “walks” 🤣🤣🤣
My 4-5 year old male ball python has been on a feeding strike since November of last year. He hasn’t lost any weight and looks physically good. At first it bothered me and I triple checked all of his housing, but now I’m not worried anymore. Unless he starts losing weight or looking bad I don’t really care lol.
I absolutely love my BP. I got her about a half year ago, and have been infatuated ever since. She is surprisingly active for a BP, and I find her wandering her enclosure often. I was told not to get a BP as my first reptile, but I did anyway because what I wanted was a BP and I wanted to get the animal I desired, not an animal that was a “stepping stone” as you say. I’ve been intrigued and had so much fun being an owner ever since I got her, and never regretted my decision. To anyone who wants a BP — do your research, then, if you can handle them, get one! They are amazingly “sweet” (for lack of a better word — my girl would do anything before biting me, never has and I’ve had to remove substrate straight out of her mouth with my bare hands before) and interesting animals. perusal her move about, feeding her, and handling her is always the highlight of my day/week. I’m absolutely in LOVE with BPs, and though one day I may own other reptiles, I plan on getting my next BP within a year or two and that will be my next reptile. I’d like to rescue my next baby though, because I know there are so many BPs on craigslist and such who need to be re-homed. I strongly consider checking your city’s craigslist for BPs before buying from a pet store, because you could save an animal’s life while also getting your dream pet 🙂 Hope this helps any prospective BP owners.
I fell in love with my sister in law’s ball pythons, and now stuck on getting one! It will be my first snake, but have lots of knowledge, as I’ve been researching and bonding with my reptilian nieces and nephews 🥰 sister in law has been an animal rescuer her entire life, and has 15+ snakes as of right now 🥴
I want one because 1: it’s the biggest snake that i can get and be sure it won’t eat me 2: THEY ARE PRETTY AS HELL 3: i wanna have them around a lot and everyone say they love being hold so that’s nice 4: i am not good at taking care of things so a “too easy” snake is perfect 5: I really like snakes Are they good reasons?
My 20 year old female ball doesn’t eat half the year for the last 6 or 8 years and though she doesn’t lose weight or act any differently I still get concerned. What really blew me away was a couple years ago when she laid a clutch of 7 eggs after not eating for months. She’s solitary and in all the years I’ve had her I’ve never heard that this is a thing but I know now.
I’m a dog human I have 7 Staffy’s ….I got my first BP 2.5 years ago (because of Mr Brian Bev)even though I’d never had or wanted reptiles in my 35 years on this earth…..Now My gorgeous girl “laggy” comes to the right side of her Viv every night unless she’s eaten and either waits by the glass for the door to open or if I’m running a bit late doing something she waves her whole body at me until I come over, I then let her out and she comes straight to me without fail…She ALWAYS comes up my chest and inspects my face 🤔🤔then she gos off for a few hours around the room investigating and climbing and when she’s had enough she finds her way back to me and will want to sit on my neck or tummy anywhere there is skin and I think she does it to warm up…….She still fascinates me and I’m unbelievably grateful for my gentle and intelligent girl, I’ve just got another 2 baby BP’s because imo they are the most amazing snakes and imo NOTHING About them is “Forgettable”❤❤❤❤❤
I’ve had two balls, Pedro and Salan. They responded to handing much like yours, Pikachu. They loved it, but they were introduced to it early, often, and gentle. They both liked to sleep under my shirt collar. edit: I should add that they both absolutely loved bath time, you could take them out dry them off, and they wanted back in.
When I was little I went to a boy scouts event where they had snakes ( Family event so I was allowed to go despite not being in the scouts ) They had a large Albino burm named sunny that they let the kids hold parts of her body. I remember feeling her scales and holding her head and ever since then I’ve loved snakes…..Ngl when I was little I thought Sunny was a ball python so for years I begged my mother to get me a ball python. Still love ball pythons even 11 years later and currently have two, tryna get another. I’m also interested in getting a Western hoggie and possibly a common boa
Great article, as always. I have earlier criticized harshly people who keep their pythons in completely dark tubs without proper (or any) light cycle so I truly appreciate you covering this issue again. My relationship with this species is a double-edged sword. I had one when I was younger, it was the second snake in my collection. The snake was beautiful and offered many great learning experiences (arranging new enclosures as the snake grew bigger and bigger, understanding the challenges with feeding, trying to adjust temperatures etc.). But at some point I realized ball pythons may not be the best option for me in the long run. Their behaviour is not very interesting. They spend most of the time motionless hiding. And if they do move in the dark hours of night when they are hungry (once in a month or two), they destroy all the plants and decor. So at some point I felt like there was little joy in keeping a ball python. Very little behaviour to observe, not much to do with basic care, no possibilities for creating a beautiful setup. I ended up having a big, quite boring looking terrarium dominating my living room. If I ever go back to reptile keeping I know what to choose. For example diurnal/crepuscular lizards and colubrids are enjoyable. I have also noticed that bigger snakes (BCIs, burmese pythons) spend more time where they can be seen.
If I’m being honest, my dream snake is a burmese…. but I happily settled for a ball python and I don’t regret it. I have two and I absolutely love them. One’s a male and one’s a female and their just so unique. Both of them act completely different, my male being a bit more grumpy for whatever reason, and my female being really timid, sweet and relaxed 100% of the time and always wanting to come out and visit with me or see whats going on (being nosey). I would love to in the future buy bigger tanks but their in appropriate sizes right now. I’m currently saving for a good (bioactive) setup for them so they can live their best life with me 🙂
I’m currently thinking about getting one of these snakes far in the future when I can afford a house and modify a coat closet into a large enclosure (as you said, they climb trees, they need space. If I get a snake I don’t want them to feel confined.) I always found them beautiful and intriguing, however I never handled one until recently…the curiosity and general friendliness of my friend’s ball python made me realize “Yeah, these are fun to have around.” I don’t just want a pet to gaze at as an aesthetic piece of decoration uothrough glass and watch as it gets bored with life. I enjoy my cats for the same reason I enjoyed handling the snake, they’re animals with an innate curiosity for life and perusal them explore the world around them brings a smile to my face.
Love my ball python. Had him 10 plus years we always chilling i got a big fake tree next to my couch in the living room. temp is set in the house for him to be comfy plus little escape made in the fake tree he just sits and chills enclosure is one i got from a buddy that held a cobra big enclosure got a place so he can soak in water or chill on a log or under rocks.
I had to stop what I was doing to watch this immediately to see if it was clickbait because I have a ball python that I love and was ready to throw hands for lol article was great though! My ball python has a tall tree branch and hammock in his enclosure that he uses all the time! They definitely like the climbing space if provided. I’ve also been lucky and my baby is taking frozen thawed wonderfully and has yet to refuse food in the year that I’ve had him. He’s always happy to eat for me.
I had a BP for 10 months before it escaped but I liked it for the most part while it was here. It absolutely was a stepping stone animal to get me used to medium sized snakes before getting a boa constrictor. I should have done my research thoroughly beforehand and gotten a Colombian Boa Imperator like I have now and it’s so rewarding I regret all the time I never had one.
Got a friend that has a ball python that is always on branches and my dwarf boa imperator that is supposed to be mostly arboreal is 99,99% of the time on the ground… If I would not put him on branch to bask, he would never go… and when he is there, he stays 10-15min and then goes back to his hide….
Im not a ball guy as I was working with reptiles when they were WC and a lot of them had parasites, but they are arguably the best beginner snake for someone wanting a large bodied snakes. Thats coming from someone who grew up with BCC and BCI’s like some do cats and dogs so its really hard for me to say that theres something better than a boa
I will always only want ball, they are my preferred snake, currently in a 40 and plan to go up to a 100-120 maybe bigger as I have a female, I have a journal dedicated to just her and her needs, not had any feeding issues yet, she seems to have a high food drive, not certain on her age closes guess is about a year or so, maybe a few months older, I only got her because a customer specialty ordered it through a pet store I get my crickets from and they never came and picked her up, was there about a month and I got to take her home, needless to say I had to get set up with a new enclosure and lamps, hydrometers, thermostat, hides, substrate, you get it. And now I am a proud owner of a piebald ball python and she is doing great.
I have a 5ft female ball that I got from someone who DID NOT know how to care of her and treated her pretty badly. I basically just took her. Well I can one thing she never goes off food for the 3 yrs I’ve had her. I tried and tried froze/thawed and she absolutely refused to eat one.but give live and her gobbles it down almost before it hits the bottom her cage she has it wrapped
I have been obsessively researching them. They look interesting, their care is a good amount for when I start working seriously, I think that the size will be perfect for me, I think the life span will be perfect, and most of all I want to be able to take him with me to different environments (safely). For example I want to be a teacher, so teaching students about snakes would be amazing and could inspire new reptile lovers. So I feel like a ball python is a good fit for me.
Yes as I already answered, I already do, have Jake The Snake, his about 12 years old now, however I really want a yellow pattern, with black specks on it, because I always wanted a bumblebee, until I found out that it has the spider Gene in it, or that is half spider and half pastel, I speak text, so it messes up my words sometimes, even when I go back and correct them, and get farther down to where I can’t see them anymore, it was still change it so what it thought it should be
Hello! So i have a uromastyx in a 4/2/2 and a baby corn snake in a smaller tank currently, im planning in upgrading him to a bigger enclosure, but im not sure if u should have it on top of my uromastyx enclosure (the enclosure type i have is stackable) because uromastyx like it so much hotter than corn snakes, im a little nervous that the heat from the uromastyx could harm the corn snake, is it safe to do that? Thanks!
How big is too big for an enclosure? I’ve heard that they can get anxiety if their enclosure is too big. Another question I have is would it be beneficial to keep track of when they feed? I’m thinking more so to see if there’s a pattern in when they prefer to eat. From my own small amount of research, I see either every week or every two weeks. I have also seen somebody say once a month.
new subscriber here but longtime reptile lover and keeper, been loving perusal all your content recently. since I’m new, I’m not sure if you’ve ever done a article in the past on this, but I would love to see a article on what you think are some great snakes or reptiles in general that make amazing ‘living art,’ but aren’t great to handle as day to day pets. I really want to get something like an emerald tree boa or amazon tree boa, and am wondering if you have any other suggestions! thank you for all the wonderful articles! Edit: YouTube algorithm just brought me to your article from two years ago on the Top 5 Display Reptiles lol oooops. Loved the article, really helped me out and gave me some things to think about!
I want a ball python as soon as i get my own place. Im really exited!!!! I always hear that a ball python should not be my first snake but i still really want one but im a little scared because of all the people saying that. Im also scared of not giving them enough heat and humidity ( i hope i wrote that right ) or not feeding them right. I lovvvvveeee ball pythons they are like furrless puppies!!!!
When I first got into snakes, ball pythons were described to me in a similar fashion by a friend of mine. I now breed them and sell babies at expos and have a fact sheet prominantly displayed on my table. I cite things like the feeding, the fact they are crepuscular. The latter being something I stress to the parents of the kids who want them if they aren’t in their teens. I had an issue with a baby from one of my first clutches being dumped on a neighbor after the young girl “got bored” with him after just a month. I will dissuade sales or refuse them if I believe it’s an impulse, non researched choice. I’m with you, within reason people should get what they are interested in so long as they have taken the time to do the research and found it to be a good fit. And fyi Adam, imho your boys look a little pudgy. =D
I see/hear the words “not for beginners” so many times in care guides… I understand that the people writing the guides don’t want someone to impulsively buy a challenging-to-care-for snake, thinking it will only be as much time/work as a bp… but what do you feel about that? As in, someone getting an animal that is usually recommended AGAINST, for beginners? If the beginner in question researched everything they could find on that species, and was seriously committed, would it still be a bad idea? Is it an issue of “do your research, know what you’re doing”, or more a matter of developing “intuition” about maintaining enclosures, handling, etc.? Are there things in regards to reptile keeping that you just can’t learn, other than by doing?
i live in sweden and this dosent really have much to do with the article but our petstores do not have much reptiley stuff so i dont really know where to get a ball phyton where thet come from a pretty good place and like where to find a bigger tank bc most most of them are NOT the size that it can be due to them all being mostly fish tanks and stuff
I balanced out my goals for my pet snakes between a Beautiful ball python, one i saved money for for a long time to get something really pretty. That was a goal. My goal for a more personable, interactive, interesting to handle animal side, I got a false water cobra. Im very much into animal behaviour ive done a few accredited courses, I love working with him for a little challenege, and my Ball is just sweet as pie when im not up to the big guy, Love them both, and a nice balance between easy and challenging sometimes
This will be my 1st ever reptile, always been a dog owner but with my school/work schedule I know I won’t have the time but I love all animals/reptiles and just want a hang out Buddy to take care of, seems like getting a Ball Python is the way to go! Does the gender matter? I have zero interest in breeding and should I get a newborn or an adult??
Great article! I only have 1 question.. You say that you feed your male ball pythons every week. Are they adult ball pythons? I have an adult male ball python and I really struggle with when and how often I need to feed it. He get’s fed now once a month, a 60 to 90 gram rat. Is that enough? I hope someone will answer my question 😄
I also offer a 4x2x2 but my make is so active that once we move I already plan to give him a 4x4x2 They really do use the space if given and I also keep my humidity higher (warm side 65%) Warm hide 70’s and in some spots even sometimes 80% and my male has been amazing with this and has amazing sheds Everytime
Hello! what do you use to edit your articles? i just started my reptile website and i watch all of you guys lol, Wickens, Reptiliatus, Snake Discovery, Mike Tytula, Dav Kaufman, Cataleah, Kayla Roach… Evvverryyone and im really trying to follow in your footsteps lol. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
I loooooove my ball python! ❤ I actually got my boy as a way to get over my fear of ball pythons (I know weird) but I was bitten twice by them and did research to find out why, and well the answers had me thinking it was me and not them. So I did more research and I was ready. Best decision of my life. As I love all my animals but out if the 16 I have he is definitely my favorite!@@
Ball Pythons are not my first choice but my friend is moving and offered me her BP. I have a toddler and figured this would be a good snake to introduce to my kid since they’re easy to handle. I still plan on getting a more “interesting” snake lol. Edit: I LOVE all snakes, so this one is not going to be neglected just because she’s “boring” lol.
In my culture, we’re not really supposed to keep any pets that you’d keep in a cage or tank. If the enclosure is big enough, like a koi pond, thats fine, but even a 120 gallon enclosure would be considered a cage, so would be a no-go. Kind of why I started perusal your website, because a part of me always wanted to have these types of pets. We even had a ferret before that we didn’t cage, was wild lol
I was on a FB ball python care group, and someone asked the appropriate size for a ball python. I chimed in and said the minimum should be a 4x2x2. Someone attacked my post and spewed out a bunch of stupid, hateful things. He was old school and referenced old school facts. He said they’re called ball pythons for a reason, because they stay in a ball. I was going to send him a picture of my adult female who likes to stretch out the entire length of her enclosure, but I was kicked out of the group before I could. I don’t think it would have mattered to him, but I feel so bad for his snakes.
Ball python is the only snake other than maybe hognose that I would want to keep, Years ago I rescued an elder bumblebee he was great and now years after the heartache of losing him getting another BP that’s all I want I’m not impressed with corn though they have beautiful morphs I like the more slow and relaxed chill ball python snakes and anything more in the python variety has me squeamish
I honestly love my little dude. He’s roughly 3 ft long, so he lives in a 4 x 2 x 2 pvc enclosure. He has his daytime/nighttime lights. He has plenty of climbing options, he LOVES climbing! I also always feel bad for everyone with Bp’s that don’t eat, as my Boi NEVER refuses food! Lol 😂 He was my second snake, and also my dream snake. I had dreamed of having a leucistic bp for AGES and I finally met him at a expo. His name is Kaburamaru 🤍
Id still get a ball python after this article, my niece and her ex had two ball pythons in a 40-50 gallonish tank ( and yes they were fine ) together, one of em was the sweetest thing on earth, almost didnt wanna put it back because of how much i loved the snake, after researching and handling I concluded i wanted one since I desire a companion that will be with me for many years, one i can handle without issue ( or one that wont try to murder me lol ) easy to care for and sick af to look at, I plan to hopefully buy one this month or the next~
I think I got really lucky with my Ball Python. He was rehomed from someone on criagslist, the enclosure i had was way too small so I had to switch it out very early on but he ate f/t right away anyway and switched to rats easy despite the old owner saying he was on live mice. He does fast occasionally in the spring, but if he does I just offer him rats less often so I can see if hes hungry and waste less rats if he isnt. I’ve had to waste a few rats but I think hes been a pretty good eater compared to some other ball pythons lol.
When I started getting back into the hobby after a prolonged absence I considered a Ball Python. I mean, they’re usually sweet tempered and so pretty (even the wild type), right? Then I realized that the feeding patterns that many of them have would make me fret myself sick. So, I decided not to add one to my small collection, because of MY issues, not theirs.
My first snake was spotted python, he is awesome! hes not scared of humans and a VERY GREAT EATER! my new ball python, she is scared of the world lol thank god she eats but she freezes when i come up to the tank to look at her lol shes only 5-6 months so i know it will take some time for her to get use to me. but overrall i adore ball pythons, i just wish she was more like the spotted python and just be chill lol
Uploaded as my male is refusing for the 8th week in a row -.- with husbandry spot on and his health seems in perfect order. All he’s done the last few months since he’s been adult size is look for ladies of a nighttime (I know it’s been breeding season, but surely it should come to an end soon) imma be trying to tuna juice method again in a few weeks -.-
For some time ball pythons weren’t really a species I was into, because of how common they were, and the food response. So instead I went for other species that have similar advantages, but with better feeding responses like my python curtus and candoia paulsoni tasmai. Then one day I discovered the banana pied morph, and I later came across the green room python’s website which slowly changed my view on them until I decided to go for one, a banana pied at that. The feeding response was indeed an issue, I couldn’t figure out what would make him eat, it felt a bit random, sometimes it worked other times it didn’t, I was this close to give up on him, until I finally found it, and now he’s eating consistently. But I gotta say though, apart from that he is a fantastic snake, whenever I take him out he is very curious and very active, he will explore every inch of the room, and will even come to me from time to time. I ended up getting one when I felt I was ready and actually wanted one, and I am so glad I did. But they definitely aren’t for everyone, that feeding response was nerve racking and many rats were wasted in the process, so as for all animals, make sure you’re ready for them.
I’m getting my first one! I just bought a Kages 4x2x2 enclosure and am waiting on it to ship here. In the meantime, I’m trying to gather all the supplies I’m going to need for the terrarium, but I’m not super confident in everything I need. Anyone have any suggestions with a product list? I watched his other article on ‘building enclosures with any budget’ but i’m still not confident. Just want to give the little guy the best setup to live his life!
Amazing articles Fantastic to watch I rescued snakes dogs all my life but now im nearing 40 I rescued my dream snake and as you said it is the best pet snake by far he is 2 and 13 ft brilliant with my other snakes I’m asking for your help to make aware of how many are left after hunting them and selling them for their skin being so popular can you please explain to stop they are getting very low in numbers now it’s my youngest memory at a zoo with 1 round my neck I always wanted 1 I’m trying to save them so some other children can have them memories aswell thank you for reading this