🐍 Comprehensive Ball Python Care Sheet
The Ball Python (Python regius) is a popular pet snake known for its docile nature and manageable size. With proper care, they can live for 20-30 years.
🏠 Enclosure & Environment
| Component |
Recommendation |
Notes |
| Minimum Size |
Adult: 4' x 2' x 2' (48" x 24" x 24") |
Larger is always better for enrichment. Hatchlings/Juveniles can start in smaller enclosures (e.g., 20-40 gallons) with plenty of hides. |
| Cohabitation |
Never house Ball Pythons together. |
They are solitary and can experience stress, aggression, or even cannibalism. |
| Substrate |
2-4 inches deep layer of moisture-retaining material. |
Recommended: Coconut fiber, cypress mulch, or a mix of organic topsoil/coco fiber. Avoid: Cedar, Pine (toxic phenols), and dry materials like reptile carpet or paper towels (hard to maintain humidity). |
| Hides |
At least two tight-fitting hides (one on the warm side, one on the cool side). |
Hides should be just big enough for the snake to curl up and feel secure. Add a humid hide lined with damp sphagnum moss (best placed on the cool side). |
| Enrichment |
Sturdy branches, cork logs, and artificial/live plants. |
Encourage climbing and exploring to promote physical and mental health. |
| Water |
A large, heavy water bowl for drinking and soaking. |
Place on the cool side to reduce rapid evaporation. Change water daily. |
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
| Parameter |
Day Range |
Night Range |
Monitoring |
| Basking Surface |
95°F - 104°F |
Not applicable (no bright light at night) |
Infrared Thermometer (Temp Gun) |
| Warm Hide/Ambient |
88°F - 92°F |
75°F - 78°F |
Digital Probe Thermometer |
| Cool Hide/Ambient |
72°F - 80°F |
70°F - 78°F |
Digital Probe Thermometer |
| Humidity |
50% - 60% ambient (60% - 80% is ideal for tropical species) |
Up to 100% (natural nightly spike) |
Digital Hygrometer (probe on cool side) |
Heat & Lighting Sources
- Primary Heat (Day): Halogen flood bulbs or Deep Heat Projectors (DHPs) connected to a dimming or proportional thermostat.
- Night Heat (If needed): Ceramic Heat Emitters (CHEs) or Radiant Heat Panels, also on a thermostat.
- Lighting: Provide 12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark daily. UVB lighting (low-intensity T5 HO 6%) is beneficial for overall health.
- Crucial Safety: All heat sources must be connected to a thermostat to prevent overheating and burns. Never use heat rocks as they are unregulated and dangerous.
Humidity Management
- Use a deep, moisture-retaining substrate.
- Pour water into the corners of the enclosure to soak the bottom layer of substrate.
- Mist the enclosure as needed, especially in the evening.
- Ensure the humid hide is kept damp, especially during shed cycles.
🍽️ Feeding & Hydration
| Parameter |
Juvenile (<500g) |
Adult (>500g) |
| Prey Size |
Approx. 10-15% of snake's body weight, or no wider than 1.5x the snake's width at its widest point. |
Approx. 7-10% of snake's body weight, or no wider than 1.5x the snake's width at its widest point. |
| Frequency |
Every 7-10 days |
Every 14-21 days (up to 4-6 weeks for very large adults >1500g) |
| Prey Type |
Mice or rats are common. Variety is highly recommended for complete nutrition. |
Frozen/thawed (F/T) or Live |
Feeding Best Practices
- Avoid Handling: Do not handle the snake for at least 48 hours after a meal to prevent stress and regurgitation.
- Water: Provide fresh, clean, chlorine-free water at all times.
✨ Handling & Health
Handling
- Acclimation: Do not handle a new snake until it has eaten successfully 2-3 consecutive times.
- Frequency: Handle 1-2 times per week to keep them accustomed to human interaction, but no more than once daily.
- When to Avoid: Do not handle within 48 hours of feeding or when the snake is "in blue" (eyes are cloudy/dull) before a shed.
Signs of a Healthy Ball Python
- Active and alert (especially at night).
- Clear eyes (except when shedding).
- Eats regularly according to schedule.
- Sheds skin in one complete piece.
- Clean vent (cloaca).
Common Health Issues
| Issue |
Primary Cause |
Solution/Action |
| Dysecdysis/Retained Shed |
Low humidity/Dehydration. |
Correct habitat humidity. Provide a humid hide. See a vet if stuck eye caps persist. Never force shed off. |
| Respiratory Infection (RI) |
Low temperatures and/or high, stagnant humidity. |
Immediately raise temperatures to the correct range. See a vet for antibiotics. |
| Burns |
Unregulated heat sources (especially heat rocks/unthermostatted heat mats). |
Remove dangerous heat source. Seek veterinary attention immediately. |
🚨 Veterinary Care
If your Ball Python refuses to eat for an extended period (especially if not shedding) or shows signs of illness (e.g., bubbly mucus around the nose/mouth, lethargy, frequent incomplete sheds, or unusual lumps/bumps), contact a reptile veterinarian immediately.
