Ball Python Care Sheet
Snake
4 - 6 feet long
20 - 30 years
Carnivore
Diet & Nutrition
Ball Pythons are strict carnivores. They can eat either frozen or live prey items.
Babies will start with weaned mice. A full-grown adult will eat medium to large rats. When feeding frozen prey, be sure the prey is thawed thoroughly. When
Feeding Schedule
feeding live prey, be sure to monitor the feeding to prevent the prey from attacking the snake.
Feed babies 1 - 2 times a week. At 2 - 3 months of age you can reduce to once weekly. Adults can eat weekly, although some keepers feed every other week.
The prey size should equal the largest part of the snake's body in girth.
Housing & Habitat
Ball Pythons come from Central to West Africa. In the wild they are found in heavily forested areas. Keep the cage warm and humid and provide plenty of places for hiding. The TDI recommends housing Ball Pythons by themselves.
Breeders generally keep Ball Pythons in separate enclosures until breeding time.
At that point, the breeder will house the snakes together.
Enclosure Size
An adult must have a minimum cage size of 36" Long x 18" Deep x 16" High, although many keepers prefer a larger cage. Babies can start in 10-gallon tanks.
Substrate
Shredded aspen is a perfect substrate. Ball Pythons love to burrow. Shredded aspen provides a fluffy substrate easy for burrowing and cleaning. Provide 3-6 inches of substrate.
Temperature & Lighting
Temperature
Lighting
Since this is a nocturnal species, it requires only one light bulb. This is the heat lamp which also emits UVA. There is no current proof that the animal requires
UVB light, although some keepers prefer to provide UVB.
Plant and Fish bulbs are not UVB bulbs.
Humidity & Watering
Humidity
Humidity levels should be between 55% - 60%.
Watering
Provide fresh drinking water daily. Ball Pythons like to soak their body in water. Provide a bowl of water large enough so that the snake can fully submerge its body.
Shop Ball Python Supplies
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Ball Pythons eat?
Ball Pythons are strict carnivores. They can eat either frozen or live prey items. Babies will start with weaned mice. A full-grown adult will eat medium to large rats. When feeding frozen prey, be sure the prey is thawed thoroughly. When
What size enclosure does a Ball Python need?
Ball Pythons come from Central to West Africa. In the wild they are found in heavily forested areas. Keep the cage warm and humid and provide plenty of places for hiding. The TDI recommends housing Ball Pythons by themselves. Breeders generally keep Ball Pythons in separate enclosures until breeding time. At that point, the breeder will house the snakes together. An adult must have a minimum cage size of 36" Long x 18" Deep x 16" High, although many keepers prefer a larger cage. Babies can st...
What temperature and lighting does a Ball Python need?
Ball Pythons require a basking spot of 90°- 95°F. The cool end of the tank can be as cool as 75°- 80°F. Proper temperature is extremely important with this species. If a Ball Python becomes to cool for an extended period, they will quickly develop respiratory infections. Since this is a nocturnal species, it requires only one light bulb. This is the heat lamp which also emits UVA. There is no current proof that the animal requires UVB light, although some keepers prefer to provide UVB. Plant ...