Ball Python

Basic Care Guide

Enclosure

Enclosure size varies with the size of the snake, hatchlings generally can be in a 10 gallon terrarium or equivalent. Adults will need between a 20 gallon - 60 gallon depending on the size of the snake. 40 Gallon are most commonly used for adults. Larger is not always better but larger enclosures normally work well with plenty of places to hide and a lot of clutter to feel secure.

Water

Clean water should always be available.

Heating

Undertank heating is preferred for Ball Pythons using a Thermostat. No heating should be used without the use of a Thermostat to maintain proper temperature. We use

Ceramic Heat Emitters (CHE) are recommended for heating the air temperature in the enclosure. Red Reptile Lights should never be used.

Temperature

Hot Spot of 87-90 degrees under hot side hide. Temperature in the enclosure should be a gradient between the hot side around 89 degrees to cool side of around 80 Degrees.

Substrate

The best substrate will vary depending on your location. We use and recommend Coconut Husk substrate (ReptiChip) to help keep our humidity levels higher.

Humidity

You will need the humidity to be between 60%-75%. Getting this to the right level is primarily accomplished with proper substrate depending on the humidity in your area.

Food

Hatchlings should be fed once per week, adults can be fed once per week or once every other week.

Recommended feed size is based on weight. Feed 10%-15% of the snakes body weight weekly until they are on 50g-90g feeders. Then leave them on that size for life, weekly or every other week. Always leave the snake alone for 48 hours after feeding before handling to give them time to digest.

Cohabitation

Never Cohabitate a Ball Python. They live solitary lives and should not share an enclosure.