Common Name: Ball Python
Latin Name: Python regius
You Should Know…
- Can reach 3-4 feet in size which is quite small when compared to most other species of python.
- Many ball pythons for sale are wild caught – check carefully to find captive born animals which are usually healthier and do not negatively impact wild populations
- Eats live prey (although can be trained to eat pre-killed frozen prey); wild caught animals are notoriously picky eaters
Conservation Issues
Ball pythons suffer from several threats in the wild. Slow reproduction, coupled with habitat destruction and overexploitation due to demand from the illegal pet trade all contribute to the declining populations of wild ball pythons. In order to ensure that the purchase of your snake does not contribute to these problems, never purchase wild-caught or even captive-hatched snakes. Ball pythons are difficult to breed in captivity so be sure to verify that a snake you want to purchase was truly captive bred. See Conservation Issues for more information.
Legalities
Some municipalities may have regulations regarding the ownership of large snakes; potential ball python owners should always check with local governmental offices to ensure that there are no regulations regarding ownership of this species as well. See Legalities for more information.
Best Bets for Pets Personality Test Attributes
Owner Personality – Quiet as a Mouse
Ball pythons make great pets for people who aren't looking for hands-on interaction with their pet. Owners will have to handle their snake in order to ensure the snake’s health, but do not need to do so every day.
Owner-Pet Relationship – With a 10-foot Pole
Ball pythons are not cuddly animals, and in fact will wrap around appendages when they feel threatened.
Owner-Pet Household – Go with the Flow or Give and Take
Although ball pythons made not need constant attention and interaction, owners should be willing to make some adjustments in routines in order to accommodate their pet snake.
Time – Homebody or Working Stiff
Ball pythons can be a good pet for someone looking for a relatively low-maintenance pet; they do not require as much interaction as some other pets. Some snakes can, and should, go without eating for weeks at a time but need fresh water provided daily.
Space – Room to Move
Ball pythons generally grow to about 3-4 feet in length, although some individuals can be as long as 6 feet. As your snake grows, it’s important to ensure that it has an appropriately-sized vivarium.
Dollars and Cents – Going Dutch or Moneybags
Ball pythons are one of the less expensive pet snake species, but potential owners will still need to factor in the cost of the vivarium, heating equipment and food necessary to keep their snake healthy. Some owners prefer to raise their snake’s food (generally rodents); the cost of this should be determined as well.
Commitment – Part of the Family or The Golden Years
Ball pythons can live anywhere from 20 to 40 years in captivity; potential owners should expect a long relationship with their snake.
Take the Best Bets for Pets Personality Test to help you choose a pet that's best for you!