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Python Regius, commonly known as royal pythons or ball pythons, are non-venomous constrictors. These nocturnal animals naturally inhabit the savannahs, grasslands, and open forests of west sub Saharan Africa through central Africa.
Here in the U.S. we call these snakes ball pythons because they tuck their heads and curl into a ball when they feel threatened. In Europe, Africa, and many other parts of the world, they are known as royal pythons, or simply royals, because Egyptian royalty used to keep ball pythons as pets and even wore them as accessories.
Ball pythons are fascinating creatures that make great pets for both first-time and experienced reptile keepers. When given proper care a pet ball python can flourish in captivity. Here’s a little bit about what it’s like to keep a ball python as a pet.
Low Maintenance
Ball pythons are incredibly low maintenance, especially when compared to most pets. Frequent tasks include ensuring temperatures and humidity are regulated, providing fresh water, and spot cleaning when necessary. Ball pythons are fed once every week to two weeks depending on age. Other than handling, the only other routine tasks are cleaning their water bowl at least once a week and cleaning their entire enclosure every two to three months as needed.
Docile Temperament
Ball pythons are calm and predictable. They typically move very slow and tend to be extremely laid-back. These snakes are harmless and usually friendly, and even shy. They pose no danger to you, especially when kept properly. Most are fine with being handled, and many enjoy being handled or exploring outside their enclosures.
Easy to Keep
Ball pythons are a simple reptile to keep because they do not require extreme levels of temperature and humidity or specialized lighting. Housing for a ball python can vary from simple and inexpensive to elaborate, but only a few basic necessities are required no matter its environment.
Because ball pythons are not active snakes and prefer to feel snug and secure a smaller enclosure is ideal (more on that here). They are adept escape artists however, so a securely fitted top is absolutely necessary. They need a place to hide, a dish for water, and you have many options for a substrate. That will provide everything your ball python needs, though you may wish to add decoration and enrichment to its enclosure.
Simple Diet
Baby ball pythons can be fed mice for their first several feedings and then transitioned to appropriately-sized rats. Ball pythons only need to be fed once a week, or up to two weeks as they get older. As they grow snakes should be fed increasingly larger prey. Pre-killed or frozen / thawed prey are preferred since live prey can injure a snake. Frozen prey allows you to buy in bulk and save time and money. Frozen prey is also much easier to keep.
Compact Size
Ball pythons grow to an average size of 4 feet (122 cm), and typically grow no larger than 5 feet (152 cm), which means they remain easy to house and handle no matter their age. Young ball pythons grow about a foot a year for the first three years, then their growth slows down significantly.
Ball pythons are full-bodied, stocky snakes, making them hearty and easy to handle. The average adult weighs up to 4 lbs (1814 g), but some exceed 7 lbs (3175 g).
Generally Healthy
Ball pythons are generally very healthy and most common issues are entirely preventable. They usually live between 20 to 30 years, although some live up to 50 years or longer. If you already have a reptile at home, quarantine any new reptile for at least three months. You may wish to take your new animal to a vet to check for parasites or other health conditions. Common health issues that affect ball pythons are:
Respiratory infections, mites, and other parasites. These are preventable with proper quarantine procedures, hygiene, and husbandry.
Bites and scratches from prey. This can be avoided by feeding frozen / thawed or fresh killed prey or by carefully monitoring all interactions with live prey.
Burns. 100% preventable by using a proper thermostat with a safe heat source.
Mouth rot and stuck shed. Both of these are also preventable by observing proper husbandry.
Friendly Community
Because ball pythons are such popular pets, you will be joining a large community of ball python and reptile enthusiasts. From forums to expos, there’s always someone there to help or answer questions.
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