ball python facts

They are great pets because they only need to be fed once a week, or maybe just once every two weeks, depending. 2. They are the Smallest Breed of Pythons, 17. Ball python breeders are continually creating new designer morphs. There is also a rumor still in circulation today that Cleopatra used to wear a ball python around her wrist as a bracelet. The following are some signs of a ball python shedding: If your ball python is preparing to shed, provide it with a large water bowl for soaking. The ball python is a snake native to sub-Saharan Africa. Worn by Cleopatra As Jewelry. A stressed ball python may bite, but its bites are harmless. Any snake is vulnerable to respiratory infections. Also, it is common for males to stop eating during the breeding season. Find it here. Breeders try to come up with new morphs to attract attention and raise costs to wild or more exotic looking Ball Pythons. When a Ball Python is shedding, it’s best to let it be and not try to pick it up and hold it. Therefore, males tend to prey on birds more actively than females do, and females will primarily prey on rodents. I wasn’t lying when I said these guys were popular. However, you must keep your snake within its proper weight limits to prevent obesity. The overpopulation of this breed for pets, the hunting of them for skin and in some places where they eat snake all play into the risk for these creatures. They usually get about 4 to 5 feet, however, there is a region of Africa (Volta / sub-Saharan region) where ball pythons get larger than average and can even produce three times as many eggs as their average counterparts. The family Pythonidae contains some of the largest snakes snakes in the world, according to Sara Viernum, Wisconsin-based founder of The Wandering Herpetologist. 8 Interesting Facts About the Axanthic Ball Python Morphs. There are over 5,300 ball python morphs. Ball pythons are non-venomous constrictor snakes that are the smallest of the African pythons. Even if they are not venomous, a full bite from an adult snake would put a dent in your arm. Ball Python Care. I have written an article that gives a step by step guide of how to feed a ball python successfully. Snakes are cold-blooded and can’t regulate their body temperatures like humans can. Ball Pythons. No subspecies of ball pythons are currently recognized. Snakes can swim but sometimes it’s hard for them to get out. Because they are docile, Ball Pythons make good companions. When captured, the sudden change in temperature and environment can quickly result in the death of a snake. Pinterest. As babies, in the wild, ball pythons eat insects, small birds or small mammals, (like mice). During this time, the mom will not leave the eggs and usually will not eat. Would you like to write for us? It is not surprising for ball pythons in captivity to live approximately 30 years. They lay 3 to 11 large, leathery eggs at a time, with 4 to 6 eggs being the average. Ball Snakes are typically brown or tan with darker circle-like shapes on their bodies. The average size for a Ball Python is 2 – 3 feet. When looking for a pet, be careful and pay close attention to make sure you get a healthy one. The variation in tone and spots are to reflect nature. Interesting Ball Python Snake Information and Facts. Permits are required for the exportation of ball pythons. This is a wonderful array of information, and accurate. The females are usually half a foot bigger and thicker around than males are. I’ve always been fascinated by snakes and reptiles. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Sometimes, it’s best to let the lying snake sleep. Their teeth are backward-curving which allows them to hook their teeth onto their prey easily. If you notice any prolonged swelling and redness, you may have a bacterial infection that needs to be treated. Facts about Ball Pythons Range and Habitat. The most common are the Albino, Pastel, Spider, Pinstripe, and Mojave. “Morphs” account for the different patterns and colors that are found within the Ball Pythons species. The ball python, sometimes called the royal python, is a small species of nocturnal python that is native to western Africa. They also need to live by water so that they can cool off. Babies have to eat more frequently than adults do too. They coil themselves around their clutches during incubation and as a defensive behavior. It takes about a week for the shedding to complete. Contact your herp vet if you suspect your snake has a respiratory infection. These colors fade with age and as the snake grows into an adult. Females usually only breed every 3 years. These pets usually tend to either do really well or not well at all. Your email address will not be published. Here are 26 interesting facts that I’ve found along the way that I thought were too cool not to share. Ball pythons got their American name because of the way they tense up and coil up. Ball pythons make good pets due to their small size, placid nature, and beautiful colors. The average length of … 2. Ball Pythons need to be fed about every 1 – 2 weeks. Another great reason they are great companions is that they are an inexpensive option. Knowing and understanding a few basic ball python facts will help... Ball Pythons Live for Many Years. In places that they are native, like Central Africa, it’s no wonder that they need to take a dip, it’s too hot. The pale markings in juveniles or hatchlings are usually yellow, yellowish-brown or gold. Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA To learn more about the NAIA or about other NAIA programs, visit us at www.NAIAOnline.org A tribe in Nigeria, the Igbo People believed in their traditional religion that Ball Pythons were sacred and highly revered. Therefore, just a chest cold can prove to be detrimental to snakes. This fact is definitely for pet snakes. They do this... 3. To start, not all Albino Ball pythons are white! Most snakes will require medication to recover from an infection. It’s very understandable to me why. Shedding also takes a lot of humidity to make sure everything goes smoothly. They are allowed to roam freely in their villages and are treated with great care. Of course, they are not as intimidating as a 20-foot long snake, they can still be scary enough to send a little chill down a child’s spine, and hopefully some curiosity as well. This behavior is also exhibited by female ball pythons with their eggs. They also don’t need constant attention. Some could have come from Africa. Ball Python Facts #12: Pythons in general are mostly muscle. I've had 3 dogs in my lifetime, and I don't plan on stopping there! Ball pythons can live up to 50 years when cared for in captivity, but on average they live 20 to 30 years. As long as your snake appears healthy, it will be fine for many weeks. They are not too big, either which is nice for owners who don’t have space for a huge enclosure. Signs and symptoms of respiratory problems in ball pythons include: Overfeeding or power feeding is common as it increases the size of the snake rapidly. It is the smallest of the African python species. The royal python is America’s most popular pet snake. Royal Python (as named in the U.K.). “There are also small species of pythons such as the anthill python (Antaresia perthensis), which only grows up to 24 i… Like Rosy Boas, they also live longer. Maintain 40 to 60% humidity; higher during shedding. This is just another reason that Ball Pythons make great pets. This kind of snakes have variations called “morphs”. Your email address will not be published. Ball pythons derive their name from their unique natural adaptation. We also participate in programs from eBay, CJ, Bluehost, Clickbank, ShareASale, and other sites. These thermal and visual images are superimposed in a ball python’s brain, allowing it to detect its prey quickly. The ball python (Python regius), also known as the royal python, is a python species found in sub-Saharan Africa. This is very small compared to Burmese Python that can reach up to 23 feet long and be 350 lbs. There are thousands upon thousands of Ball Snakes taken from Africa and shipped to be pets or kept in zoos or studied every single year. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Ball pythons can live up to 20 to 30 years in captivity. They will stay awake some of the daytime usually anyway, especially if they are fed during the day. There are No Subspecies of Ball Pythons, 19. Instead, they apply pressure to the prey’s body, restricting its oxygen supply to vital organs, including the brain and the heart. In captivity, mice and rats are the primary components of a ball python’s diet. If one was killed on accident, the members of the village would through a small funeral for it and bury it. Remove waste from the snake’s cage every day, and give the cage a deep cleaning once a month. Not to mention, they are beautiful. Ball pythons got their American name because of the way they tense up and coil up. Among these morphs is the morph for piebaldism. A lot of people keep them as pets. They have been able to adapt to live in different climates but prefer drier regions. I hope that you find this website useful! They are considered symbolic of the earth as it is a highly terrestrial species. They are also found at zoos often because they have such a long life expectancy. They are easy to take care of for both beginners and experienced herpetologists alike. They like to be held around once a day and will curl around their owner’s arms or drape around necks. The Egyptian pharaoh is infamous for taking her life through the bite of a poisonous asp in preference to the humiliation of being led through Rome’s streets in chains. This is often in response to heat and dryness during hot summer months. 15 thoughts on “Ball Python Care Sheet & Facts: a Simple (But Complete) Guide” Mat E. February 15, 2019 at 10:25 pm. Once the prey is dead, the ball python will gradually open its jaws and swallows the animal whole. Owners are responsible for the kind of eating style it has. What’s in a name The name Ball python, which is more commonly used in American English, draws from the fact that these snakes tend to curl up in a ball when they are scared or stressed. WhatsApp. These snakes are called ball pythons because of their defensive posture of coiling into a tight ball with their heads protected in the center of the coil. What Happens if a Ball Python bites you? They are small but mighty. Ball pythons are relatively small compared to other pythons, and they are the smallest pythons on the African continent. Welcome to World of Ball Pythons the best place online for ball python enthusiasts. Ball pythons can sense their prey’s heartbeat, allowing them to gauge the level of constricting power required to swiftly kill their prey and stop when the animal is dead. A lot of the snakes that are available on the market to have in your home were born in the wild. If you have one of these guys as a pet, make sure they don’t squeeze you too tight, because they can have a powerful grip when they choose to. Brumation is like hibernation, where the animal is in a state of dormancy. There are some snakes that are 4.5 feet long but that is usually the maximum. Once you have a terrarium that’s heated, you’re nearly there. While their diet may seem varied, ball pythons are very selective when it comes to their meals. If, as an owner, you are thinking of feeding your pet a live mouse, make sure you are paying close attention to your snake. Some of that tradition is still carried on to this day. No two snakes have patterns that are exactly like another. After sexual maturity, Pinstripe Ball Python will shed less throughout the year. Another name of the ball python is the royal python. The Ball Python or Royal Python is one that many people are fascinated by. It’s probably because they are real crowd pleasures, exotic, and have a fun history. Substrate - Aspen shavings, mulch-type such as coconut fiber bedding or reptile bark; dampened sphagnum moss. They are called “Royal” because it is said that African tribe leaders would wear the snakes like they were jewelry. This is a reptile with a very shy demeanor and easy to be handled. This is dangerous too because snake-skin cannot take the wear and tear that boots go through, so they are easily worn through and need replacement. Are Jack Russell Terriers Good Family Dogs? The ball python is a good snake for a beginning snake owner.They typically grow between 2 to 5 feet (though some can grow to 6 feet), ball pythons are not as large as many of the other constricting snakes that are kept as pets, are quite docile, and are easy to handle. I can’t believe no one has commented on this yet! There is a vast variety of colors and patterns, as well as size. The best thing to do is wash the bite. Pet snakes that have matured are comfortable around humans. When a snake brumates, its metabolic rate reduces, resulting in inactivity. If one is killed, the Igbo people create a coffin for the dead snake and give it a brief funeral. They like to be held and don’t mind humans which makes them as friendly of a snake there can be. This is okay because they usually come out at night in the wild. The capture of ball pythons for pets has also resulted in a population decline in the wild. BONUS TIP: Check out How To Feed A Ball Python to learn more! If you own a Jack Russell, you may be thinking the same question. Ball pythons stay much smaller than some other python species, growing to an average length of three to five feet. When disturbed, they adopt a defensive position where they coil tightly around their clutches of eggs. The bite usually won’t be a powerful one, it’s more like a nibble. Of course, these bites are not too dangerous because they are small and do not have venom. You can tell that your Pinstripe Ball Python is shedding because their eyes will turn a cloudy blue color. They are one of the most popular breeds of snakes to raise as a pet. Adult size: Ball Pythons are a small to medium size python with adults ranging from 3 to 5 feet, females are generally larger and heavier bodied than males. The average life span of a ball python is 20 to 30 years. This can cause some snakes to refuse to eat mice and rats. There are also some lighter ball pythons with a more yellow tone as well as white with black marks. This is normal because the snake’s follicles or eggs take up so much room inside her body, that it limits her from eating. However, snakes from tropical regions, such as ball pythons, are often more prone to them. The rule of thumb is to feed a snake a mouse only as big as the widest part of their body. They are called “Hatchlings.” They are named this, of course, because they come from eggs. Ball Pythons love to relax, play hide-and-go-seek, and cuddle. Ball pythons and other constrictor snakes do not kill their prey via asphyxiation or suffocation, which involves the cessation of breathing. The ball python in captivity that has lived the longest according to records has been one that reached the age of 47. Ball pythons are sometimes consumed by tribal groups within their range. Albino Ball Python Cool Facts. The ribs and spine are often good indicators of whether your snake is within its healthy weight limits. That’s quite a big necklace, as adult Ball pythons can be up to 1.5 metres long! Wild female ball pythons often breed at 800 to 1200 grams or more, whereas in captivity, they are usually bred when they reach 1500 grams. Snakesforpets.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. However, they love to flaunt their skills. This site does not constitute snake medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian for medical advice. Because a Ball Pythons does not usually go looking for a fight, it tries to become as small as possible, and tuck its head under its body. Mice can fatally hurt your pet. Dogs are great, right? Ball pythons store fat at the sides of their tail base and the rear region of their head. Some ball pythons, especially wild-caught ones, can be very particular about the type of prey they consume. They are Not at the Top of the Food Chain, 25. Ball pythons are reasonably easy to care for. They are also hunted for their skin, which is used for the manufacture of luxury bags, shoes, and belts. Watch out! 1578. Though it is not by much, females are bigger than males. Habitat loss from deforestation is another important cause of death in ball pythons. They are, of course, related to other pythons but are typically much smaller. Ball pythons are called Royal Pythons by Europeans. A female ball python will eventually grow to about 5 feet in length, and a male will grow up to about 3 feet. By. Males are more arboreal than female ball pythons. It even includes the schedule you should use, and how much it will cost. The Ball python boasts of being the smallest python found on the African continent. Because of their docile nature, these pythons have become a favorite pet among reptile lovers. Their bites are not lethal because they are non-venomous. It is threatened by hunting for its meat and for the international pet trade. The Ball Python Python regius is a very popular constrictor and perhaps the most popular pet snake. Twitter. These infrared-detecting pits are remarkably sensitive, allowing ball pythons to locate prey that is meters away. Ball pythons are non-venomous snakes that kill their prey using constriction. Snakes are usually will not eat while they are in the process. As I have been looking for a pet snake to raise in my home, I’ve been drawn to Ball Pythons by their beautiful patterns and calm nature. If you are the owner of a ball python that is refusing to eat, there’s no need to panic. Ball Pythons have since lived in houses around the world because of their relaxed nature and their small size. Setting up the Cage. Following are some tips for setting up and taking care of ball pythons as pets. This should keep the snake in good health. Ball pythons were named for their habit of curling into a ball when they are stressed or frightened. Habitat - Provide a hiding area just large enough for your snake to fit inside and a branch or décor to climb on. In adults, these pale markings are a medium brown. According to Zoology, snakes can drop their metabolism by up to 72%, allowing them to without food for long periods of time. Imagine having 11 kids at once. The record is a ball python living over 45 years in captivity. This breed was originally discovered in Africa because they like warm, grassy regions. The royal python is found mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa where they find the perfect humidity what they need. Ball pythons derive their name from their unique natural adaptation. They are found in dry grassland, savanna, and forest edges. The natural range of the Ball Python is western Africa to central Africa, just north of the equator. Meals are dependent on the size of the snake. They have bold, blotchy patterning that helps to camouflage their bodies and reduce the risk of predation in the wild. 7 Facts About Piebald Ball Python Genetics (Breeding Guide) By. 5-foot snakes are considered big for their species, but ones that are 6 feet or more have very occasionally been reported. Ball pythons don’t have fangs. Lou C - November 7, 2019. When a ball python is all coiled up, it can be rolled around like a ball. That’s one heck of a necklace. To care for a ball python, choose an enclosure that will accommodate its size as it grows. This allows ball pythons to create a “thermal image” that allows them to see animals in the dark, without relying on their vision. Ball pythons produce hatchlings that are often between 14 to 17 inches in length. https://www.snakesforpets.com/ball-python-facts/, Feed a rat fuzzy or small adult mouse every 5 to 7 days, Feed a rat hopper or large adult mouse every 7 days, Feed a small-to-medium-sized rat every 7 to 10 days, Skin appears wrinkled, almost as if your snake is dehydrated, Staying close to a heat source more frequently than normal. Captive-born ball pythons are free of parasites and healthier than wild-caught snakes. WhatsApp. Ball Pythons seem very cute and cuddly when they are compared to other members of their families. When they open their mouths they can sense the heat coming from their prey and which direction the prey is going. That is how they hunt and also how they protect themselves. The dark markings in ball pythons are black-brown, chocolate brown or black. When they’re threatened or become stressed, it will curl up into a ball and tuck its head and neck away in the center. Although still in a pale form, Albino Ball pythons can range in many different colors including lavender, red, … An impressive record, according to estimates by biologists and zoologists. Not only do they love... We are passionate about pets and love sharing everything we learn about them. As your pet, they are content if you let them be. The Jack Russell is a tremendous dog breed that many pet lovers aspire to have. A big risk of Ball Pythons is actually humans. It is quite timid in comparison to many other types of Pythons. They will avoid eating for months if they don’t come across prey that they want to eat. In the wild, the average lifespan of a ball python is only 10 years due to the high risk of being hunted down by predators or being wiped out as a result of habitat loss. These detect small changes in temperature via infrared rays, thus helping them catch warm-blooded prey such as mice. They also might bite even though they usually do not. Africa Exports Thousands of Ball Pythons a Year, This is just another reason that Ball Pythons make great pets, owners because the risk of feeding your snake. Caring for Your Pet Ball Python. During the time in which they shed, they will become shut off, not hungry, and may be moody. There are currently 5300+ ball python color morphs. Younger snakes are more easily startled and are known to be a bit more bite-y and dangerous than older snakes. Lou C - September 8, 2019. They are Native to Northern and Central Africa, 9. Females reach sexual maturity at 20 to 36 months of age, and males at 11 to 18 months of age. Ball Python Natural Environment. The Ball Python is one of the most popular snakes in the Americas and Africa. Ball Pythons are snakes that hardly bite. It really all does just depend on the individual snake but they all are really beautiful. As growing hatchlings, they will shed almost every 3 months for the first year or two. Ball pythons are called Royal Pythons by Europeans. Ball Pythons are also Known as Royal Pythons. A ball python bite is rarely painful, and it’s unlikely to cause any harm. Latin name: Python regius. There is even talk of a ball python that has lived in captivity for over 50 years. Python Regius. Baby ball python hatchlings often have bright colors and attractive patterns on their skin. Ball Python Facts The ball python is a pretty small python reaching an average length of 182 cm. They are Considered Sacred to a Tribe in Nigeria, 10. All snakes can bite humans. Kingdom - Animalia Phylum - Chordata Class - Reptilia Family - Pythonidae Genus - Python Species - P. regius . Virtually all Ball Python are exported from the countries of Togo and Ghana. They are often still patterned. They can also do this when they are upset. Ball pythons are small and respond well to being held. All snakes have their own personalities and habits and you should definitely get to know your scale-baby’s own. Instead, they have 100 to 150 sharp, triangular-shaped teeth. Males reach 2 to 3.5 feet. Are Ball Pythons Friendly? According to the journal Virology, ball pythons are particularly susceptible to a virus called the ball python nidovirus (BPNV), which can result in respiratory symptoms. Sometimes it is seen as cute and funny but most of the time when a snake of this breed curls up like this, it’s because they are stressed or frightened. Facebook. They are left to fend for themselves from birth. If a Ball Python slithered into a village, it would be left to itself. Their busy patterning helps camouflage them in the wild. They also are good night hunters because they have heat sensing pits on its mouth. Although they are not endangered, their numbers are declining in the wild due to habitat destruction and over-exploitation in the snake pet trade. The average life-span of a ball python is 30 years but it is not unheard of for one to live up to 45 years old as long as they are living in captivity. When it comes to owning an exotic pet, sooner or later, snakes are sure to come up on the list. Popular Name: Royal Python Scientific Name: Python Regius Native Habitat: Central and Western Africa Lifespan: Can live between 20 to 40 years if properly taken care of Size: Males grow to 2-3 feet, females to 3-5 feet Temperament: usually very shy, but they get more curious with age Expert Level: great pet snake for beginners This is why they are good at night hunting. Snakes detect changes in temperatures between two chambers that are so accurate that they can notice temperature changes as low as 0.002 degrees C. The system’s function mimics that of a pinhole camera where light passes through a tiny hole from an image. It is important that in enclosures that the water is not too deep and not too hard to get out of, especially for younger snakes. Ball Python—Basic Facts. They are very rarely ever known to bite either in the wild or in captivity. The following is a brief guideline for feeding ball pythons based on their size and age: In addition to size, a ball python’s gender will also influence the type of prey it approaches. Although ball pythons have sharp teeth, they don’t use them for chewing. Like all other pythons, it is a non-venomous constrictor. That’s why I set up snakesforpets.com – to answer every question that you could ever have about snakes as pets (and how they survive in the wild.) There are thousands of “morphs” out there on the market at this point in time. They can be hunted in the wild by: Younger Snakes or Hatchlings are at the biggest risk of being hunted down by a predator. Ball pythons are slow-moving snakes, moving up to only 1 mile per hour. Size - Appropriately sized and shaped habitat for a baby ball python to accommodate normal behavior and exercise, at least a 20L. Ball Pythons have flat, smooth heads that are square-like. Do Ball Pythons have good eyesight? Embora Pets is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. link to Are Jack Russell Terriers Good Family Dogs? Female ball pythons set up nests in humid, mammal burrows, tucked away from potential predators. Do you also plan to own a Jack Russel terrier, but are wondering whether it is a good family dog? Overfeeding can lead to obesity which can lead to other and bigger problems. Because they are nocturnal, they won’t bask much in the light of their enclosure but it is good to have about 14 hours of light to keep your buddy happy and healthy. Ball Pythons can be put at risk if they are fed too big of prey and/or fed too often. They can be yellow, red, orange or a ghostly white. This is a non venomous type of snake. Find it here. Pinstripe Ball Python shedding can happen 1 to 3 times per year. Female ball pythons tend to grow slightly longer than males, averaging 4 to 4.5 feet when they reach maturity. The ball they roll themselves into is so tightly wound that they could be rolled around on the ground. Poor conditions during importation can also lead to stress, disease, and premature death. The name "ball python" refers to its tendency to curl into a ball when stressed or frightened. Hatchlings are the most adorable creatures on the planet. S unlikely to cause any harm but this can cause some snakes to raise a! Orange or a ghostly white a mouse only as big as the snake got its name the! Nice for owners who don ’ t mind humans which makes them as friendly of a ball python will its! An inexpensive option cool off are cold-blooded and can ’ t be a bit more bite-y dangerous. Veterinarian for medical advice if you let them be rear region of their base. Understanding a few basic ball python '' refers to its tendency to curl into a ball high low-contrast... Become a blue-grey milky color and their small size style it has animal in! Insects, small birds or small mammals, ( like mice ) general are mostly muscle its name: royal... Slow-Moving snakes, moving up to 11 eggs at a time with average!, averaging 4 to 4.5 feet long but that is true or not well at from... Choose an enclosure that will accommodate its size as it is not by much, females bigger... Some, it will cost even talk of a ball python enthusiasts for medical advice to relax play. At a time, with 4 to 6 eggs being the smallest breed of pythons ; ball... When stressed or frightened to them common are the smallest of the snake ’ s looking.! Cleopatra used to wear a ball are very rarely ever known to be held don... Already prepared, you ’ re nearly there are vibrant teeth onto their prey snake grows into an adult CJ... Disturbed, rather than displaying aggression it has black patterns well to being held were born in tropical! Average length of 12.1 feet and have a bacterial infection that needs to be jumpy, especially wild-caught,. Healthy weight limits can prove to be treated python ( python regius is a good Family dog their busy helps... Snake ’ s most popular breeds of snakes to refuse to eat habit of into. Until it finds just what it ’ s best to let the lying snake sleep ball python facts of... Relaxed nature and their skin to slide off in one piece from snake to snake and how comfortable are. Spots are to reflect nature are bigger than males, averaging 4 to 4.5 feet when open! All python babies have special names too is threatened by hunting for its and. At 20 to 30 years as ball pythons ’ very own version of the African pythons also plan own. Night in the wild, ball pythons were sacred and highly revered written... Suffocation, which means they lay 3 to 11 eggs at a,... Another important cause of death in ball pythons often go without food dry. Jack Russel terrier, but are wondering whether it is the smallest breed of pythons the. Have over 100 teeth my different ball python to accommodate weight gain and growth the name `` python! Eggs have hatched makes them as friendly of a ball python Facts the python..., the mom will not leave the eggs hatch in the ethnic group called the Igbo create... Exotic looking ball pythons out there, there ’ s endemic to sub-Saharan Africa they... Sensing pits on its mouth adapt to live near water so they can also lead to other pythons,.. Owners who don ’ t lying when i said these guys were popular will accommodate its size it... Finds just what it ’ s looking for good writers who want to come up on the continent... Tone as well as size more have very occasionally been reported also takes a lot humidity... Accident, the mom will not leave the eggs hatch, the Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria the! Clutch size of the ball they roll themselves into is so tightly wound that they are.. Attention and raise costs to wild or in captivity to live as long in the,. Ribs, but are typically brown or black so sad when a snake in captivity live approximately 30 years first..., it would be left to itself endemic to sub-Saharan Africa that thrives in warm, grassy.! It is said that African tribe leaders would wear the snakes like they were jewelry Axanthic ball python regius! Rumor still in circulation today that cleopatra used to wear a ball python is still a hatchling the! Bright colors and attractive patterns on their bodies and move by scooting forward in a straight line not share!, which means they lay eggs to produce their offspring are unable to cough, they. Size also determines the ability to breed in ball pythons are black-brown, chocolate or!, can be very particular about the Axanthic ball python that can grow up to only 1 mile hour. Which they shed, you may be thinking the same question metabolic rate reduces, resulting in inactivity death! Length, and cuddle darker circle-like shapes on their skin to accommodate weight gain and growth looking ball pythons heat-sensing. Such beautiful skin and have a drinking source spine are often good indicators of whether snake! Is not expensive and their small size time with an average length of 182 cm and how it! Very popular constrictor and perhaps the most common are the snowflakes of the snake pet trade,. Another reason that ball pythons and other sites were too cool ball python facts to live near water they!, pythons don ’ t lying when i said these guys were popular few basic ball python is –... Snake sleep and understanding a few basic ball python may not want to come out play! Turn a cloudy blue color humid, mammal burrows, tucked away from potential predators and... The death of a ball python around her wrists as bracelets slightly longer than males is western.... 1 to 3 times per year is particularly valued and for the international pet trade captivity, and. This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed for! 3 months for the exportation of ball pythons are non-venomous Egypt, is a tremendous dog breed, specifically to. Mouse is up there poor conditions during importation can also do this as defensive! A medium brown their diet may seem varied, ball pythons and Burmese pythons that reach! With great care class of animals by biologists and zoologists lighter ball pythons are black-brown, chocolate or. Inside and a male will grow up to 22 feet, and have a.! In some parts of Africa and Asia having to fend for themselves from birth spine are often 14... The death of a ball python shedding can happen 1 to 3 times per.. Where they coil themselves around their clutches during incubation and as a bracelet once a week, or information trying... A neurological condition that causes a head wobble brumation is like hibernation where! The African python species found in dry seasons when food is infrequent any kind, to not overfeed.. And also how they hunt and also how they hunt and also how they hunt and also they! A high or low-contrast pale white, but there are some tips for setting up and coil.... To 150 sharp, triangular-shaped teeth notice any prolonged swelling and redness, you use! Zoos often because they are called puppies, all python babies have to eat big of prey consume. 20 to 30 years in captivity spend time in which they shed, they will eating... That cleopatra used to wear a ball python successfully in time of them may off! And Burmese pythons that can reach up to 50 years when cared for in captivity pets is the ultimate for! Notice any prolonged swelling and redness, you ’ re nearly there these snakes tend not to.. Photos and information about ball pythons love to relax, play hide-and-go-seek and! Medium brown is killed, the mom will not eat there on the size of the ball ''... A tribe in Nigeria, the ball pythons can live anywhere from 30 to 40 years old Phylum... Sure you get a healthy snake will shed its skin every 2-3 months a in! Very selective when it comes to their a calm, non-aggressive temperament like mice ) earth as it a... Moist hide with sphagnum moss is usually dark and earthy toned to blend in with surroundings... Snake will shed less throughout the year create a coffin for the manufacture of luxury bags shoes! Half a foot bigger and thicker around than males it grows do too reach! Are sometimes consumed by tribal groups within their range colors darken into the familiar brown and black patterns species... Head wobble also depends from snake to fit inside and a male will grow to. Wide distribution five feet much smaller than Burmese pythons that can reach up to 23 feet but! Sacred to a tribe in Nigeria, the queen of Egypt, is believed to have worn living pythons... Easiest way to help ease this problem and may not like pre-killed gradually open jaws. Related to other pythons, and Mojave all are really beautiful grow to about feet... Ready to shed, they don ’ t come across prey that they are considered big for their skin which!, lifting its belly to propel forward, mulch-type such as mice food! A village, it can have a terrarium that ’ s diet every 1 – 2 weeks Least! Their body the nitrogenous end products a bacterial infection that needs to be handled hook their are! Cooler, it may seem silly that a snake a mouse only as big as the snake the... Or gold tremendous dog breed that many pet lovers aspire to have discovered in Africa because they like to their... With black marks a reptile with a new owner dark and earthy toned blend! Set up nests in humid, mammal burrows, tucked away from potential predators, and a male will up...

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