However, ball pythons are much smaller than Burmese pythons in size, the latter averaging a length of 12.1 feet. Ball pythons shed their skin to accommodate weight gain and growth. They are really beautiful to look at. A tribe in Nigeria, the Igbo People believed in their traditional religion that Ball Pythons were sacred and highly revered. As your pet, they are content if you let them be. Not only do they love... We are passionate about pets and love sharing everything we learn about them. Pinterest. Facebook. Female ball pythons are oviparous, which means they lay eggs to produce their offspring. 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. They are Considered Sacred to a Tribe in Nigeria, 10. Find it here. Do you also plan to own a Jack Russel terrier, but are wondering whether it is a good family dog? There are also some lighter ball pythons with a more yellow tone as well as white with black marks. Royal Python (as named in the U.K.). 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. Size - Appropriately sized and shaped habitat for a baby ball python to accommodate normal behavior and exercise, at least a 20L. Snakes are unable to cough, so they may have difficulty expelling accumulated fluid from their respiratory tracts. A stressed ball python may bite, but its bites are harmless. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List because of its wide distribution. Worn by Cleopatra As Jewelry. They are not very high maintenance. Pregnant female ball pythons eat very little or nothing at all from the time they carry eggs until their eggs have hatched. When looking for a pet, be careful and pay close attention to make sure you get a healthy one. These snakes tend not to live as long in the wild because of the environment and dangers in having to fend for themselves. This issue also depends from snake to snake and how comfortable they are with their owners. The piebald ball python is a member of one of the most popular species of pet snake in the United States. A Female Can Lay up to 11 Eggs at Once, 11. When disturbed, rather than displaying aggression it has a tendency to curl up in a tight ball as a defensive behavior. Ball Pythons have such beautiful skin and have become popular for companies that make things like snake-skin boots. Native to: West Africa. Size and Appearance. Majority of them may start off as a high or low-contrast pale white, but there are other colors that exist. When a snake brumates, its metabolic rate reduces, resulting in inactivity. I’ve always been fascinated by snakes and reptiles. 15 thoughts on “Ball Python Care Sheet & Facts: a Simple (But Complete) Guide” Mat E. February 15, 2019 at 10:25 pm. The record is a ball python living over 45 years in captivity. A ball python bite is rarely painful, and it’s unlikely to cause any harm. Pet snakes that have matured are comfortable around humans. Your email address will not be published. This allows ball pythons to create a “thermal image” that allows them to see animals in the dark, without relying on their vision. It is quite timid in comparison to many other types of Pythons. • Exhibit Location: Zoo to You Collection Characteristics 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. It also helps that they are picky because they are willing to wait for prey that will keep them satisfied for weeks. Ball pythons brumate to avoid exposure to harsh, dry conditions, and to conserve energy and retain water inside their bodies. A lot of the snakes that are available on the market to have in your home were born in the wild. Ball Pythons have since lived in houses around the world because of their relaxed nature and their small size. Subspecies differences: . Their noses are boxy. They also need to live by water so that they can cool off. Ball Pythons are snakes that hardly bite. They are great pets because they only need to be fed once a week, or maybe just once every two weeks, depending. By. Ball pythons produce hatchlings that are often between 14 to 17 inches in length. Ball Pythons need to be fed about every 1 – 2 weeks. As growing hatchlings, they will shed almost every 3 months for the first year or two. We also participate in programs from eBay, CJ, Bluehost, Clickbank, ShareASale, and other sites. This usually takes 55 – 60 days. According to Zoology, snakes can drop their metabolism by up to 72%, allowing them to without food for long periods of time. Ball pythons are one of the most popular pet snakes in America, and once you learn some ball python facts it is easy to see why! These colors fade with age and as the snake grows into an adult. The Ball Python Python regius is a very popular constrictor and perhaps the most popular pet snake. Some of that tradition is still carried on to this day. Go female power! The ribs and spine are often good indicators of whether your snake is within its healthy weight limits. 1280. When captured, the sudden change in temperature and environment can quickly result in the death of a snake. Ball pythons are non-venomous snakes that kill their prey using constriction. Though it is not by much, females are bigger than males. Well, we're looking for good writers who want to spread the word. The snake will shed its skin entirely in one piece. Any snake is vulnerable to respiratory infections. This is a reptile with a very shy demeanor and easy to be handled. Ball pythons derive their name from their unique natural adaptation. It is threatened by hunting for its meat and for the international pet trade. The different coloring and patterning among the species are due to the vast array of morphs designed my different ball python breeders. After sexual maturity, Pinstripe Ball Python will shed less throughout the year. It stabilizes body organs and cells and takes care of the nitrogenous end products. If a Ball Python slithered into a village, it would be left to itself. A healthy snake will shed its skin every 2-3 months. Ball pythons are slow-moving snakes, moving up to only 1 mile per hour. The patterns and colors darken into the familiar brown and black patterns. Mice can fatally hurt your pet. This is normal because the snake’s follicles or eggs take up so much room inside her body, that it limits her from eating. A heatlthy ball python can live anywhere from 30 to 40 years old. This can cause some snakes to refuse to eat mice and rats. Ball Pythons make good hunters because of its skin. Knowing and understanding a few basic ball python facts will help... Ball Pythons Live for Many Years. Whether that is true or not, getting one of these fellas as a pet is a long-term commitment. This fact is definitely for pet snakes. Ball pythons are called Royal Pythons by Europeans. They coil around their prey or press the animal against burrow walls, constricting their prey’s body and diminishing its blood and oxygen supply. After grabbing the prey with its teeth, a ball python will begin constricting, overwhelming its circulatory system and cutting off blood supply to the brain. The average life span of a ball python is 20 to 30 years. The ball python (Python regius), also known as the royal python, is a python species found in sub-Saharan Africa. Their teeth are designed to grip, not slice like in the case of mammals. link to Are Jack Russell Terriers Good Family Dogs? They can be hunted in the wild by: Younger Snakes or Hatchlings are at the biggest risk of being hunted down by a predator. Do Ball Pythons have good eyesight? 1578. Scientific Classification. 1. Permits are required for the exportation of ball pythons. Watch out! This behavior is also exhibited by female ball pythons with their eggs. They have been known to like to hunt their mice and may not like pre-killed. I have compiled a list of everything I know about ball python care, and I even mention how to find and choose the best terrarium for your ball python. These sneaky cuties are the snowflakes of the reptile family. If you notice any prolonged swelling and redness, you may have a bacterial infection that needs to be treated. Cool Ball Python Facts Named Due To Their Defensive Behavior. Ball Python Facts All About Ball Pythons. Males are only slightly smaller than females. The Jack Russell is a tremendous dog breed that many pet lovers aspire to have. It’s so sad when a snake in captivity is overweight because it’s not its own fault. The most common are the Albino, Pastel, Spider, Pinstripe, and Mojave. Ball pythons are called Royal Pythons by Europeans. Ball pythons stay much smaller than some other python species, growing to an average length of three to five feet. It is not surprising for ball pythons in captivity to live approximately 30 years. Captive-born ball pythons are free of parasites and healthier than wild-caught snakes. If one was killed on accident, the members of the village would through a small funeral for it and bury it. This site does not constitute snake medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian for medical advice. “Morphs” account for the different patterns and colors that are found within the Ball Pythons species. When a Ball Python is shedding, it’s best to let it be and not try to pick it up and hold it. This is okay because they usually come out at night in the wild. Ball pythons are small and respond well to being held. Habitat loss from deforestation is another important cause of death in ball pythons. They lay 3 to 11 large, leathery eggs at a time, with 4 to 6 eggs being the average. Ball pythons are relatively small compared to other pythons, and they are the smallest pythons on the African continent. These infrared-detecting pits are remarkably sensitive, allowing ball pythons to locate prey that is meters away. Ball Pythons love to relax, play hide-and-go-seek, and cuddle. Habitat - Provide a hiding area just large enough for your snake to fit inside and a branch or décor to climb on. She’s also focusing the energy she will use for digestion toward producing and holding her eggs. If not already prepared, you should include a warm, moist hide with sphagnum moss. There are thousands of “morphs” out there on the market at this point in time. Females usually only breed every 3 years. If one wants to remove a ball python, they may pick it up and place it in a field away from the village’s homes. Their teeth are backward-curving which allows them to hook their teeth onto their prey easily. Ball pythons can live up to 50 years when cared for in captivity, but on average they live 20 to 30 years. They are allowed to roam freely in their villages and are treated with great care. Ball pythons’ very own version of the bible’s Methuselah. 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. The ball python, known scientifically as Python regius, is highly revered in some parts of Africa. The family Pythonidae contains some of the largest snakes snakes in the world, according to Sara Viernum, Wisconsin-based founder of The Wandering Herpetologist. How Often Should Baby Ball Pythons Be Fed? It is very important to make sure that if you have a pet snake, of any kind, to not overfeed it. The best thing to do is wash the bite. Dogs are great, right? They have bold, blotchy patterning that helps to camouflage their bodies and reduce the risk of predation in the wild. They are also found at zoos often because they have such a long life expectancy. The ball they roll themselves into is so tightly wound that they could be rolled around on the ground. Sometimes, it’s best to let the lying snake sleep. A moist hide will help facilitate your ball python’s shedding process and allow its skin to slide off in one piece. Like all other pythons, it is a non-venomous constrictor. Snakes can swim but sometimes it’s hard for them to get out. Ball pythons often go without food in dry seasons when food is infrequent. The dark markings in ball pythons are black-brown, chocolate brown or black. 7 Facts About Piebald Ball Python Genetics (Breeding Guide) By. Ball pythons and other constrictor snakes do not kill their prey via asphyxiation or suffocation, which involves the cessation of breathing. The ball python is a snake native to sub-Saharan Africa. 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. It is the smallest of the African python species. They can be yellow, red, orange or a ghostly white. Ball pythons got their American name because of the way they tense up and coil up. What is interesting about piebaldism in ball pythons is that the morph is so frequent that you can tak e two pied ball pythons and you will have pied ball python kids. When they open their mouths they can sense the heat coming from their prey and which direction the prey is going. A lot of people keep them as pets. They are considered symbolic of the earth as it is a highly terrestrial species. Ball Pythons have flat, smooth heads that are square-like. Overfeeding can lead to obesity which can lead to other and bigger problems. However, you must keep your snake within its proper weight limits to prevent obesity. Ball Python Class: Reptilia Photo courtesy of Karen Marzynski Habitat • In the Wild: Ball pythons range from Senegal to Togo in West Africa and eastward to the Nile River in southern Sudan. Once you have a terrarium that’s heated, you’re nearly there. However, in addition to age, size also determines the ability to breed in ball pythons. The average size for a Ball Python is 2 – 3 feet. According to the journal Nature, a snake’s infrared-detecting ability comes from a protein called TRPA1, which is a cellular pathway that senses inflammatory pain. This nonvenomous constrictor is the smallest of the African pythons, growing to a maximum length of 182 cm (72 in). Lou C - November 7, 2019. This is just another reason that Ball Pythons make great pets. Embora Pets is the ultimate resource for learning everything about your new pet, or information when trying to find the right one. A female ball python will eventually grow to about 5 feet in length, and a male will grow up to about 3 feet. Male ball pythons breed at 300 to 600 grams in the wild but, they are not bred until they are 800 grams in captivity. Babies have to eat more frequently than adults do too. 4. Ball pythons derive their name from their unique natural adaptation. It even includes the schedule you should use, and how much it will cost. 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. Because they don’t use their eyes for tracking, they don’t really need to have good eyesight. It really all does just depend on the individual snake but they all are really beautiful. They also are good night hunters because they have heat sensing pits on its mouth. 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. The Royal python (Python regius), also called the ball python, is a python species native to West and Central Africa, where it lives in grasslands and shrublands. Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, is believed to have worn living ball pythons around her wrists as bracelets. Though this breed is not on the endangered list of species, there is a worry about the illegal hunting of Ball Pythons for their skin. This leads to a large variety of ball python colors and patterns that can be bred to make more varied morphs of ball python. Remove waste from the snake’s cage every day, and give the cage a deep cleaning once a month. What Happens if a Ball Python bites you? It takes about a week for the shedding to complete. Sexual differences: . Contact your herp vet if you suspect your snake has a respiratory infection. I wasn’t lying when I said these guys were popular. They are easy to take care of for both beginners and experienced herpetologists alike. When disturbed, they adopt a defensive position where they coil tightly around their clutches of eggs. There are over 5,300 ball python morphs. Ball pythons generally lay clutches of two to 10 eggs at a time with an average clutch size of six eggs. Here are 26 interesting facts that I’ve found along the way that I thought were too cool not to share. This is very small compared to Burmese Python that can reach up to 23 feet long and be 350 lbs. Ball pythons have heat-sensing pits on each side of their mouth. When the eggs hatch in the wild, these hatchlings are left to fend for themselves because their mother leaves. It’s very understandable to me why. Pythons live in the tropical areas of Africa and Asia. The Ball python boasts of being the smallest python found on the African continent. Many zoos and wildlife facilities have Ball Pythons. Snakes are cold-blooded and can’t regulate their body temperatures like humans can. If you own a Jack Russell, you may be thinking the same question. 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. This is how the snake got its name: the royal python. “There are also small species of pythons such as the anthill python (Antaresia perthensis), which only grows up to 24 i… They also might bite even though they usually do not. Let’s now read ball python facts. WhatsApp. If you are the owner of a ball python that is refusing to eat, there’s no need to panic. To some, it may seem silly that a snake is danger of other animals but Ball Pythons do have predators. 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. In adults, these pale markings are a medium brown. Ball Pythons. Snakes are usually will not eat while they are in the process. Snakes have pit organs with aperture sizes of about 1mm, which generate thermal images of any moving prey. This is sometimes hard on owners because the risk of feeding your snake a live mouse is up there. They coil themselves around their clutches during incubation and as a defensive behavior. This kind of snakes have variations called “morphs”. 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 The highest recorded age of a ball python is 47 years. They are, of course, related to other pythons but are typically much smaller. 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. Unlike many other snake species, pythons don’t produce venom - they are non-venomous snakes. Although ball pythons have sharp teeth, they don’t use them for chewing. Setting up the Cage. They will spend time in there to splash, cool off. Ball pythons are non-venomous constrictor snakes that are the smallest of the African pythons. I can’t believe no one has commented on this yet! 26 Cool Facts About Ball Pythons 1. Ball Snakes are typically brown or tan with darker circle-like shapes on their bodies. Pinterest. 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. It’s important to get to know your snake. Ball Python—Basic Facts. Just like baby sheep are called lamb and dogs are called puppies, all python babies have special names too. A big risk of Ball Pythons is actually humans. Though there are many different looking Ball Pythons out there, there are no recognized subspecies in the scientific community. Ball Pythons seem very cute and cuddly when they are compared to other members of their families. Maintain 40 to 60% humidity; higher during shedding. In some cases, a bite may break the skin, but this can be easily treated. Because of its jaw muscles, this pythons eyes bulge slightly out from its head. 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. The pale markings in juveniles or hatchlings are usually yellow, yellowish-brown or gold. Males reach 2 to 3.5 feet. Poor conditions during importation can also lead to stress, disease, and premature death. If one is killed, the Igbo people create a coffin for the dead snake and give it a brief funeral. Not to mention, they are beautiful. But, it is common for hatchlings to be jumpy, especially during their first encounter with a new owner. Following are some tips for setting up and taking care of ball pythons as pets. They have large, robust bodies and move by scooting forward in a straight line. Hatchlings are the most adorable creatures on the planet. 3. When a ball python is all coiled up, it can be rolled around like a ball. Ball pythons make good pets due to their small size, placid nature, and beautiful colors. The Ball Python or Royal Python is one that many people are fascinated by. Ball pythons hide in animal burrows and underground spots to brumate. The royal python is found mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa where they find the perfect humidity what they need. 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. In the ethnic group called the Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria, the ball python is particularly valued. They are the Smallest Breed of Pythons, 17. Facts about Ball Pythons Range and Habitat. If the bite was hard enough to break the skin, you will probably bleed from multiple spots. These pets usually tend to either do really well or not well at all. They Curl into Balls. Males are more arboreal than female ball pythons. Also, it is common for males to stop eating during the breeding season. Latin name: Python regius. Ball python breeders are continually creating new designer morphs. Kingdom - Animalia Phylum - Chordata Class - Reptilia Family - Pythonidae Genus - Python Species - P. regius . Twitter. The variation in tone and spots are to reflect nature. I hope that you find this website useful! Ball Pythons can be put at risk if they are fed too big of prey and/or fed too often. Lou C - September 8, 2019. Welcome to World of Ball Pythons the best place online for ball python enthusiasts. On average, these pythons shed every 5 – 7 weeks. When a snake is about to shed, its eyes become a blue-grey milky color and their skin will become pale. Every time the snake scoots, it stiffens its ribcage, lifting its belly to propel forward. Brumation is like hibernation, where the animal is in a state of dormancy. There is even talk of a ball python that has lived in captivity for over 50 years. Some ball pythons, especially wild-caught ones, can be very particular about the type of prey they consume. During the daylight hours, your Ball Python may not want to come out and play. The camouflage helps it to move around and not be detected easily. Ball pythons were named for their habit of curling into a ball when they are stressed or frightened. Ball pythons got their American name because of the way they tense up and coil up. There are No Subspecies of Ball Pythons, 19. The Ball Python is one of the most popular snakes in the Americas and Africa. Are Jack Russell Terriers Good Family Dogs? Ball pythons don’t have fangs. Would you like to write for us? However, if you have a pet Ball Python, they might adjust to being awake during the day if they are kept in a room that doesn’t have a ton of natural light. This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. To make this snake even cooler, it can have over 100 teeth! These thermal and visual images are superimposed in a ball python’s brain, allowing it to detect its prey quickly. The natural range of the Ball Python is western Africa to central Africa, just north of the equator. They like to be held and don’t mind humans which makes them as friendly of a snake there can be. Another name of the ball python is the royal python. Jack Russell Terriers are a dog breed, specifically bred to hunt. Some could have come from Africa. They do this as a defense mechanism when they are scared. Their bites are not lethal because they are non-venomous. To care for a ball python, choose an enclosure that will accommodate its size as it grows. This breed was originally discovered in Africa because they like warm, grassy regions. They are one of the most popular breeds of snakes to raise as a pet. Most snakes will require medication to recover from an infection. Substrate - Aspen shavings, mulch-type such as coconut fiber bedding or reptile bark; dampened sphagnum moss. As babies, in the wild, ball pythons eat insects, small birds or small mammals, (like mice). While their diet may seem varied, ball pythons are very selective when it comes to their meals. Ball pythons are patient, ambush hunters. They will avoid eating for months if they don’t come across prey that they want to eat. They have poor eyesight. Although they are not endangered, their numbers are declining in the wild due to habitat destruction and over-exploitation in the snake pet trade. link to Why Do Jack Russells Dig So Much? They will stay awake some of the daytime usually anyway, especially if they are fed during the day. This has helped remove ball pythons from the Threatened List of Endangered Species. They are called “Royal” because it is said that African tribe leaders would wear the snakes like they were jewelry. Ball Pythons are also related to Boa Constrictors which can be 10 feet in length. Adult males... Reproduction. Female ball pythons set up nests in humid, mammal burrows, tucked away from potential predators. In places that they are native, like Central Africa, it’s no wonder that they need to take a dip, it’s too hot. Ball pythons and Burmese pythons have striking patterns with dark brown and golden-brown rosettes. 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 When it comes to owning an exotic pet, sooner or later, snakes are sure to come up on the list. This is due to its small size, reasonable price, and docile nature. They can be found in rainforests, savannas and deserts. However, they love to flaunt their skills. Ball Python Facts #12: Pythons in general are mostly muscle. It’s probably because they are real crowd pleasures, exotic, and have a fun history. They like to nibble. They do this... 3. Although still in a pale form, Albino Ball pythons can range in many different colors including lavender, red, … Ball Python Care. They use a “sit and wait” approach to hunting their prey. To start, not all Albino Ball pythons are white! That’s one heck of a necklace. In the wild, a Ball Python will go for weeks without waiting until it finds just what it’s looking for. Their busy patterning helps camouflage them in the wild. All snakes have their own personalities and habits and you should definitely get to know your scale-baby’s own. The mother python will take care of her eggs until they hatch, after which she will leave her offspring to look out for themselves. All snakes can bite humans. That is how they hunt and also how they protect themselves. They are popular pets due to their a calm, non-aggressive temperament. The ball python, sometimes called the royal python, is a small species of nocturnal python that is native to western Africa. Caring for Your Pet Ball Python. Because they are docile, Ball Pythons make good companions. If, as an owner, you are thinking of feeding your pet a live mouse, make sure you are paying close attention to your snake. The ball python in captivity that has lived the longest according to records has been one that reached the age of 47. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. There are currently 5300+ ball python color morphs. It’s a python species that’s endemic to sub-Saharan Africa that thrives in warm, tropical regions. There are some snakes that are 4.5 feet long but that is usually the maximum. Are Ball Pythons Friendly? 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. Ball pythons store fat at the sides of their tail base and the rear region of their head. When they’re threatened or become stressed, it will curl up into a ball and tuck its head and neck away in the center.
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