Ball Python
Docile, hardy, and a perfect first snake.
Difficulty
Beginner
Adult size
Up to 5 ft
Lifespan
20+ yrs
Diet
F/T rodents
Habitat
- Allow at least a third of the snake's length for both width and depth — a 4 ft adult wants a vivarium around 4 ft long, 16 in wide and 16 in deep.
- Warm end 86–90°F (30–32°C), cool end 75–79°F (24–26°C), every heat source on a thermostat.
- Two snug hides — one per side — and a water bowl large enough to soak in. Royals stress in large bare spaces, so give plenty of cover.
Humidity
- Hold 50–60% at the cool end, misting to around 80% during a shed and letting it drop back between.
- Constantly high humidity with poor ventilation causes respiratory illness — ventilate rather than soak.
Feeding
- Frozen-thawed rodents slightly wider than the widest part of the snake. Young snakes every 5–6 days, adults every 7–14 days by weight.
- Offer with tongs, and do not handle for at least 48 hours after a meal.
Handling
- Let a new snake settle about a week before handling.
- Support the whole body; occasional fasting is normal, especially in winter.