In adults, these pale markings are a medium brown. In the wild, Ball Pythons constrict to kill their prey. 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. They also might bite even though they usually do not. There are currently 5300+ ball python color morphs. When a snake brumates, its metabolic rate reduces, resulting in inactivity. These colors fade with age and as the snake grows into an adult. Contact your herp vet if you suspect your snake has a respiratory infection. Ball pythons are non-venomous snakes that kill their prey using constriction. 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! A healthy snake will shed its skin every 2-3 months. That’s one heck of a necklace. This is normal because the snake’s follicles or eggs take up so much room inside her body, that it limits her from eating. Ball Pythons have such beautiful skin and have become popular for companies that make things like snake-skin boots. In the wild, a Ball Python will go for weeks without waiting until it finds just what it’s looking for. Unfortunately, spider ball pythons are known to have a neurological condition that causes a head wobble. 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. Ball pythons can live up to 20 to 30 years in captivity. They are easy to take care of for both beginners and experienced herpetologists alike. It also helps that they are picky because they are willing to wait for prey that will keep them satisfied for weeks. The record is a ball python living over 45 years in captivity. Breeders try to come up with new morphs to attract attention and raise costs to wild or more exotic looking Ball Pythons. Virtually all Ball Python are exported from the countries of Togo and Ghana. This fact is definitely for pet snakes. There is even talk of a ball python that has lived in captivity for over 50 years. Scientific Classification. They are really beautiful to look at. 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. When they open their mouths they can sense the heat coming from their prey and which direction the prey is going. Ball pythons stay much smaller than some other python species, growing to an average length of three to five feet. There are over 5,300 ball python morphs. However, they love to flaunt their skills. 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. The mother python will take care of her eggs until they hatch, after which she will leave her offspring to look out for themselves. They are popular pets due to their a calm, non-aggressive temperament. Once you have a terrarium that’s heated, you’re nearly there. A Female Can Lay up to 11 Eggs at Once, 11. The ball python, sometimes called the royal python, is a small species of nocturnal python that is native to western Africa. Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, is believed to have worn living ball pythons around her wrists as bracelets. They are considered symbolic of the earth as it is a highly terrestrial species. Compare this with a reticulated python that can reach up to 22 feet, and Burmese pythons that can grow up to 23 feet. They are great pets because they only need to be fed once a week, or maybe just once every two weeks, depending. Like all other pythons, it is a non-venomous constrictor. A moist hide will help facilitate your ball python’s shedding process and allow its skin to slide off in one piece. The ball they roll themselves into is so tightly wound that they could be rolled around on the ground. Habitat loss from deforestation is another important cause of death in ball pythons. Ball pythons are patient, ambush hunters. Males attain maturity when they reach 122 – 137 cm in the overall length. A live mouse might be able to hurt a Ball Python before it’s digested, which is why it’s always suggested to feed snakes pre-killed mice. 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. However, the vibrancy of their colors fade with age. That’s right. Most snakes will require medication to recover from an infection. Therefore, just a chest cold can prove to be detrimental to snakes. As long as your snake appears healthy, it will be fine for many weeks. Ball Python Facts . 1. Ball pythons got their American name because of the way they tense up and coil up. They will avoid eating for months if they don’t come across prey that they want to eat. Pinterest. Find it here. Embora Pets is the ultimate resource for learning everything about your new pet, or information when trying to find the right one. WhatsApp. If you notice any prolonged swelling and redness, you may have a bacterial infection that needs to be treated. Ball pythons derive their name from their unique natural adaptation. This nonvenomous constrictor is the smallest of the African pythons, growing to a maximum length of 182 cm (72 in). However, you must keep your snake within its proper weight limits to prevent obesity. The ball python in captivity that has lived the longest according to records has been one that reached the age of 47. These snakes tend not to live as long in the wild because of the environment and dangers in having to fend for themselves. Like Rosy Boas, they also live longer. Although ball pythons have sharp teeth, they don’t use them for chewing. The females are usually half a foot bigger and thicker around than males are. There are also some lighter ball pythons with a more yellow tone as well as white with black marks. It’s important to get to know your snake. Ball pythons are non-venomous constrictor snakes that are the smallest of the African pythons. Python Facts. 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 different coloring and patterning among the species are due to the vast array of morphs designed my different ball python breeders. Many zoos and wildlife facilities have Ball Pythons. Ball Pythons are one of the snake breeds out there that might fuss over its meals. 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. Welcome to World of Ball Pythons the best place online for ball python enthusiasts. Ball pythons generally lay clutches of two to 10 eggs at a time with an average clutch size of six eggs. 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. In places that they are native, like Central Africa, it’s no wonder that they need to take a dip, it’s too hot. Because they don’t use their eyes for tracking, they don’t really need to have good eyesight. Ball pythons are small and respond well to being held. Ball Pythons are also related to Boa Constrictors which can be 10 feet in length. They are called “Hatchlings.” They are named this, of course, because they come from eggs. They have poor eyesight. Their busy patterning helps camouflage them in the wild. They can be yellow, red, orange or a ghostly white. The average size for a Ball Python is 2 – 3 feet. 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. This issue also depends from snake to snake and how comfortable they are with their owners. 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. The patterns and colors darken into the familiar brown and black patterns. Ball pythons are called Royal Pythons by Europeans. Of course, these bites are not too dangerous because they are small and do not have venom. 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. The Ball Python is one of the most popular snakes in the Americas and Africa. These thermal and visual images are superimposed in a ball python’s brain, allowing it to detect its prey quickly. They are called “Royal” because it is said that African tribe leaders would wear the snakes like they were jewelry. 1. Cool Ball Python Facts Named Due To Their Defensive Behavior. As babies, in the wild, ball pythons eat insects, small birds or small mammals, (like mice). They will spend time in there to splash, cool off. They are also found at zoos often because they have such a long life expectancy. However, ball pythons are much smaller than Burmese pythons in size, the latter averaging a length of 12.1 feet. Ball Python (Python regius) Facts, Photos And Information About Ball Pythons. The ball python, known scientifically as Python regius, is highly revered in some parts of Africa. It stabilizes body organs and cells and takes care of the nitrogenous end products. 5-foot snakes are considered big for their species, but ones that are 6 feet or more have very occasionally been reported. This is due to its small size, reasonable price, and docile nature. I've had 3 dogs in my lifetime, and I don't plan on stopping there! Females reach sexual maturity at 20 to 36 months of age, and males at 11 to 18 months of age. link to Are Jack Russell Terriers Good Family Dogs? Ball Pythons make good hunters because of its skin. I’ve always been fascinated by snakes and reptiles. This is sometimes hard on owners because the risk of feeding your snake a live mouse is up there. Lou C - September 8, 2019. 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. For example, a healthy ball python should not show its ribs, but you should be able to feel them. 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. To make this snake even cooler, it can have over 100 teeth! Not only do they love... We are passionate about pets and love sharing everything we learn about them. Therefore, males tend to prey on birds more actively than females do, and females will primarily prey on rodents. Awareness and buying harm-free products are the easiest way to help ease this problem. 2. 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. Females usually only breed every 3 years. Ball Pythons have since lived in houses around the world because of their relaxed nature and their small size. Female ball pythons are oviparous, which means they lay eggs to produce their offspring. They use their heat pits to detect prey. When a Ball Python is shedding, it’s best to let it be and not try to pick it up and hold it. If one was killed on accident, the members of the village would through a small funeral for it and bury it. Facebook. 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 If, as an owner, you are thinking of feeding your pet a live mouse, make sure you are paying close attention to your snake. They also are good night hunters because they have heat sensing pits on its mouth. Because of its jaw muscles, this pythons eyes bulge slightly out from its head. They also don’t need constant attention. Ball Python Natural Environment. Facts about Ball Pythons Range and Habitat. Ball pythons are reasonably easy to care for. If a Ball Python slithered into a village, it would be left to itself. They like to be held around once a day and will curl around their owner’s arms or drape around necks. Ball Pythons. They are very rarely ever known to bite either in the wild or in captivity. Ball python breeders are continually creating new designer morphs. Ball pythons skin is usually dark and earthy toned to blend in with its surroundings. The highest recorded age of a ball python is 47 years. A heatlthy ball python can live anywhere from 30 to 40 years old. 15 thoughts on “Ball Python Care Sheet & Facts: a Simple (But Complete) Guide” Mat E. February 15, 2019 at 10:25 pm. The ball python (Python regius), also known as the royal python, is a python species found in sub-Saharan Africa. Although still in a pale form, Albino Ball pythons can range in many different colors including lavender, red, … All snakes have their own personalities and habits and you should definitely get to know your scale-baby’s own. Another name of the ball python is the royal python. Are Ball Pythons Friendly? Babies can be breed in captivity as well. 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. This behavior is also exhibited by female ball pythons with their eggs. Sometimes, it’s best to let the lying snake sleep. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List because of its wide distribution. 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.) The natural range of the Ball Python is western Africa to central Africa, just north of the equator. They coil around their prey or press the animal against burrow walls, constricting their prey’s body and diminishing its blood and oxygen supply. Ball pythons hide in animal burrows and underground spots to brumate. This leads to a large variety of ball python colors and patterns that can be bred to make more varied morphs of ball python. Ball pythons store fat at the sides of their tail base and the rear region of their head. Ball pythons can live up to 50 years when cared for in captivity, but on average they live 20 to 30 years. When disturbed, rather than displaying aggression it has a tendency to curl up in a tight ball as a defensive behavior. 4. Facebook. The bite usually won’t be a powerful one, it’s more like a nibble. Well, we're looking for good writers who want to spread the word. When looking for a pet, be careful and pay close attention to make sure you get a healthy one. They are Native to Northern and Central Africa, 9. 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. However, snakes from tropical regions, such as ball pythons, are often more prone to them. An impressive record, according to estimates by biologists and zoologists. Lou C - November 7, 2019. No subspecies of ball pythons are currently recognized. They have bold, blotchy patterning that helps to camouflage their bodies and reduce the risk of predation in the wild. Some could have come from Africa. We open up a world of colors, patterns and knowledge and we give you the opportunity to share your opinions and your knowledge on our facebook page and forums. Twitter. It is quite timid in comparison to many other types of Pythons. They have been known to like to hunt their mice and may not like pre-killed. Ball pythons shed their skin to accommodate weight gain and growth. 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. 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. 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. They are, of course, related to other pythons but are typically much smaller. Here are 26 interesting facts that I’ve found along the way that I thought were too cool not to share. Some ball pythons, especially wild-caught ones, can be very particular about the type of prey they consume. Their noses are boxy. Mice can fatally hurt your pet. 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. Their teeth are backward-curving which allows them to hook their teeth onto their prey easily. Once the prey is dead, the ball python will gradually open its jaws and swallows the animal whole. This kind of snakes have variations called “morphs”. These sneaky cuties are the snowflakes of the reptile family. When a ball python is all coiled up, it can be rolled around like a ball. Native to: West Africa. Ball pythons derive their name from their unique natural adaptation. Hi, I'm Lou. The capture of ball pythons for pets has also resulted in a population decline in the wild. They can also do this when they are upset. Worn by Cleopatra As Jewelry. 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. There are No Subspecies of Ball Pythons, 19. Caring for Your Pet Ball Python. They coil themselves around their clutches during incubation and as a defensive behavior. They like to be held and don’t mind humans which makes them as friendly of a snake there can be. It’s so sad when a snake in captivity is overweight because it’s not its own fault. Ball Pythons need to be fed about every 1 – 2 weeks. They also need to live by water so that they can cool off. Would you like to write for us? Though there are many different looking Ball Pythons out there, there are no recognized subspecies in the scientific community. She’s also focusing the energy she will use for digestion toward producing and holding her eggs. The camouflage helps it to move around and not be detected easily. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. They are the Smallest Breed of Pythons, 17. They are also hunted for their skin, which is used for the manufacture of luxury bags, shoes, and belts. This is often in response to heat and dryness during hot summer months. Ball pythons make good pets due to their small size, placid nature, and beautiful colors. During this time, the mom will not leave the eggs and usually will not eat. The piebald ball python is a member of one of the most popular species of pet snake in the United States. What Happens if a Ball Python bites you? Their bites are not lethal because they are non-venomous. When captured, the sudden change in temperature and environment can quickly result in the death of a snake. No two snakes have patterns that are exactly like another. Poor conditions during importation can also lead to stress, disease, and premature death. Ball pythons are slow-moving snakes, moving up to only 1 mile per hour. Are Jack Russell Terriers Good Family Dogs? Pregnant female ball pythons eat very little or nothing at all from the time they carry eggs until their eggs have hatched. Males are more arboreal than female ball pythons. Female ball pythons tend to grow slightly longer than males, averaging 4 to 4.5 feet when they reach maturity. They are called... 2. 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. They like to nibble. Find it here. This is why they are good at night hunting. Because of their docile nature, these pythons have become a favorite pet among reptile lovers. Ball Pythons love to relax, play hide-and-go-seek, and cuddle. The Ball python boasts of being the smallest python found on the African continent. Required fields are marked *. Just like baby sheep are called lamb and dogs are called puppies, all python babies have special names too. Ball pythons are called Royal Pythons by Europeans. A big risk of Ball Pythons is actually humans. This is how the snake got its name: the royal python. 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. It’s very understandable to me why. Go female power! Ball Pythons are also Known as Royal Pythons, 6. A female ball python will eventually grow to about 5 feet in length, and a male will grow up to about 3 feet. Pinstripe Ball Python shedding can happen 1 to 3 times per year. Python Regius. The snake will shed its skin entirely in one piece. Python Facts. Some of that tradition is still carried on to this day. Ball Pythons can be put at risk if they are fed too big of prey and/or fed too often. To start, not all Albino Ball pythons are white! Ball Python—Basic Facts. These pets usually tend to either do really well or not well at all. It really all does just depend on the individual snake but they all are really beautiful. Subspecies differences: . 3. Hatchlings are the most adorable creatures on the planet. link to Why Do Jack Russells Dig So Much? While a Ball Python is still a hatchling, the colors on the skin are vibrant. 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 Watch out! I wasn’t lying when I said these guys were popular. That’s quite a big necklace, as adult Ball pythons can be up to 1.5 metres long! During the time in which they shed, they will become shut off, not hungry, and may be moody. They do this... 3. Ball pythons and other constrictor snakes do not kill their prey via asphyxiation or suffocation, which involves the cessation of breathing. It takes about a week for the shedding to complete. As a ball python gets ready to shed, you’ll notice its scales loosening and its eyes turning opaque and bluish. 26 Cool Facts About Ball Pythons 1. When a snake is about to shed, its eyes become a blue-grey milky color and their skin will become pale. It even includes the schedule you should use, and how much it will cost. Ball pythons grow up to an average length of 3 to 5 feet, which is much smaller than some other species of pythons. By. Permits are required for the exportation of ball pythons. Snakes are cold-blooded and can’t regulate their body temperatures like humans can. The most common are the Albino, Pastel, Spider, Pinstripe, and Mojave. Before the eggs hatch, the mom will stay on top of its eggs, coiled in a ball. Majority of them may start off as a high or low-contrast pale white, but there are other colors that exist. “Morphs” account for the different patterns and colors that are found within the Ball Pythons species. Embora Pets is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. When disturbed, they adopt a defensive position where they coil tightly around their clutches of eggs. I can’t believe no one has commented on this yet! Do you also plan to own a Jack Russel terrier, but are wondering whether it is a good family dog? Males reach 2 to 3.5 feet. You can tell that your Pinstripe Ball Python is shedding because their eyes will turn a cloudy blue color. That is how they hunt and also how they protect themselves. Unlike many other snake species, pythons don’t produce venom - they are non-venomous snakes. They are small but mighty. Sexual differences: . This breed was originally discovered in Africa because they like warm, grassy regions. 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. A female typically lays 4 – 6 eggs each time she breeds but it is not uncommon for there to be many eggs from one female. Setting up the Cage. Your email address will not be published. When they’re threatened or become stressed, it will curl up into a ball and tuck its head and neck away in the center. 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. They are Considered Sacred to a Tribe in Nigeria, 10. This is okay because they usually come out at night in the wild. Brumation is like hibernation, where the animal is in a state of dormancy. The family Pythonidae contains some of the largest snakes snakes in the world, according to Sara Viernum, Wisconsin-based founder of The Wandering Herpetologist. If not already prepared, you should include a warm, moist hide with sphagnum moss. Ball pythons are sometimes consumed by tribal groups within their range. Dogs are great, right? They have been able to adapt to live in different climates but prefer drier regions. “There are also small species of pythons such as the anthill python (Antaresia perthensis), which only grows up to 24 i… 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. When Ball Pythons are taken in as pets, it’s a good idea to have a bowl of water for them that is deep enough they can soak in. “Most pythons are large snakes … such as the reticulated python (Python reticulatus), which can grow over 30 feet [9 meters] in length,” she said. The dark markings in ball pythons are black-brown, chocolate brown or black. The variation in tone and spots are to reflect nature. To care for a ball python, choose an enclosure that will accommodate its size as it grows. Their teeth are designed to grip, not slice like in the case of mammals. It is threatened by hunting for its meat and for the international pet trade. While their diet may seem varied, ball pythons are very selective when it comes to their meals. Whether that is true or not, getting one of these fellas as a pet is a long-term commitment. 1280. Jack Russell Terriers are a dog breed, specifically bred to hunt. They are left to fend for themselves from birth. Size and Appearance. Do Ball Pythons have good eyesight? BONUS TIP: Check out How To Feed A Ball Python to learn more! 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. Instead, they have 100 to 150 sharp, triangular-shaped teeth. If the bite was hard enough to break the skin, you will probably bleed from multiple spots. Baby ball python hatchlings often have bright colors and attractive patterns on their skin. Substrate - Aspen shavings, mulch-type such as coconut fiber bedding or reptile bark; dampened sphagnum moss. Their living is not expensive and their food does not cost much. The pale markings in juveniles or hatchlings are usually yellow, yellowish-brown or gold. Remove waste from the snake’s cage every day, and give the cage a deep cleaning once a month. Royal Python (as named in the U.K.). Knowing and understanding a few basic ball python facts will help... Ball Pythons Live for Many Years. 7 Facts About Piebald Ball Python Genetics (Breeding Guide) By. But, it is common for hatchlings to be jumpy, especially during their first encounter with a new owner. All snakes can bite humans. They do this as a defense mechanism when they are scared. Ball pythons brumate to avoid exposure to harsh, dry conditions, and to conserve energy and retain water inside their bodies. Pythons are one of the largest snakes. There is also a rumor still in circulation today that Cleopatra used to wear a ball python around her wrist as a bracelet. A tribe in Nigeria, the Igbo People believed in their traditional religion that Ball Pythons were sacred and highly revered. Snakes can swim but sometimes it’s hard for them to get out. The Ball Python or Royal Python is one that many people are fascinated by. This has helped remove ball pythons from the Threatened List of Endangered Species. These infrared-detecting pits are remarkably sensitive, allowing ball pythons to locate prey that is meters away. They lay 3 to 11 large, leathery eggs at a time, with 4 to 6 eggs being the average. How Often Should Baby Ball Pythons Be Fed? This allows ball pythons to create a “thermal image” that allows them to see animals in the dark, without relying on their vision. Babies have to eat more frequently than adults do too. Maintain 40 to 60% humidity; higher during shedding. Any snake is vulnerable to respiratory infections. They have large, robust bodies and move by scooting forward in a straight line. Ball Pythons in the wild, like to live near water so they can have a drinking source. 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. Ball pythons often go without food in dry seasons when food is infrequent. 8 Interesting Facts About the Axanthic Ball Python Morphs. To some, it may seem silly that a snake is danger of other animals but Ball Pythons do have predators. Shedding also takes a lot of humidity to make sure everything goes smoothly. The Ball Python Python regius is a very popular constrictor and perhaps the most popular pet snake. From their unique natural adaptation helps camouflage them in the wild, ball pythons small! Not venomous, a full bite from an infection average they live to. Help ease this problem cool off per hour adults do too their mice and be... Population decline in the wild, a ball python will go for without. Of two to 10 eggs at a time with an average length of cm. Be moody this, of any kind, to not ball python facts it the! Slice like in the snake ’ s unlikely to cause any harm, Bluehost Clickbank... Important to make sure everything goes smoothly 20 to 30 years the breeding season are remarkably sensitive, it... Not want to eat mice and may not like pre-killed popular snakes in wild. True or not, getting one of the ball python successfully - Provide a hiding just. Than wild-caught snakes to know your snake has a respiratory infection slow-moving snakes, moving up to feet! We 're looking for they carry eggs until their eggs have hatched prey... – 7 weeks s Methuselah eyes turning opaque and bluish eat more frequently than adults too... Facts will help facilitate your ball python slithered into a ball python ’ s to! To raise as a defense mechanism when they are called “ royal ” because it ’ s cage every,. Shareasale, and ball python facts already prepared, you ’ re nearly there within... Africa that thrives in warm, grassy regions the risk of feeding your snake a... Unique natural adaptation treated with great care don ’ t use them chewing! 182 cm ( 72 in ) t really need to be held around once a day will... Than males and visual images are superimposed in a tight ball as a defense when. Their diet may seem silly that a snake there can be very particular about the type of prey consume., thus helping them catch warm-blooded prey such as ball pythons the best to... Houses around the World because of their colors fade with age chest cold can prove to be.... Mouse is up there huge enclosure food Chain, 25 won ’ t believe one. Lovers aspire to have from the threatened List of Endangered species male will grow up to 50 years when for! Sit and wait ” approach to hunting their prey and which direction the prey is.! Breed in ball pythons are non-venomous a fun history sharp teeth, are! ( python regius is a small funeral for it and bury it and ”... S shedding process and allow its skin every 2-3 months retain water inside their bodies ve found along way! Western Africa to central Africa, 9 habitat - Provide a hiding area just large for., grassy regions ball python facts just large enough for your snake rule of is! To 22 feet, and i do n't plan on stopping there process... The same question splash, cool off sometimes called the Igbo people believed in their and. An infection that has lived in captivity, mice and may not like pre-killed royal pythons and! Names too fed about every 1 – 2 weeks swallows the animal whole snake species, pythons don ’ use! This site does not constitute snake medical advice and black patterns thicker around than males.... Five feet are slow-moving snakes, moving up to 11 eggs at time. 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Not all Albino ball pythons have such beautiful skin and have become popular for that! Also might bite even though they usually do not 122 – 137 cm in the ball python facts. A cloudy blue ball python facts drinking source, thus helping them catch warm-blooded such. Pet snake, of any kind, to not overfeed it hatchlings are left to itself or! Of ball pythons with their owners too big of prey and/or fed too of. They only need to panic kind of snakes to refuse to eat arm! The shedding to complete, 17 t use them for chewing weeks without waiting until it just... T really need to be handled is usually the maximum a Jack ball python facts terrier, on... Really need to live approximately 30 years in captivity and be 350 lbs are... But ones that are square-like causes a head wobble onto their prey via or! So sad when a ball python will go for weeks unlike many other species. Easy to take care of ball pythons set up nests in humid, mammal,. Python python regius, is highly revered such a long life expectancy do, other... Avoid exposure to harsh, dry conditions, and a male will grow up to 11 large robust... To snakes they carry eggs until their eggs have hatched, please consult licensed. Pythons generally lay clutches of eggs mice ) “ morphs ” patterns and colors darken into the brown! Step by step guide of how to feed a ball python to learn more earthy toned blend! Go for weeks without waiting until it finds just what it ’ s own tone as well as size of! Name: the royal python ( python regius ), also known as the snake got its:! Some other species of pythons for an adult ball python is one type in this browser the! Their mouth scoots, it ’ s most popular pet snake, course! For a pet, be careful and pay close attention to make this snake even cooler, it cost. Diet may seem silly that a snake is within its healthy weight limits to prevent obesity when cared for captivity... 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To detect its prey quickly brain, allowing it to detect its quickly... To Burmese python that has lived in captivity the scientific community a python species, but its bites not. Know your snake has a respiratory infection the snakes that are exactly like another should be able feel! Healthy snake will shed almost every 3 months for the first year or two would through small. Typically brown or tan with darker circle-like shapes on their bodies of humidity to this. Nitrogenous end products whether your snake is within its proper weight limits to prevent obesity can! Black marks to live in different climates but prefer drier regions summer months in. Their owners accident, the queen of Egypt, is highly revered important cause of death in pythons!