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Ball Python, Royal Python, Python regius, Family: Boidae

by Victoria Hedges

     The Ball Python, also known as the Royal Python, is the smallest of the African python species. This is a very popular constrictor due to its small size, reasonable price, and docility. They can live 20 to 30 years in captivity.

     Ball Pythons typically don't bite, instead choosing to coil tightly into the ball that gives them their common name. As they grow and are handled, they will become more tame and make wonderful pet reptiles.

     The Ball Python is the smallest of the African python species. They will grow to between three and five feet (.91 to 1.27 m) with females generally larger than males. Hatchlings usually emerge at 8 to 12" (20 - 51 cm). They have a robust body with a short tail. Their natural coloring is a dark brown background, broken with irregular cream colored or yellowish buff patches. There are many unusual color and pattern variations.      They are a constrictor and their diet consists of small rodents. They will eat mice and rats throughout their lives. They are nocturnal, so feed at night. Small Ball Pythons will feed on small "fuzzy" mice (once a week) and will begin to consume larger mice and even small rats as they grow. Adults will feed on adult mice or small rats (one or two every week to ten days).      A good size water dish will provide a place for soaking and drinking. A heavy limb with plant vining is good for climbing on. One cage accessory that is a must for a Ball Python is the hide box. These are secretive snakes that will spend a great deal of their time hiding. The snake should be allowed to wedge itself tightly into the shelter so it will feel secure. Commercial plastic shelters, clay flowerpots, and a variety of other shelters can be used.

     The Ball Python enclosure should always be large enough to provide the Ball Python with a warm side and a cool side. This can be accomplished best by placing a small heating pad under one corner of the enclosure. The ideal temperature range is 80 ° to 85  °F during the day and a warmer area that remains in the 88 ° to 90 ° F range. They can easily tolerate a drop at night to 75 ° to 78  °F.

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