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Description
The ball python is commonly found in western and central Africa. There pattern and color consists of a goldish brown back round with black splotches and white outlines. The name ball python comes from the snake curling up its body into a ball when it feel threatened. They are a smaller thick body snake with a slender neck. A combination of there good temperament and morph possibilities make them a highly desirable snake.
Enclosure
Most prefer to keep there ball python in either a plastic tub, an aquarium style tank, or a professionally built enclosure. No matter which one you choose, they will all work as long as you set up a proper habitat. To have a proper enclosure you should follow a few of these simple steps:
The cage must be 100% escape proof
They will need to thermo regulate
Provide enough ventilation
Maintain proper temperature and humidity
That they have enough space but too much
You will also have to provide the ball python with two identical hides, one on the warm side and one on the cool. Your snake should not have too choose between being warm or being stressed. Make sure to provide your snake with fresh water when ever it is needed.
Humidity
You will have to provide you ball python with a constant humidity. It should be kept around 50%-60% and around 60%-70% while they are shedding. Proper humidity is also important for maintaining a healthy ball python as well as having the perfect shed. A hydrometer is vital in maintaining proper humidity levels. Just because it feels humid doesn't mean you levels are spot on.
Substrate
Substrate is more of a preference that varies from person to person.
NEVER use cedar, pine or any other wood that contains phenol. It is very harmful to your snake.
Here are a few widely used substrates:
Aspen
Coconut husks
Paper towels
Newspaper
Repti bark
Some other inadequate choices would consist of reptile carpet, sand, stones, and gravel. These choices are a bad decision because they can cause impaction.
Temperature
To keep a healthy ball python, proper temperatures are a must. The ambient temperature should be around 80F and the basking spot should be around 90F. You will need to have a probe style thermometer at either end of the cage. Make sure not to buy a stick on aquarium style thermometer, they are very inaccurate.
Lighting
UV or supplemental lighting is not necessary. Excessive lighting can result in a stressed out snake. You will need to provide an on off lighting schedule for your snake.
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