Ball Python (Python regius)

Ball pythons are one of the most popular pet snakes in the world, and for good reason — they're docile, relatively small, and come in a stunning variety of morphs (colour mutations).

Care Overview

Ball pythons are native to sub-Saharan Africa where they live in grasslands, shrublands, and open forests. In the wild they are primarily nocturnal and spend much of the day hiding in burrows or under debris.

Housing

A 40-gallon (150L) enclosure is the minimum for an adult. Hatchlings can start in a 10-gallon setup. Provide multiple hides (one on the warm side, one on the cool side) and a humid hide filled with damp sphagnum moss to support shedding.

Temperature & Humidity

• Warm side: 88–92°F (31–33°C)
• Cool side: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
• Ambient humidity: 60–70% — increase to 80% during a shed

Feeding

Prey should be no wider than the widest part of the snake's body. Feed pre-killed or frozen/thawed rodents. Hatchlings eat pinky mice weekly; adults eat appropriately-sized rats every 10–14 days.

Handling

Ball pythons get their name from their defensive behaviour of curling into a ball. They are generally calm and tolerate handling well once acclimated — start with short sessions and build up gradually.