Common Name: Ball Python also known as Royal Python's abroad
Latin name: Python regius 

COLORATION / PATTERN / DESCRIPTION
Variable with patterns in tan, brown, red-brown, yellow, and yellow-orange. Robust.

SIZE HATCHLINGS: 10" to 17";

ADULTS: 3' to 6.5'

HOME: Western Africa

HABITAT: Savannah Grasslands, Open Forests

LIFE STYLE: Docile. Primarily Terrestrial. Often found in burrows. Mainly Nocturnal.

FOOD: Pinky Mice, fuzzy mice, Hoppers, Adult Mice, Small Rats

ENCLOSURE
It is highly suggested that one purchase or build an enclosure specifically designed to house snakes. Ball Pythons are very accomplished escape artists. A 30 Gallon long or preferably a 30 Gallon Breeder is the ideal size home for your Ball Python. Juvenile's can temporarily be housed in a 10 Gallon or 20 Gallon Long Aquarium.

Ball Python's love to climb and hide, so a Hiding area should be provided as well as branches for climbing on.

Substrate: Ball Python's like to burrow so Exo-Terra Forest Bark or aspen shavings make an ideal substrate for your Ball Python's home. Zilla's Terrarium Liner also provides a suitable bedding that makes cleaning easier as well.

Temperature:
Day- 80 degrees: 85 degrees F.
Basking area: 90 degrees F.
Night: 75 degrees - 80 degrees F.

IAn Exo-Terra Day Glo Heat Light is the ideal lamp for providing a basking area for your Ball Python. An Under the tank heater or a heat rock can provide added heat as well.

Lighting: No special lighting is required as Ball Pythons are nocturnal.

FEEDING
A healthy Ball Python should have the ability to and may choose to fast for several months.
If your Ball Python does not eat for more then 3 months it is advised that you check with your veterinarian for possible parasites.

Hatchlings: Should feed on fuzzy mice approx. 2 weeks after their first shed.

Ball Pythons can eat once or twice a week.

WATER
Water should be provided in a large shallow bowl. The bowl should be large enough to allow the snake to soak prior to shedding.

BREEDING:
It is important to note that there is conflicting information from different breeders.

Most snake breeders suggest housing the pair separately. They should only be "introduced" to each other during specific breeding time periods. There have been situations, however, when a pair that has been housed together for years, has"out of blue" mated and produced eggs.

It is advantageous to mimic the climatic pattern of the animal's home range as well. Starting on November 1st, shut off all cage heating at night (12 - 14 hours).

The night temperature should be 68 degrees - 74 degrees F. There should be no lighting during these 12 - 14 hour night periods. Heating and lighting should be normal during the day. No food should be offered during this time. Starting December 1, the female should be housed with the male once each week for a period of 2 days. February 15th will end the breeding period. Lighting, heating, feeding, and housing should be brought back to normal. Gravid (pregnant) females will often refuse food.

Egg Laying

Females will start to appear gravid in late December to February. Egg laying will usually take place in March or April. Occasionally, egg laying will occur as early as February. A clutch should consist of 4 - 10 eggs. By some accounts, females will brood their eggs. When brooding their eggs, females will not feed.

Most breeders use incubators.

Eggs are half buried in moistened vermiculite (equal parts by weight of vermiculite and water) in a covered container. The container is kept in an incubator at a temperature range of 88 degrees- 90 degrees F for about 90 days. A thermometer should be kept inside of the incubator so that temperature can be carefully monitored. 2 weeks before the expected hatching date, the temperature should be lowered by 1 - 2 degrees F.

Many breeders construct their own incubators.Aquarium with a shallow water level and a submersible heater. The container of eggs is kept above the water by placing it on bricks or something similar. A Styrofoam lid is used to keep the heat in the incubator.

Hatching

Hatchlings will many times break open part of the egg, poke their heads out, but remain in the egg for about 24 hours. During this time, hatchlings should not be handled. After this hatching period, the hatchlings should be placed into normal Ball Python enclosures.

Recommended Products:
Exo-Terra Forest Bark
Zilla Terrarium Liner
Exo-Terra Sun Glo Daylight Heat Bulbs
Exo-Terra Thermometer
Four Paws Nature's Vitamin Reptile Spray
Live rodents