Scutes and Scales

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Scutes and Scales

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  • Home Page
  • Reptile Store
  • Outreach & Education
    • Learning Center
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  • Care Guides
    • Care Guides
    • Bearded Dragons
    • Ball Pythons
  • About
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    • Home Page
    • Reptile Store
    • Outreach & Education
      • Learning Center
      • Memberships
      • Events Calendar
      • Reptile Encounters
    • Care Guides
      • Care Guides
      • Bearded Dragons
      • Ball Pythons
    • About
  • Home Page
  • Reptile Store
  • Outreach & Education
    • Learning Center
    • Memberships
    • Events Calendar
    • Reptile Encounters
  • Care Guides
    • Care Guides
    • Bearded Dragons
    • Ball Pythons
  • About

Ball Pythons

Nature History

Ball pythons (Python regius) originate from central and western Africa, inhabiting grasslands, shrublands, and open forests. They are nocturnal, terrestrial snakes known for their calm demeanor. More information: https://reptifiles.com/ball-python-care-guide/

Housing

  •  Enclosure Size: Minimum enclosure size for an adult ball python is 36" x 18" x 12". https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ball-python-care
  • Substrate: Recommended substrates include cypress mulch, coconut husk, or bioactive. Never use strong selling wood shavings such as cedar, as they are toxic to reptiles. 

Temperature and Lighting

  • Warm Side Temperature: Maintain a warm side temperature between 88°F - 92°F.
  • Cool Side Temperature: Keep the cooler side around 78°F - 80°F.
  • Lighting: Providing a photoperiod with ambient light can support a natural circadian rhythm. More information: https://reptifiles.com/ball-python-care-guide/

Humidity

 Maintain humidity levels between 60%-70%. This can be increased during shedding periods to ensure proper sheds.

Diet

 Diet: Ball pythons are obligate carnivores primarily feeding on rodents.

  • Feeding Frequency: Juveniles should be fed every 5-7 days; adults every 10-14 days.
  • Prey: Offer appropriately-sized prey items, such as mice or rats, that match the python's body width at its largest point.

Hydration

Provide a water dish large enough for soaking. Change the water daily and disinfect weekly.

Handling

 Handle gently, supporting the snake's body fully to avoid stress and injury. 

Quick Reference Guide

  • Enclosure: Minimum 36" x 18" x 12".
  • Temperatures: Ambient 78°F-80°F; basking area around 88°F-92°F.
  • Humidity: 60%-70% regularly, increased during shedding.
  • Diet: Appropriately-sized rodents every 5-14 days, based on age and size.
  • Substrate: Cypress mulch, coconut husk, or bioactive.
  • Hydration: Fresh water daily in a large, shallow dish.
  • Handling: Gentle, supportive handling; minimal after meals.

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