Mary Allen
The ball python is often referred to as the “beginner’s snake” for beginners in the terrarium hobby. Because of its easy handling and care, it is one of the most popular types of snakes that are kept in terrariums.
The Ball Python is the Little Giant Snake
The ball python is one of the giant snakes, but with a total length of around 130 cm, it is one of the smaller representatives within the genus python and is therefore very popular in terraristics. The body of Python regius is strong. The broadhead is clearly separated from the neck, and the muzzle is broadly rounded. If you look at the ball python from above, you can clearly see the large nostrils on the head; The sensory pits can be seen on the side, which serves as a kind of thermal imaging camera.
The body is dark brown to black. This basic color is interrupted laterally by light brown to yellowish spots. In part, this drawing extends into the back area. The spots on the sides are interrupted by eyespots in the basic color at irregular intervals. The belly is whitish to ivory in color. Due to genetic predisposition, there are different variants, both in terms of color and pattern.
The Ball Python in the Terrarium
The ball python loves to hide. During the day, it mostly retreats to abandoned rodents or termite burrows in its natural habitat. At dusk, the Python regius is already active. Suitable hiding and retreat options are therefore very important for keeping in the terrarium. There are various alternatives for this. You can put pieces of bark, cork tubes, or flower pots in the terrarium. The animals also welcome plastic cans with an inlet opening.
Another important aspect is suitable climbing opportunities. The ball python loves to climb. Therefore, it needs enough branches with a corresponding diameter. The animal will be happy about it.
The ideal substrate is firm loam, but you can also use peat soil with a little bark mulch. Always make sure that the humidity is appropriate, which you can regulate very well with daily extensive spraying of the terrarium equipment and the floor. The terrarium for your ball python should not be smaller than 130cm x70cm x70cm. The urge to move about ball pythons is not as high as other species.
Diet of the Ball Python
In the wild, the ball python mainly feeds on small mammals. Never feed your Python regius in the terrarium, but in a small, dark feed box with mice or dead rats. Also, make sure that you always offer the animal fresh water in a small bowl.
Notice
Please note that these animals require a certificate of origin when purchasing and that there may be keeping requirements depending on the federal state.