Python - Ball

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Alternative Name

Royal Ball Python Scientific Name: Python regius

Basic Info

Royal Ball Pythons grow on average to a length of 4 feet. Appropriately sized habitats for captive Ball Pythons would be a 20-gallon-long or a 29-gallon high terrarium. Out of the genus Python, Python regius (Royal Ball Python) is a small member. Most Ball Pythons exhibit a bluish-black ground color with large blotches of golden brown. Like all snakes, the Royal Ball Python sheds its skin. For a captive snake a rough object should be included in its habitat to aid in the sloughing (shedding) process. Ideally the skin will come off in one piece. A Python owner should monitor his or her pets shedding process for any signs of problems. The most common problems are retention of the eye caps and the tail skin, which could indicate the humidity is too low.

Health

Ball Pythons are timid snakes and may not be a good choice for children, who may stress them with over-handling or improper handling. Most wild caught Ball Pythons or Ball Pythons that become too stressed or ill will starve themselves by refusing to eat. It is always recommended that you choose a captive bred Ball Python. Wild specimens also have a tendency to suffer from parasites and injuries from capture. Ball Pythons should never be kept on sand or sandlike substrates. Breeding The first step when breeding captive Ball Pythons is to identify which is the male and which is the female. visual distinction is tricky, but sometimes can be made by examining the following differences. Males will generally have more curved anal spurs and thicker tails than the females. The most reliable way of sexing snakes is to have them probed by an experienced herpetologist or veterinarian. It is recommended to house the snakes separately until breeding is ready to begin. Prior to breeding, in October or November, most hobbyists recommend stopping feeding for a few weeks and leaving them at normal temperatures. The males and females will then be moved together. Often it is recommended to breed them in groups with at least two males. The males will often combat for breeding rights. The breeding tank should contain three hide boxes. The third will act as a water bowl. Temperatures and light will need to be carefully regulated at this time. The research seems to differ a little on this area. Some breeders will give equal 12-hour shifts between light and dark, while others will give nine dark and fifteen day. In both cases during the day temperatures should be maintained in the high 80's Fahrenheit, and in the high 60's low 70's range at night. Some keepers will also raise humidity levels during breeding, this, however, does not always seem to be the preferred method. Females should be offered food every three to four weeks. If they refuse food this is normal and should not be a cause for concern. By March or April it is time to separate the snakes into their own containers. Females should be well fed. If they are pregnant (gravid), they will often refuse food. Provide a nesting box filled with moist peat moss,vermiculite, or perlite. Typically the gravid female will shed, then within a week or two she will lay six to seven eggs. Most females will lay their eggs at night. Many hobbyists recommend incubating the eggs, rather than leaving them with the female. The eggs have an incubation period of about 60 days at 88 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Habitat

They are particularly fond of dry brushlands, though they are also seen in open grasslands, cleared forests, and sometimes in urban areas.

Behavior

The Ekoi people of Nigeria tell a tale of Python, who took from his mouth a shining stone and sold it to Sheep for a farm. Through a series of events the stone ended up in God's hands who placed it in the night sky whereupon it became the moon. Indeed the royal denotation of the Ball Python's scientific name (Python regius) is no accident. The "Ball" aspect of this snake's name comes from its unique and peculiar aspect of wrapping itself into a ball when startled or confronted with a potential threat. The Royal Ball Python is nocturnal. These snakes are relatively docile and rarely bite. Owners report that they are generally easy to handle. Privacy is very important to Ball Pythons. When caring for a captive Royal Ball Python it is crucial to provide the snake with at least one "hide-box" where it may go for privacy. These snakes are sensitive to relative humidity. In a captive habitat the ambient humidity should be kept to at least 60%. It's also a good idea to provide a hide box with a higher relative humidity. Optimal temperatures for the habitats of Ball Pythons are between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, with a warmer area in the low 90s. At night the temperature should be about 75 degrees. Royal Ball Pythons are solitary creatures except when breeding. Most Ball Pythons eat rodents such as gerbils, mice, and rats, although some prefer birds (chicks). Royal Ball Pythons take four or five days to digest a meal and prefer to do this in a dark, warm place, i.e. "hide-box". If a snake refuses to eat after an extended period of time, it may indicate stress due to its environment, or possible disease. Water should be provided in a large heavy bowl, so that the Ball Python has plenty of room to soak and cannot tip the container over. The Royal Ball Python has an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years in captivity. The Python's lifespan is shorter in the wild.

Origin

Africa

History

The Royal Ball Python is native to the savannahs of West and Central Africa (the western-most range of all Python species).

Common Foods

Royal Ball Pythons are solitary creatures except when breeding. Most Ball Pythons eat rodents such as gerbils, mice, and rats, although some prefer birds (chicks).