People looking for a pet snake prefer ball pythons.Ball pythons require you to be committed to their care.You must keep a specific environment in order to keep these snakes healthy.It is very rewarding to properly care for your ball python.
Step 1: They are aware of their size.
Ball pythons will grow a bit over the course of their lives.Ball pythons will need a proper living environment if they want to grow large.You should know how to care for a ball python.Female and male ball pythons will grow to around 3' to 5' in length.Enough space is needed for a fully grown ball python.You will need to feed the large rodents.
Step 2: Understand the commitment.
It is a serious commitment to care for an animal.Feed, clean and maintain the health of your ball python is something you will need to do.Before you decide to care for a ball python, make sure you have a long-term commitment.Ball pythons can live up to 40 years.Ball pythons will live between 20 and 30 years.
Step 3: Look to buy a ball python.
It's time to find your new friend once you've decided that you can provide proper care for a ball python.It is easy to find ball pythons in most pet stores.Once you feel prepared to care for it, start looking for a ball python.There are likely to be ball pythons available.You can find your new ball python at a reptile expo.Ball pythons should be well fed before you buy them.
Step 4: Understand how to handle a ball python.
Snakes are not used to being held in the wild.When it's acceptable to hold your snake and when it will only cause stress are two things you'll need to know.If you want to know if it's the right time to interact with your snake, take a look at some of the key ideas.Wait at least a week before handling snakes.Don't be afraid to hold the snake.Young snakes should not be held more than once a week.Adult snakes can be held once a week.Don't talk with your ball python after it's eaten.Make sure your snake is comfortable after it eats.
Step 5: Be attentive.
You will need to be dedicated to maintaining and protecting the health of the ball python if you plan on caring for it.Keeping your snake healthy will require you to keep an eye on it for signs of illness.A ball python sitting in a coil is one of the most common signs of illness.Ball pythons that spend a lot of time soaking may be ill.mucus may come out of your snake's nose in the case of respiratory issues.A bloody stool can be a sign of a problem in the bicyle.Snakes that don't void after ten days may be constipated.A refusal of food may indicate an illness.
Step 6: The python should be able to stretch out in the cage.
The right amount of room is needed for ball pythons.The snake's life will be uncomfortable if the enclosure is too large or small.When looking for a new home for your ball python, keep these tips in mind: The container needs to be long enough that an snake can completely stretch out in it.The mesh cage lid can work.It can be difficult to maintain humidity in the cage.You will need a smaller enclosure for younger snakes.
Step 7: It's a good idea to spot clean often.
It's important to keep your snakes enclosure clean.Keeping the cage clean will help keep your ball python happy.Spot cleaning should be part of your regular cleaning routine.You need to fully clean the cage less often if you want to keep up with any messes.Every day, remove any waste from your snake.There are obvious messes left in the cage.
Step 8: The cage needs to be cleaned thoroughly.
Cleaning your ball python's enclosure is a big part of its care.You should clean the cage and everything in it once a month.Cleaning the cage will help keep your snake healthy and prevent health issues over time.During the time you are cleaning, take your snake out of the enclosure.Take everything out of the cage for cleaning.The decorations will need to be cleaned.Water and bleach can be used to clean the cage.Make sure the bleach is not more than 5%.Wait for the cage to fully dry before putting it back together.
Step 9: Make sure the snake can't escape.
Snakes are escape artists.Ensuring that your ball python's cage is secure is a must.When securing your snake's cage, keep in mind that any doors or openings need to be closed and locked.There needs to be a secure lid.The lid should not be pushed away from the cage.There should be no gaps or openings for your snake to escape from.
Step 10: Keep the temperature steady.
In a natural environment, your snake will move between different areas.The temperature changes the level of activity of snakes.Maintaining your ball python's enclosure will be necessary to replicate this.The basking area should be between 88 and 96 degrees.The temperature of the cage should be between 78 and 80 degrees.The cool and warm areas of the cage need to be monitored.Warming pads or heating lights can be used to heat the cage.
Step 11: Consider additional lighting.
Supplemental lighting can be used in the enclosure.It is not required.Use a full-spectrum UV light if you want to use additional lighting.Adding supplemental lighting will help make your enclosure more comfortable.12 hour cycles of lighting are used.Keep the light on for 12 hours during the day and off at night.Don't leave the light on at night.If you leave the light on too long, your snake will get stressed out.
Step 12: The humidity needs to be maintained.
Maintaining the right level of humidity is important for snakes health.Humidity will allow your snake to shed their skin.To best care for your ball python, keep an eye on the humidity levels in the cage.The Humidity needs to be between 50% and 60%.
Step 13: Provide a high quality material.
In order to be comfortable and safe in its home, your ball python will need the right substrate.Keeping your ball python happy and making the enclosure easier to clean are two things that certain substrates will do better than others.If you want to learn what's okay to use, take a look at some examples.It's okay to use Cypress mulch.mulch can be a good choice.cedar or pine shouldn't be used in substrates.
Step 14: Hide boxes can be provided.
A place to hide and be alone is what your ball python will want.If your snake is left out in the open, it will become stressed out and nervous.Provide a hide box for your ball python to make them feel at home.Clean the hide box when you clean the cage.You can purchase premade boxes from pet stores.Cut a small door out of a plastic container or bowl to make your own hides.
Step 15: Find the correct prey.
It's important to give the right size prey to your ball python.Prey that is too large will cause problems for your snake.When introducing prey into the cage, make sure it's the correct size.Prey should be limited to the widest part of the snake.Prey that is large can hurt your snake.Prey that is too small may not provide enough nutrition.
Step 16: After feeding, do not touch the snake.
After eating, snakes need time to digest their meal.If you disturb or handle your snake after a meal it can cause them to eat it.Wait at least one day before handling your ball python.
Step 17: After every feeding, remove food that is not eaten.
You will need to remove a prey item if your snake doesn't eat it.If you leave dead or living prey in the cage, it can pose a health hazard to your snake.To best care for your ball python, remove old prey items from the cage.Feeding pre-killed items to your snake is a good idea.These items need to be removed if they are not eaten.Live prey animals can cause harm to your snake.Ball pythons are known to be attacked and killed by mice or rodents.
Step 18: Feed on the schedule.
Feed your ball python on a schedule.The regularity will benefit your snake and allow you to notice any changes in it's appetite.For adult ball pythons, offer food once every two weeks.Food can be offered once or twice a week for young ball pythons.Over the course of the year, appetites may change.Lower appetites are usually caused by cold months.
Step 19: Provide water.
There is a place for your ball python to find water.A place for your snake to relax and enjoy a good soak is provided by providing water.Young snakes should only have about 1” of water, so keep some of these tips in mind.Make sure the container is not tipped over.The water temperature should be between 72 and 79 degrees.The snake will often defecate in the water.The water needs to be changed at least once a week.