Species Profiles -> Snakes -> Ball Python

Ball Python (Python regius)

Synonyms:	Royal Python
Stats:	Adult Size: 3-6 ft. , Females larger Temp: 75 F - 85 F Cage: 36" minimum
Requirements:	I view the smallest cage for this species as a 40 breeder, 36" by 18" floor area. Many are willing to keep adults in a 30" by 12" space though. They need plenty of hides and decor to keep the cage from feeling "open." Water bowl should be large enough for the entire snake to soak if necessary. If the humidity is too low these guys have lots of shedding problems.
Diet:	Frozen or live rodents, size depends on animal size. Hatchlings can start on hopper sized mice, and adults can take rats. Most are easily coaxed onto frozen thawed food, which in the long run is much safer for them. These guys have an irritating tendency to fast in the winter. Mine does it for a few months from October to January or so. I offer him food about once a month during that time otherwise every 7 - 10 days.
Breeding:	...
Sociability:	Runs the gamut. These guys can be really friendly, or biting terrors. They need to feel secure or they are more likely to bite. I find it's very important to feed them outside the cage and to make sure you don't smell like mice while doing so.
Special Info:	There are many available morphs of this species, and new ones every year. Expect to pay a premium for new morphs, which will then be much cheaper within 3 years. Avoid any wild caught / captive hatched babies. I'm not really sure why they are so often wild hatched, but they normally arrive in questionable condition. Captive bred (meaning the parents were captive) babies of the normal morphs can be had for as low as $25.