Ball pythons are one of the most common snakes that reptile owners are attracted to. This is for good reason: ball pythons are one of the easiest snakes to own in terms of handling, care, diet, and purchase. Their easygoing demeanor and resiliency make these snakes beloved by both new and seasoned snake owners alike. These are just a few of the reasons that ball pythons are consistently ranked as one of the greatest choices for a pet snake.
Ball Pythons Are Friendly and Easy to Handle
Ball pythons have a gentle and calm temperament, if somewhat shy. They tolerate handling well and some even seem to enjoy it as long as you move slowly and confidently. They may wrap themselves around your arm but will not clench or coil too tightly. Ball pythons are also fine with extended handling sessions.
Ball pythons are also safe for owners to handle alone due to their comparatively smaller size. Male ball pythons will grow between 2-3.5 feet and female ball pythons will be slightly larger between 3.85-5 feet. While ball pythons are not the smallest snakes in the world, their size makes them safe and manageable for owners to handle individually.
Ball pythons are easily socialized and will quickly become attuned to your presence. At least one week of rest is recommended after buying a ball python or transferring them to a new enclosure. However, after that rest period, you can handle your ball python regularly. Well-socialized ball pythons can even be handled daily.
Ball Pythons Are Easy to Care For
Ball pythons have straightforward care requirements in terms of diet, lighting and temperature, and enclosure setup and size. While these care requirements can be daunting for new reptile owners, they are simple compared to other snake breeds. While preparing for a new reptile isn’t cheap, the enclosure and care requirements for ball pythons are also more affordable than other snake breeds. There are low-cost alternatives to many of the required pet products, noted below.
A glass or acrylic aquarium or terrarium is the best enclosure for a ball python. Both are easy to find at a range of prices, although acrylic is typically more affordable for first-time owners. Adult ball pythons will need larger enclosures than juveniles in order to reach their full size and thrive. To avoid buying multiple enclosures, owners can buy an adult-sized enclosure and section it off into an age-appropriate area.
Ball pythons need specific temperature and humidity ranges in their enclosure to thrive but can handle some fluctuations. This is ideal for new owners as they adjust to the care needs of reptiles, which are much more numerous than your average cat or dog.
Ball pythons will also need a soft substrate, hiding places (“hides”), and a drinking bowl. All of these items are available at pet stores, or you can source them from your own home. For example, you can use dish towels for substrate, a clay pot for a hide, and a flat dish for a drinking bowl. Such creativity can result in decent cost savings.
Enrichment within the enclosure varies widely. Plants, smooth branches, and logs are some of the most common types of décors to include. You can also keep the enclosure simple and let them regularly explore the rooms in your home for enrichment and exercise.
Ball Pythons Are Easy to Feed
Snakes can be notoriously picky eaters, but ball pythons generally have a reliable appetite. They also will accept thawed and warmed mice or rats, unlike some other snake breeds who prefer live specimens. This means that you don’t have to worry about live rats or mice hurting your python during feeding time. While diet is both a pro and a con for snakes, ball pythons are less likely to resist feeding and are therefore also less likely to develop nutrition-related issues.
Additionally, ball pythons are regular eaters that keep to a steady schedule. Juveniles typically need to eat at least once per week while adults can be fed every other week. Ball pythons may eat less during the winter months but will still usually accept food every two to three weeks.
Feeding can be a stressful experience for new or inexperienced reptile owners. The ball python once again excels in this area as they can be easily trained on when and where to expect food. Using a specific feeding tool, moving the python to a separate enclosure, or even playing a certain sound all signal to the python that it’s time to eat.
Ball Pythons Are Easy to Find and Reasonably Priced
A benefit of the ball python is that it is one of the most common snakes available in the domestic reptile trade. Unlike some other reptiles, ball pythons can be easily and safely bred in captivity. The ball python’s availability means that interested owners can find this snake in almost all reptile stores and many general pet stores. Another upside to buying ball pythons is that the purchase is a one-time cost since these snakes live such a long time.
The ball python varies in cost from $70 to more than $1,500. The primary factor that affects price is the specific ball python morph (e.g., the colors, patterns, and variations). No matter what type of morph you’re interested in, most owners can easily find a ball python in their desired price range. The ball python’s age, gender, and source will also increase or decrease the price tag.
Ball pythons are also available through rescue groups and even shelters if you want to adopt instead of shop. Many rescues have a booth at reptile shows to try and adopt the pythons ready for a forever home. You can also look on social media, such as Facebook and TikTok, to view adoptable ball pythons and read up on their history.
