Ball Pythons
Python Regius, Royal Python or better known as Ball Pythons. This species of pythons get the name Ball Python because they are known for curling into a tight ball with their head tucked in the middle for protection when they are stressed of frightened. Ball Pythons are very docile snakes, very rare if they bite. Ball Pythons make very good beginner snakes for people of all ages.
Ball Pythons can be found in Western to Central Africa, living in forests, savannahs, and grasslands. Ball Pythons can be found in burrows during the day sleeping to stay cool from the blazing Africa's sun. Out and about at night searching for food. Wild Ball Pythons diet consist of small mammals like Soft-Furred Rats and Stripe Mice and have been know to eat small birds. Captive breed Ball Pythons are fed domestic Rats and Mice, which can be offered live, frozen-thawed or even pre-killed.
Ball Pythons make very good pets for beginners because they don't get very big like most pythons. An adult Ball Python can grow up to 5-6ft in length, they are known for their small heads and stocky bodies. Ball Pythons lifespan are from 20-30 years in captivity and have been recorded to live up to 48 years of age. Another reason Ball Pythons are good pet is because they don't need much to maintain them. Ball Pythons need a good hide box for them to sleep in and to hide if they feel stressed or in danger. Just like all living things on this earth, clean cool water is need daily for Ball Pythons whether its for drinking or even to soak in when they are getting ready to shed their old scales. Ball Python's temperature has to be in the 77-85°F during the day and lower at night around 69-75°F. Heat can be maintained with a heat lamp or even with a under belly heating pad with a thermometer to help make the hot side doesn't exceed the needed temperate. Aspen bedding, cypress mulch, paper towels, and newspapers make very good substrate for Ball Pythons. "Do Not Use Shavings".
Hopefully, this general information on Ball Pythons has given a positive mind to these docile creatures. Or has given you an interest in learning more about them, maybe even get one. My favorite thing about Ball Pythons are the amazing patterns and endless morphs that are being created by beginner and professional breeders in this hobby.
