Dickson Royals

Family-Operated Captive Bred Ball Pythons

BALL PYTHON HABITAT/HUSBANDRY

Where Do Ball Pythons Normally Live?

Ball pythons originate from central and west Africa and inhabit a variety of ecosystems within those areas. While these snakes may be semi-arboreal, spending time hunting and exploring in trees, they are primarily terrestrial. In fact, they are known to seek out the burrows of other animals for shelter.

Substrate

When trying to set up a ball python habitat, you are going to have to decide on a material to keep on the bottom to provide insulation and collect waste. Some examples of high-quality, non-toxic bedding include aspen bedding and coconut fiber substrate. Be sure to avoid substrates that may be toxic or that your snake can accidentally ingest. This can include sand and gravel. NEVER use pine or cedar bedding, the sap in these products can injure your snake. A high-quality paper towel works good for bedding material too.

Heating Element

Being ectothermic, snakes cannot regulate their body heat in the way that mammals can. This causes them to rely on external sources for warmth. Dickson Royals recommends an under-tank heater. Make sure to use a reptile-specific heating pad that is meant for reptile use. Normal human use heating pads will get too hot and can injure your pet or even kill it. the temperature directly above the heating pad should be kept at around 95 degrees. This will also aid in the digestion of food for your ball python. Be sure to place your heating pad so that it takes up around a quarter of the tank. This is because snakes need a “cool spot” that remains at around 70 degrees. After installing your heating pad, be sure to use a thermometer to monitor your tank’s temperature. An electrical malfunction that causes your pad to overheat can be dangerous and deadly to your pet.

Humidity

Add a hygrometer to your enclosure so that you can monitor humidity. The humidity in your ball python’s enclosure so be kept at 50%-60%. This will ensure that your ball python can shed consistently, and also help to prevent your ball python from getting a respiratory infection. During shed it is alright if you bump the humidity up in the enclosure to 70%-80%. You can increase the humidity in your ball python’s enclosure by misting with a water bottle or dampening the substrate. Remember it is easier to add humidity than to take it away. Do not get the substrate too damp because this could cause your ball python to get scale rot, which will cause a lot of discomfort and possibly a vet visit.

Additional Accessories

Here are some of the basics: A water bowl to provide hydration and a spot to soak. A couple of reptile hides. While you may want optimal viewing of your pet, forcing your snake to be constantly out in the open will cause your ball python to become stressed. Branches and plants (fake or real). This will allow for additional coverage for your snake and a place for it to perch on. Basking lamps are not recommended due to taking out the humidity in the enclosure. Ball pythons are not basking reptiles. The sunlight they get during the day through their enclosure is enough for them.

Final Thoughts

Getting a new pet can be intimidating for anyone. If you’re not familiar with the habitat of a ball python, setting one up can seem especially difficult. Thankfully, you are not alone. If you have any questions concerning husbandry, please reach out to us. We would be happy to provide advice!

DICKSON ROYALS

Family-Operated Captive Bred Ball Pythons

@ 2022