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Captive Care for Ball Pythons

Captive Care for Ball Pythons (Royal Python) The Royal Python, whose name is more closely linked to the scientific Latin name for this species (Python r. regius) is the name most commonly used in Europe to describe the snake that we here in the United States commonly refer to as the Ball Python. This snake derives its common name from the fact that it is a fairly docile snake that will curl itself in a ball with its head underneath its body when it feels threatened. This snake is one of the most popular species of large constrictor currently sold as pets. It is the smallest of the large constrictors with an adult length averaging between three to five feet. Aside from being the smallest of the large constrictors with an average CAPTIVE lifespan of 5-8 years, it is also the least expensive which makes this snake very attractive to the first time buyer. They require less room to house than most constrictors and tend to tolerate human handling very well. As a rule these snakes would rather curl up in a ball than bite. Because of their relatively small size, low cost and calm nature these snakes have been exploited by the pet industry for many years. These snakes are also very likely to cause their owners a lot of trouble regarding their care, which is one of the main reasons for such a short CAPTIVE lifespan. Most first time owners often find themselves asking the same question, " What can I do to get my ball python to eat". Aside from other problems such as internal and external parasites and failure to eat is the number one complaint involving this species. The key to keeping a healthy ball python is to begin with the proper selection from the start. This species is native to the grasslands of the Sudan, West Africa and parts of Central Africa with the majority of imported specimens coming in from Togo and Ghana. It lives in grasslands and open forests and there are many patterns variations currently available as a result of captive breeding efforts.

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