Q: What is the ideal temperature for keeping my Ball Python?
A: The ideal temperature for a Ball Python is having the hot side around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, this will allow a thermal gradient. This allows the snake to regulate it’s own temperature. Be sure to have a hide box at each end.
Q: What level of humidity should my python’s cage be kept at?
A: The area around the hide box should remain around 70-80 humidity not allowing it to get below 60%.
Q: What should I feed my python?
A: The size of the rodent should be about the girth of the snake. Mice for hatchlings and rats for sub-adults to adults.
Q: Why is my snakes belly getting pink?
A: This is a sign that the snake is beginning their shed cycle and will be completed within 7-10 days.
Q: How often should my snake defecate?
A: This solely depends on how much you are feeding the snake and the snake’s metabolism. At least every 4-6 weeks, if concerned allow the snake to soak in warm water.
Q: How often will my snake shed?
A: Younger snakes shed once about every 4 weeks or so, while adults shed much less some only a few times a year.
Q: How often should my snake be fed?
A: For the first two years we suggest feeding at least once every week. After the two year mark feed every two weeks with appropriate sized meal.
Q: What is the best kind of substrate for my snake?
A: Here at the Boa Barn we use newspaper for the hatchlings and yearlings, and cypress mulch for the adults. Never cedar or pine.
Q: How do I get rid of mites?
A: The best solution to mites is to never get mites; buying from a reputable breeder and buying captive born pythons can achieve this. If you do encounter this problem see your locale vet immediately.
Q: What is the best way to heat my cage?
A: At the Boa Barn we use under tank heaters, never use heat rocks.
Q: Is a hide box necessary?
A: Hide boxes are absolutely necessary when owning a ball python this simulates the natural hiding places that they use in the wild.
Q: How long will my Ball Python live?
A: The answer is not always as straight forward as would be expected, however if you provide the optimum environment and follow the guidelines provided you could expect that your snake will live to be between 20-40 years of age.
Q: What does 1.3 or 1.1.2 mean?
A: This is a way for breeders to write the amount of animals they have in possession in a shorthand version. It means one male and three females and one male, one female, and three animals where the gender is unknown.
Q: My snake will not eat what am I doing wrong?
A: There are a lot of reasons why your snake may not be eating; one main reason may be stress. This can be caused by having an enclosure that is to large for the snake, no hide box, too much handling, or the temperature in the cage may not be where it should be. This is not something to worry about. Many snakes go on fasting periods from several weeks to often several months. If you suspect that one of the previous situations may be the cause of the problem, then adjust it and move on.
Q: How big will my Ball Python get?
A: Ball Pythons will usually get to be around 3-4 feet
Q: Should a Ball Python be my first snake?
A: This is a common question and the answer is really up to you. Do you have the basic knowledge to keep a Ball Python, such as what its environment requires, what kind of heating is needed, what size food, and can you detect when something is wrong and take the steps to fix the problem. If you feel you can then yes you can and should own a Ball Python, if not then try a different snake that may be a little easier such as a corn snake or a king snake.
Q: How big of a cage does my Ball Python require?
A: A hatchling Ball can do very well in a 10-gallon tank, and a sub-adult to an adult do well in at least a 20-gallon long tank. However we suggest purchasing specially designed cages just for reptiles, these can be found at www.boaphileplastics.com
Q: Would it be ok to keep more than one snake in a cage?
A: Here at the Boa Barn we do not feel that this is a suitable environment of a snake. This can pose a lot of problems with health feeding and stress levels. The only time that there is more than one snake in a cage here is when we are breeding.
Q: Why are one or both of my snake’s eyes silver?
A: This is what is called a retained eye cap from a previous shed; this can usually be taken off with a damp cloth, but will usually come off with the next shed.
Q: Can I refreeze my rodents?
A: This can be done if the rodent has not been sitting in the hot cage for too long, otherwise you will risk a lot of germs being kept in your freezer then introduced to your snake.
Q: What is the difference between CH and CB?
A: CH means captive hatched which means that a wild caught female laid eggs and the eggs were incubated and hatched. CB means captive bred which means that a male and a female were put together to breed all in captivity. All of our animals are CB.
Q: My snake will not shed in one piece what can I do to help?
A: There are a couple things that you can do to help your snake shed cleanly, first is try to increase the humidity. This can be done by a bigger water bowl, or if you have a type of mulch for substrate misting the snake and cage.
Q: What size meal should my Ball Python eat?
A: The general rule of thumb is that the size of the rodent should be about the girth of the snake, just big enough to make a slight bulge in the snake’s belly.
Q: My snake escaped what do I do now?
A: First off don’t let it happen again, this will not happen if you purchase the right cage. However take it as a lesson learned and go buy the right kind of cage. To find the snake look at night since Ball Pythons are nocturnal, look in and under sofas, closets, and around anything that will give off heat. You may want to keep any small pets out of rooms you think the snake may be in.
Q: Should I feed my Ball Python live or dead rodents?
A: We suggest dead because it is the safest thing for the snake. If you buy a frozen rodent let it thaw for a couple of hours to retain some heat, if you buy a live rodent and want to kill it grab it by the base of the tail and hit it up against a hard surface hard enough to break the spine. Unfortunate here at the Boa Barn due to are large number of animals we are unable to use frozen or freshly killed, however we do take every precaution to keep our animals safe and in prime condition.
Q: I forgot I put a live rodent in my snake's cage overnight and now my snake has been chewed on what do I do?
A: NEVER LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN. The owner of any animal has the responsibility to keep the animal safe and healthy. Apply an antiseptic like Neosporin to help decrease the chance of infection, and take it to a vet.
Q: My snake sounds like it is sneezing, wheezing, moving around with an open mouth, or there is clear fluid coming out of its nose or mouth what is going on?
A: These are signs of a respiratory infection, same as a cold. The best way to solve this problem is to take your snake to a vet.
Q: Will my Ball Python bite me?
A: Ball Pythons are typically very docile, however when they feel threatened they will take defensive measures; these include hissing, curling up in a ball, and striking. The best way to avoid a bite is to move slowly and with confidence. If you are sure of what you are doing and are not hesitant, meaning reaching in and pulling back then reaching in again, then you will be fine. If you are hesitant the snake is unsure of what you are trying to do and will become frightened. You will want to get used to handling a hatchling first because if they do bite it is not very painful, however an adult will be a rather painful experience.
Q: My snake looks like it is yawning is this a bad sign?
A: Snakes yawn usually to readjust their jaw after feeding, however Ball Pythons are known to do it for no reason. There is nothing to worry about if this occurs.
Q: Someone told me it was ok to force feed my Ball Python if it doesn’t eat is this right?
A: Absolutely not, force-feeding is not a good idea for Ball Pythons; you can cause injury to the snake very easily. This is very stressful for the snake and the owner.
Q: I know reptiles can carry Salmonella, is this true for Ball Pythons?
A: This is true however there are simple ways to stay healthy when owning a snake. First do not put the snake’s cage in the kitchen or around any food items, and most importantly always wash your hands after handling the snake.
Q: Does my snake need vitamin supplements?
A: Snakes do not require vitamins because they eat their prey whole, absorbing all the nutrients within the body of their prey.
Q: My snake is just sitting in its water bowl and has not gotten out for several days, is this normal?
A: This is typical pre-shed behavior; it helps loosen their skin so it is easier to shed. This could also be a sign of mites, look for little specks moving across your snake’s body especially near its eyes. If you do suspect mites take the snake to a vet.
Q: My Ball is hissing what is going on?
A: This is a defensive maneuver, the snake is feeling threatened. Most people will leave the snake alone for several days after a hissing episode however this teaches the snake that if they hiss you will leave it alone. If you want to teach the snake that it is ok to be handled then follow these steps. If it is hissing then and you feel that it may bite you simply take a pair of dishwashing gloves, and slowly reach in and pick the snake up, they will usually calm down. Handle the snake calmly and slowly for a while so it learns that you are not a threat. If the snake does strike and bites you try to act calm and continue to attempt to handle the snake this will show that biting is not a way to get you to leave it alone.
Q: Will my snake drink its water?
A: Snakes do drink form the water bowl; however sometimes it is not easily observed.
Q: What is the white chalky looking material in the cage?
A: Snakes do not urinate like mammals; the white chalky material are solid urates that are passed from the snake’s kidneys.
Q: When is the best time to handle my new Ball Python?
A: After your snake is used to you handling it there will not be a “best time”. They will become used to being handled and act normally at all times.
Q: My Ball Python’s eye appears to be dented what do I do?
A: This is usually a sign of dehydration, this can be cured by making sure they have fresh water, and that the bowl is big enough for them to fit in. The dent will usually come out within the next shed cycle.
Q: How often should I change the water?
A: Ball Pythons need fresh water about every 1-2 days. This is extremely important.
