The ball python is amazing pets as they are having a highly adapting nature and are not much affected by the presence of humans. The ball pythons are generally found in central and western Africa, but due to their increasing popularity, they are kept as pets throughout the globe.
The ball pythons are crepuscular in nature which means they are active during the night time, especially around dusk and dawn. They do not like to be handled much as they love to be left alone. They need the care and love of their owner so that they can live a happy and satisfying life in captivity.
So we will discuss how we can care for the ball python and we will touch every aspect about how we can take care of our ball python.
Contents
How to care for the ball python?
In order to care for the ball python, you need to be aware of the fact that what is important for the ball python and how much you understand them and their needs. According to their needs and your observations, you will be aware of how to take care of a ball python.
You show know everything regarding their nature, habitat, food, etc. so they can live happily with you and do not have any problem while keeping them as a pet. Do not stress them or be insensitive towards them as this will upset them and also it can lead to many health issues in your ball python.
Housing
A very important aspect in the life of any pet is their housing. They need perfect housing so that they can live a comfortable life. For a baby ball python, you can use a 15 to 20-gallon tank and do not go for a larger one because they are not comfortable in you will keep the baby ball python in larger tanks. After that, you have to upgrade the tank for the adult ball python that should have a capacity of 35 to 40 gallons.
You can create a bioactive terrarium for the ball python that have all the things inside it natural like the liv plants, natural substrates etc. the natural habitat that will be created inside their terrarium will make them feel more comfortable and they will connect more to their natural environment. Be careful while choosing the size of the tank as the space matters for the ball python and also create a snake friendly environment inside the terrarium.
A perfect housing will lead to a happy ball python that will not stress and will be comfortable inside their terrarium. The ball python will also not create any sort of problem if they will be satisfied with their house and also they will be friendly to you and will not try to attack you.
Substrate
You substrate if possible that is natural if possible so that they are more connected to nature. If not then even an artificial one can also be preferred. Use a substrate for the flooring that is non-toxic, non-irritant, does not have any type of smell and is not creating any problem for the ball python. You can use newspaper, paper towel, repti prime, repti barks etc. that are safe for the ball python.
It is advised not to use sand and cedar for the ball python as they are not good for your ball python. So always be aware and careful while choosing the perfect substrate for your ball python. The substrate in the terrarium of the ball python is a very important factor for the ball python to live a healthy life.
Humidity
As we that humidity plays a major role in the life of a reptile, same is the case of the ball python. The humidity that is needed by the ball python is about 60% inside their enclosure. In case the ball python is shedding then you need to slightly increase the humidity and also in the case of the baby ball pythons the required humidity is higher than the ideal one. You can do misting, keep plants and even place a waterfall in order to increase the humidity inside the terrarium.
So you should be able to provide them with the humidity that is best for the ball python. As they can get quite uncomfortable if the humidity level is not appropriate for them you can install a hygrometer inside their terrarium so that you can measure the humidity easily. Try to keep humidity near 60% inside their terrarium so that the ball python is happy and also they will not fall ill. As the ball python start getting sick if the humidity is maintained inside the terrarium. So appropriate humidity is a must for the survival of the ball python.
Temperature
Another important factor for the ball python that you should take care of the ball python is the temperature. The perfect temperature for the survival of the ball python should be around 85 degrees Fahrenheit to 91 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature should never go below 80 degrees Fahrenheit and also should not go above 93 degrees Fahrenheit.
In between these ranges, only the ball python is comfortable and happy. If the temperature is not appropriate the ball python starts getting ill and also many diseases starts occurring in the body of your ball python. So be careful with them and also observe the changes in your ball python if the temperature range is not appropriate. In order to check the temperature of the ball python, you can also install the thermometer inside their terrarium so that as soon as there is a change in the temperature you can set the appropriate temperature inside their terrarium.
Feeding
Feeding your ball python is very important and do not ever leave your ball python hungry as this can be very dangerous for you. Feed them on regular basis. You can feed the baby ball python with mice once a week and also be aware of the fact that how to feed live mice or the frozen mice to the ball python. Then you can start feeding the ball pythons with rats so that they can get variety in the food. The ball pythons usually feed on rodents.
It is also recommended do not microwave the frozen rodent as this can be dangerous for them, disinfect the area where you prepare the food properly before preparing food for them. Also when you are feeding the live rodents to your ball python be with them and do not leave them alone at that time, as live rodents can sometimes even start injuring the ball python.
Do not ever feed your ball python with the rotten rodent as that could cause many diseases to your snake and in some cases, if the infection is too much it can be fatal to the life of your pet. So be careful when you are feeding your ball python. Be with them till the time they finish their food. Also do not try to feed them with your hands, use tongs in order to feed them for safety reasons.
You need to provide fresh and clean water and also bath your ball python so that they can stay healthy. Also, change their water daily and fill their water dish with fresh water as they need to stay hydrated and also do clean their water dish regularly so that no infection occurs to your ball python.
Hygiene and grooming
To maintain the hygiene of your pet is very important so that they can stay fit and no infection can occur in their body which can further lead to various diseases. So it is better to look after your ball python properly and maintain their hygiene so that they can live a healthy life.
When your pet snake is shedding their skin as this is a natural phenomenon so as a responsible owner you should make sure that the humidity level inside the enclosure of the ball python is appropriate and they are not having any sort of problem while shedding their skin. In order to remove the eye caps of the ball python, the best option is to contact the vet as they know what is best for the ball python. Also, the vet will also give you tips on how you can maintain hygiene and groom your ball python properly and also safely.
Handling
The handling of the ball python should be proper so that they are not frustrated with you and they can easily trust you. You should not over handle the ball python as this can make them fussy and also they will become aggressive which can also lead further to attacking you.
So be careful while handling a ball python. Handle them slowly, gently and with care so that they do not see any threat in you. Do not panic when you are holding them and they are moving here and there because they can sense your feelings and can attack you if you are not calm. You need to handle your ball python with calmness.
How do you know that your ball python is healthy?
When the ball python is healthy it shows the following signs and that you can observe in your pet whether they are healthy or not:-
- The eyes are clear except in the case of shedding
- They eat regularly
- They are active and alert
- There are no mites and ticks on their body
- The ball python has a healthy skin
- They are shedding properly and in one complete piece their skin is coming off
These signs are a clear indication of the fact that your ball python is completely healthy and you are properly taking care of them. You need to observe carefully the behaviour of your pet in order to understand them and make sure that they are not having any problem and they are living a healthy and happy life.
Signs when your ball python is not healthy
The signs which indicate that your ball python is not healthy and you need to take more care of your pet are as follows:
- Shedding is not so frequent and is having problems while shedding
- The ball python is vomiting
- They are lazy and are not moving here and there
- Ball pythons are reluctant to eat food
- Formation of white coloured substance in their mouth
- Not excreting normally
- Having problems while breathing
- There are spots and bumps on the skin of the ball python
These are various signs that you should be aware of and that tells you that your ball python is not well and you need to take care of them properly. They need lots of care and support from your side to get back to their healthy self. This can only be possible if you will be sensitive to their needs and observe them carefully.
Conclusion
The ball python is not too complicated for reptiles it just needs to understand them and try building a bond with them so that they do not have any problem. From understanding, we mean you need to take care and make sure they get whatever they need so that they are living a healthy and comfortable life. Also, they are not stressed in their captivity because if they are stressed they will be very sad and also quite aggressive and in some cases, they will also start attacking you and that can be very dangerous for both of you.
You need to calm down and go through the complete guide for the ball python so that it becomes easier for you to take care of your pet snake and also you will enjoy each other’s company.
Do not be scared of your pet and also do try to observe them as this will help you in understanding them even better and also you will enjoy the company of each other. Even you will be happier to see your ball python is happy and comfortable in their enclosure and they are not having any kind of issue in their captivity.
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