Ball pythons are small and friendly snake found in Western and Central Africa, because of their popularity they are kept as pets all around the world. So in order to keep the ball pythons in captivity, you need an enclosure or a tank so that you can peacefully keep the ball python in captivity without any worry or hassle.
In this article, we will discuss the tank size that is best suitable for the ball python. The tank size should be large enough where your ball python can stay comfortably without any problem. Your ball python is happy and satisfied inside the tank. You should be aware of how big of a tank does a ball python requires.
Contents
What does the tank size depend upon?
The tank size basically depends upon the size of the ball python. As long the length of the ball python is larger will be the size of the tank for them. They can grow up to a length of around 6 feet and have an average length of 2 to 4 feet. As compared to male ball pythons female ball pythons grow larger and longer in size. So we larger tanks for the female ball pythons.
The average length of a male ball python is 2 to 3 feet and the average length of a male ball python is 3 to 5 feet respectively. So depending upon the size of your ball python you can choose the tank for them.
Also, the size of the tank depends upon their lifestyle and the natural habitat you have to take these parameters into consideration so that you can decide on an appropriate size of the tank for the ball python.
How big of a tank does a ball python need?
As we know what is important for the ball python and depending upon their natural habitat, their lifestyle and their size we can decide how big of a tank does a ball python need. The ball python’s tank size should increase with their age as it is not recommended to bring a large tank for the baby ball python. You should upgrade the tank with their increasing size.
As the reason behind this is that the ball python feels safe and comfortable in tanks that are according to their size. They do not like a too large or too small-sized tank as they can stress out in such places. Whenever you house a baby ball python, remember to regularly check up on their size and then according to their size increase you need to upgrade the tank.
When the ball python is a hatchling and it weighs around 300 grams the size of the tank or the enclosure should be 20” x 11” x 13” or you can say that the tank should have a capacity of 10 gallons. This is the minimum size of the tank that one should prefer for the ball python, do not go for a size below this.
When the ball python grows up into a juvenile ball python then the tank size should be upgraded to at least 36” x 18” x 18” size. The tank capacity should be around 40 gallons, the size of the snake should be less than 3 feet to fit in this size of the tank.
For the ball pythons when they reach the adult and sub-adult stage the tank size should be upgraded to 48” x 24” x 24” or even larger if possible the tank should not be less than this size for the adult and sub-adult ball pythons. The tank capacity should be around 120 gallons and the size of the snake is over 3 feet who come into this category.
If the adult python grows more and you notice than this tank size is not appropriate so you can upgrade to a new tank that is bigger in size which will be having at least 8 sq. ft. of floor area and should have a vertical space of minimum 2 feet so that they have enough space to move around and climb inside the tank. According to the life stage of the Ball python, they grow and the size is increased and accordingly, we should get the tank for them so that they feel comfortable and secure inside it and not stressed.
You can choose according to their age and also the size of the tank size as you should not go for a very large-sized tank, in the beginning, you should let them grow first and then upgrade the tank as they do not feel safe in the large tanks and this can also stress them.
Also do not choose a small-sized tank as they will not have lots of space to move around and they will start growing fat which will also increase the health problems in them. So be careful and also aware while choosing the appropriate size of the tank for the ball python.
Ideal tank for the ball python
The tank should be of appropriate size and also we should also keep other things in mind while getting a tank for the ball python. We should make sure that the tank is escape-proof and the ball python cannot escape from it as it can be dangerous for both the owner and the ball python. The ball python should have a tank that has a mesh that is escape-proof and also the tank should have proper locks so that there is no way they can escape from the tank.
Go for a glass tank as you can see easily what is going inside the tank and you will also know that your snake is fine inside the tank or not.
Even the glass tanks provide an aesthetic view of your room. They will enhance the look of the place and you can decorate the tank according to your will and the comfort of the ball python. The glass tank is also preferred because even the snake will be able to see what is going outside the tank and they will not feel suffocated inside the tank.
You should keep in mind everything that is best for the ball python so that you can provide them with the ideal tank and they can live a happy, healthy and comfortable life inside the tank without any problem.
Conclusion:
The ball python will be as healthy and happy as you will be able to keep them. You should provide them with the best tank that has an appropriate size for them so that they can grow nicely inside the tank without any problem. The environment inside the tank should also be favourable for the ball python so that they can survive easily inside it.
Try to understand them as this will help you to choose, how big a tank you need for your snake. You should even try to build a bond with them so that your ball python should enjoy your company and they love your presence around them and have no problem being with you. Enjoy your pet and do spend time with them as much as possible which be beneficial for both of you.
Learn More: