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Caring for Ball Pythons

July 2nd 2008 15:30
Ball pythons are one of the best beginner snakes that you can bring home, but even still you want to make sure that you know and understand how to properly care for them. These guys can live 20 to 30 years, which is a pretty good bit of time when compared to the average dog.

So before you get your ball python, you want to make sure that you know how to properly care for it. You want to make sure that you're ready for an aquarium that's at least 3 feet long, and for feeding medium to large sized rats.

Depending on the sex of the snake, your enclosure and feeder size will vary. IE because female ball pythons reach about 6 feet long, you'll need a larger enclosure, and will eventually need to feed larger prety. Males, on the other hand tend to top out around 3 to 4 feet and can live fine in 29 gallon tank, but of course a 40 gallon breeder is always better.


The one thing that you want to be aware of with ball pythons, besides their medium size and very docile personality, is that they are the worse feeders. Ball pythons are the picky eaters of the bunch. They get stressed out easy and tend to stop eating if you move their tank or upgrade to a larger tank, amongst other factors.

It's not uncommon for a ball python to stop eating for an entire year before feeding again. Although, this is not recommended and if your ball python stops eating fro an extended period, you'll want to consult a vet in case there's something else wrong.



Ball pythons, like other pets are a committment, and if you're looking at getting one, you need to do all the research first.

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5 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by ravencassidy

July 10th 2009 00:29
My ball python is an amazing eater ... he will eat live or frozen and has never skipped a meal. I have been told this is very rare, and after reading this post I guess it is. Could My snake just be a really hungry snake or could it be something else ?

Comment by Whitney

August 10th 2009 21:32
Not all are picky eaters, but most. You must have just gotten one that doesn't have a problem eating.

Comment by Anonymous

February 25th 2010 17:35
i have 2 6 foot long ball pythons and 3 cobras and tina my first ball python bit my hand of it HURT!! so i would say that pythons can be piky eaters but mine is not.

Comment by Anonymous

June 23rd 2010 00:12
My ball won't eat!! I have tried frozen and live. I have had him for 6 weeks now and he is acting scared of any mouse, dead or alive. Any suggestions?

Comment by Whitney

June 24th 2010 13:43
It's not uncommon for ball python not to eat. They're prone to be picky feeders. Give the snake some time, leave it alone for a week and try again. When it comes to this species you just have to be patient. If you notice any weight loss, you should see a vet.

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