Ball Python

Breed: Ball Python
Scientific name: Python regius
Place of Origin: West and Central Africa
Classification: Python
Average Price: R800 - R2,500+

Size Category: medium
Avg. Height: 150 cm.
Avg. Weight: 1 to 2 Kg.
Avg. Lifespan: 20 to 30 years.

Colours:
Brown and black (wild type), with hundreds of designer colour and pattern morphs available.

Covering:
scales

Vocalisation level:
quiet

Temprament:
Shy and docile. They are nocturnal and spend much of their time in hides.

Trainability:
difficult

Diet type: carnivore
Feeding frequency: Every 1-2 weeks for adults, fed appropriately sized rodents.

Foods to avoid:
N/A

Health Concerns:
Prone to respiratory infections if humidity is incorrect or temperatures are too low. Can be picky eaters.

Recommended Supplements:
Generally not required.

Grooming:
Requires proper humidity to shed correctly.

Exercise:
Needs an appropriately sized enclosure with multiple hides (one warm, one cool) and climbing opportunities.

Handling:
Extremely unlikely to bite; very safe to handle. An excellent beginner snake.
Ideal Location:
Nationwide, requires a controlled indoor terrarium with a precise heat gradient and humidity.

Space Requirements:
Minimum 1.2m long terrarium for an adult.

Climate Suitability: tropical

Temperature Range: Hot spot 31-33°C, cool side 24-26°C

Humidity Range: High (50-60%)