Ball Python (Python regius)

Ball Python Python regius
Name	Ball Python
Name Lat.	Python regius
Family	Pythons
Family lat.	Pythonidae
Order	Scaled Reptiles
Order lat.	Squamata
Origin	Africa
Habitat	Savanna
Diet	Rodents
Humidity	60-80 %
Behavior	Nocturnal, peaceful
Keeping	Individual, pair, group
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Oviparous
Housing	Semi-humid terrarium
Life Span	15-20 years
Protection	CITES Appendix II; EU Annex B
Metric Units
Size	130 cm
Temperature	28-30 °C
Temperature Local	35 °C
Housing Size	150 x 80 x 100 cm
US Units
Size	51"
Temperature	82-86 °F
Temperature Local	95 °F
Housing Size	60" x 30" x 40"

Distribution and habitat

The crepuscular and nocturnal, predominantly ground-dwelling king pythons are widespread in Central and West Africa. They live in wet and dry savannas as well as in bush and cultivated land. Only farm and terrarium captive bred specimens enter the trade.

Maintenance

Minimum dimensions for the terrarium, according to the size and number of animals:

1-2 animals

1KL x 0,5KL x 0,75KL (L x W x H)

Body length (KL) is measured on the largest animal. For each additional animal the floor space should be increased by 20%. A terrarium of e.g. L 150 x W 80 x H 100 cm is recommended, which should be placed in a quiet and vibration-free place.

They need a terrarium structured with large roots, stable climbing branches, plants and stones (hiding places and visual protection) with a moisture-retaining substrate, e.g. of peat-earth mixture with foliage, a moist shelter (Sphagnum moss) as well as a large, easy-to-clean water basin (approx. 1/3 of the bottom surface) for bathing. A quarter of the substrate should always be kept slightly moist. Once a day, preferably in the evening, the inside of the terrarium should be finely sprayed with water (humidity), but a rain or mist system is better.

Temp. day: 28-30 °C

Temp. night: 22-25 °C

Temp. local: up to 35 °C

Humidity: 60-80

Thermostatically controlled floor heating is recommended. Lighting duration must be 12-14 hrs. depending on the season. Daylight fluorescent tubes are ideal.

Diet

According to their size, they feed on mice, rats, guinea pigs and other rodents, as well as chicks and small pigeons. After acclimation, they often succeed in switching to dead food animals. Juveniles should be offered food every 8-10 days and adults every 14-20 days, with occasional periods of fasting (e.g., skipping a feeding). If the snake is disturbed after feeding, this may result in vomiting of the prey. Generally, it is better to offer several small feeders, rather than one large one. If it does not eat for a long period of time, both the timing and the food should be varied. It is important to fortify the food animals with vitamins and minerals. Since the snake could be injured by live rodents, it should not be left unattended with them.

Reproduction and breeding

Probing by the veterinarian is the only reliable method of sex determination. The female lays 4-6 eggs, in a warm, moist trough and incubates the clutch for 55-60 days, beica. 30 °C. By muscle contraction the female can keep the temperature constant. The 36-45 cm young can be fed with nest young mice after a few days.

Species protection

They are exempt from the obligation to notify (Federal Species Protection Ordinance (BArtSchV) Appendix 5 to § 7 para. 2). Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.

Species protection: WA Appendix II; EU Appendix B. The purchase receipt is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it safe!

Important

They are bred in numerous color morphs and new designer morphs are constantly being added

If they feel disturbed, they usually curl up into a "ball". They are relatively easy to handle and peaceful within the species. If the air temperature in the terrarium is lower than the temperature in the water tank, there is a risk of respiratory infection. For the resting period, shorten the lighting time by 3-4 hours and lower the temperature by 4-6 °C

When handling always have snake hooks, protective gloves and cold water ready.

The terrarium must have good ventilation without drafts and meet the species specific needs. Measuring devices such as thermometers, hygrometers, etc. are necessary. The lighting has to correspond to the species-specific day-night rhythm and has to be placed in such a way that the animals cannot injure themselves. The terrarium should be locked in such a way that neither unauthorized persons can open it nor the animals can escape. Contamination must be removed regularly

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Christian Sänger; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1997): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderung an die Haltung von Reptilien; ENGELMANN (2006): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Reptilien und Amphibien, Harri Deutsch Verlag

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF