Ball pythons are among some of the most commonly kept pet snakes in the world. When looking a bit into their biology, it’s easy to see why. They are fascinating, visually diverse animals with big personalities. They are so popular, in fact, that a large, vibrant community of ball python breeders and traders frequently have a variety of snakes for sale.
If you are in the midst of searching for a pet ball python, here are some ways that they make good pets, and why you may want to consider bringing one into your home.
Easy to Care For
While many animals that are commonly kept as pets require hours of attention and care every day, the same can’t be said for snakes. They are content with spending hours at a time lazing on a branch or in their hide, only require feeding a few times a month, and cages are relatively easy to clean. This means relatively low investment in both time and money compared to other animals.
Naturally, this does not mean that ball pythons are “easy” or don’t require any care at all. However, when following the proper steps to care for your snake, you will find that the experience of taking care of these wonderful animals is somewhat hands-off. Here are some tips to ensure that you are set up for success with your snake.
- Set up your snake’s tank in advance.
- Keep one side of your snake’s tank heated to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Keep humidity in the tank high with a moss hide.
- Only feed food items that are size-appropriate for your tank.
- Remove food item within 30 minutes if it is not consumed.
- Spot-clean your snake’s tank as needed.
- Deep-clean your snake’s enclosure at least once a month.
Make Great Companions
Ball pythons are known for having friendly, docile temperaments that make them great companions for a variety of homes. When properly socialized from a young age and adjusted to humans, they are tolerant of handling and relaxed in the presence of their owner.
Unlike some species of snakes that prefer to not interact with their owners, ball pythons are known to be more sociable and receptive to human contact. As their name implies, these snakes also have the adorable instinct of curling up into a ball when handled. Combined with their general good health and long lifespan of around 30 years, you are sure to have a wonderful companion for many moons to come.
Whether you simply want a chill pet that can be observed through a glass terrarium or a companion that will enjoy being draped over your shoulders for hours, ball pythons make a great all-around option.
When properly cared for, your snake will be a wonderful addition to your home. The benefits that pets of all species provide for mental and physical health are well documented. Taking care of and seeing a scaly friend thrive is no different.
Here are some tips on how you can develop your relationship with your snake:
- Don’t feed it by hand.
- Don’t interact with it when it’s shedding.
- Gently handle it on a regular basis.
- When attempting to handle it, approach from the side rather than from below or above.
Stunning Appearance
One benefit of being a ball python fancier is that you have an entire community of researchers and breeders constantly working to develop new morphs (colors and patterns) for their lines.
With over 4000 morphs to choose from these days, there is quite literally a ball python for everyone. From the incredible contrast of yellows and reds to albinos and pastels, the choice is yours. With their more modest size at around 5 feet and softer face, they are also less intimidating than many other snakes, making them very appealing for first-time owners.
How to Seek Out Ball Pythons for Sale
Whether you’re looking to purchase one ball python or multiple, it’s important to do your research and seek out people who care about the health and genetics of the animals they produce. Fortunately, there are a variety of reputable snake breeders and distributors online that will have virtually any ball python morph you can imagine. We would recommend contacting your snake distributor/breeder with any questions you may have about their stock before making a final purchase.
Depending on where you live, there may even be a snake available for adoption at your local animal shelter. Regardless of the path you go down when seeking out ball pythons for sale, be sure to prepare for your pet’s arrival ahead of time, and do your homework to ensure that you are ready to meet all of its needs.