🐍 Ball Python (Python regius) Care Sheet

Origin: Central and West Africa
Size: 120–150 cm (4–5 feet)
Lifespan: 20–30 years in captivity
Temperament: Generally calm and easy to handle
Activity: Nocturnal, ground-dwelling

🏠 Housing

• Enclosure Size: Minimum 90 cm x 45 cm x 45 cm (3' x 1.5' x 1.5') for adults. Babies need to feel secure.

• Substrate: Coconut husk, aspen, or cypress mulch are ideal. Avoid overly dusty substrates.

• Hides: Provide at least two snug hides (one on warm side, one on cool side).

• Décor: Add branches or artificial plants for enrichment and cover.

🌡️ Temperature & Lighting

• Warm Side: 31–33°C (88–92°F)

• Cool Side: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

• Night Temperature: 21–24°C (70–75°F)

• Heating: Use heat mats for young pythons and ceramic heat emitters for adults with a thermostat.

• Lighting: No special lighting needed, but a day-night cycle of 12 hours is beneficial. Low-level UVB is optional but can be enriching.

💧 Humidity

• Humidity Range: 50–60%, increased to 70% during shedding

• Water: Provide a sturdy, shallow water bowl large enough for the snake to soak in.

🥩 Feeding

• Diet: Frozen-thawed rodents (appropriately sized based on girth)

• Feeding Frequency:

  • Juveniles: Every 5–7 days

  • Adults: Every 10–14 days

• Feeding Tips: Feed in enclosure unless defensive behaviour becomes an issue.

🧼 Cleaning

• Spot Clean: Daily waste removal

• Full Clean: Monthly, with reptile safe disinfectant

• Shedding Support: Maintain proper humidity and provide rough décor to aid shedding