Choosing a pet can be an exciting time in anyone's life. If you are considering a pet snake, the information below will help you decide if a ball python is the right choice for you.
How many types of pythons are there?
There are more than 3,000 species of snakes in the world, including over 41 different types of pythons.
Which is the popular type of python to keep as a pet?
Snakes and other cold-blooded animals, like frogs. lizards, and turtles, all make unique pets. One of the most popular, however, is the ball python. These pythons are popular for two reasons: they are easy to take care and they live a long time.
How long does a ball python live?
While the average dog may only live from 10 to 13 years, the ball python lives 30 to 40 years in captivity. In fact, snakes are some of the most long-lived pets. The only pets that could outlive a snake are parrots. Be sure you are willing to make a lifetime commitment before you take on any pet as they depend on you for their care and safety.
What type of enclosure does a ball python need?
Like most snakes, a ball python needs a glass enclosure, like an aquarium. They prefer a humid environment so a glass lid is necessary to keep in the moisture and humidity. Ball pythons are timid and like to hide so your enclosure needs a hiding place or two for them to feel safe. They also like to cool off in the water so a heavy, ceramic bowl that they can slither in and out of is important.
What does a ball python eat?
Snakes are carnivores, meaning they only eat meat. While larger python species have been known to eat pigs and cows, the ball python is a much smaller snake with a much smaller appetite. Crickets, mice, and rats are all acceptable menu items for your pet snake. Most snakes prefer to eat food while it is still alive and swallow it whole. If you can't feed your snake live food for whatever reason, try warming the food up to body temperature. This may help create the illusion of freshly killed meat for them. They typically eat once every 10 to 14 days.
Are ball pythons dangerous?
Ball pythons are docile snakes. They are not poisonous and do not mind being handled by humans. In fact, daily handling of your pet snake will help it become familiar with you and your touch. That said, all snakes must be handled gently and with great care. Any animal will bite if you are too rough with it.
How big do ball pythons get?
The ball python is a petite snake. Males grow two to three feet in length and females can grow up to five feet. In comparison, the Guinness Book of World Records states that the longest snake ever recorded in captivity was a reticulated python that reached over 25 feet in length.
Do ball pythons make good pets?
What makes a good pet is a matter of opinion. If you want something fluffy that will come when you call, a snake is not the pet for you. If, however, you want a cool pet that is easy to take care of and lives for a long time, look no further than a ball python.
Owning any pet is a big commitment. Owning a ball python is an even bigger commitment, but one that comes with a lot of satisfaction the owner.
To learn more, visit a store with ball pythons for sale.
