Ball Python Essentials Checklist:
This is a basic checklist of items needed for a healthy ball python. For more detailed information, please visit the links provided.
Heating fixture- A device used to heat the habitat to adequate temperatures.
Device to control the heat fixture- Heat fixtures must maintain consistent temperatures within the habitat and require a device such as a thermostat or rheostat to do so.
Enclosure/Habitat- PVC, Tub, Tank, homemade- something has to hold the snake.
Thermometer- keeping an eye on temperatures is a necessity. A Digital thermometer will be easy to read immediately and is more accurate, where the pet store dial gauges fail. A model with a probe can measure the air temperature on both the warm and cool side at the same time.
Infrared Heat Thermometer Gun- when providing a hotspot for an animal, an infrared heat gun is important to read the surface temperature of the objects in the enclosure as they can be much hotter than the ambient temperature.
Hygrometer- humidity on a day to day basis is important to track for the health of your animal. A digital hygrometer will give you a quick, accurate read.
Hides- Minimum: 2 ball pythons prefer to remain hidden during the day, however, they should still have the option to thermoregulate. One hide on the cool side and one hide on the warm side allows the snake to adjust its temperature at will.
Bedding/Substrate- Important for cushioning and absorbtion as well as humidity.
Water bowl- Must be large enough for the animal to soak in if needed; will also help to control humidity
Cover- Ball pythons are shy creatures, because of this it is best to provide them with permeable, visual barriers- in other words, objects that look big and bulky but allow the snake to move through them. Vines, fake plants, tunnels, etc.
Reptile Specialist Vet- In this case a general exotics vet generally will not be enough. Although very knowledgeable about their field (and their felids?), the education and experience most exotics vets receive about reptiles is woefully incomplete. For this reason, it is usually necessary to locate a vet that specializes or focuses on reptiles. The best way to find a vet is to ask around your local reptile community. Facebook can be a great resource to find a vet.
Reliable/reputable place to obtain the animal from- Although you may want to rescue and animal in need, it is better that new owners avoid adopting a sick or injured ball python. These animals require special care, including identifying any problem behaviors as soon as they happen. You can adopt well established adult ball pythons, but be aware- even after quarantine and adoption there is a small chance an illness may appear. If you are interested in adoption, make sure the rescue is vetted. Find more about how to choose a responsible rescue with Ham's Guide to Reputable Reptile Rescues. Generally it is also best to avoid any big name pet stores likes Petsmart, Petco, or Petland. Those animals are usually not cared for very well and because of that they often develop health issues new keepers do not need to deal with- such as severe dehydration, respiratory infection, or parasites. Reputable breeders are a very common choice for purchasing your first ball python. Be sure to cross reference any breeders with the available Fauna Board of Inquiry resources, as well as any feedback groups on Facebook or in forums. To locate a breeder, utilize local Facebook reptile groups, forums, and for large cities even craigslist. Morphmarket and Kingsnake Classifieds will also provide international and local breeders that may ship to you. Be aware- Shipping costs extra.
Heating fixture- A device used to heat the habitat to adequate temperatures.
Device to control the heat fixture- Heat fixtures must maintain consistent temperatures within the habitat and require a device such as a thermostat or rheostat to do so.
Enclosure/Habitat- PVC, Tub, Tank, homemade- something has to hold the snake.
Thermometer- keeping an eye on temperatures is a necessity. A Digital thermometer will be easy to read immediately and is more accurate, where the pet store dial gauges fail. A model with a probe can measure the air temperature on both the warm and cool side at the same time.
Infrared Heat Thermometer Gun- when providing a hotspot for an animal, an infrared heat gun is important to read the surface temperature of the objects in the enclosure as they can be much hotter than the ambient temperature.
Hygrometer- humidity on a day to day basis is important to track for the health of your animal. A digital hygrometer will give you a quick, accurate read.
Hides- Minimum: 2 ball pythons prefer to remain hidden during the day, however, they should still have the option to thermoregulate. One hide on the cool side and one hide on the warm side allows the snake to adjust its temperature at will.
Bedding/Substrate- Important for cushioning and absorbtion as well as humidity.
Water bowl- Must be large enough for the animal to soak in if needed; will also help to control humidity
Cover- Ball pythons are shy creatures, because of this it is best to provide them with permeable, visual barriers- in other words, objects that look big and bulky but allow the snake to move through them. Vines, fake plants, tunnels, etc.
Reptile Specialist Vet- In this case a general exotics vet generally will not be enough. Although very knowledgeable about their field (and their felids?), the education and experience most exotics vets receive about reptiles is woefully incomplete. For this reason, it is usually necessary to locate a vet that specializes or focuses on reptiles. The best way to find a vet is to ask around your local reptile community. Facebook can be a great resource to find a vet.
Reliable/reputable place to obtain the animal from- Although you may want to rescue and animal in need, it is better that new owners avoid adopting a sick or injured ball python. These animals require special care, including identifying any problem behaviors as soon as they happen. You can adopt well established adult ball pythons, but be aware- even after quarantine and adoption there is a small chance an illness may appear. If you are interested in adoption, make sure the rescue is vetted. Find more about how to choose a responsible rescue with Ham's Guide to Reputable Reptile Rescues. Generally it is also best to avoid any big name pet stores likes Petsmart, Petco, or Petland. Those animals are usually not cared for very well and because of that they often develop health issues new keepers do not need to deal with- such as severe dehydration, respiratory infection, or parasites. Reputable breeders are a very common choice for purchasing your first ball python. Be sure to cross reference any breeders with the available Fauna Board of Inquiry resources, as well as any feedback groups on Facebook or in forums. To locate a breeder, utilize local Facebook reptile groups, forums, and for large cities even craigslist. Morphmarket and Kingsnake Classifieds will also provide international and local breeders that may ship to you. Be aware- Shipping costs extra.
For a printable checklist, please
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