Ball pythons, although a common pet, may not be the best match for every person looking to keep a snake. Although they are frequently called a "beginner" reptile, there are many elements to consider when it comes to making the decision to own this species. When thinking of adopting or purchasing a ball python, it is important to take a look at all the components to determine whether or not this is the species for you.
First, it is very easy to overlook aspects of ball python care. The basics of snake care involve monitoring a variety of measurements to ensure you have created a suitable habitat for your animal. Ball pythons in particular are notably sensitive animals, requiring a small range of temperatures and humidity in which to feel comfortable. In addition, ball pythons should be provided a temperature gradient which allows them to thermoregulate, or adjust temperatures, at their own will. Overseeing all of these components can be tricky for anyone without previous reptile care experience, which may cause some aspects of husbandry to be forgotten. In this case, if some measurements are missed it has a direct impact on the ball python. Not only is it uncomfortable for the snake, but when ball pythons do not have correct husbandry they stop eating. For this reason, it is important to evaluate yourself to figure out if you will be vigilant and able to recognize when husbandry is off. If the husbandry is off you will need to be confident in making adjustments until it is correct.
Additionally, life expectancy is also another factor when deciding if you should get a ball python or not. The oldest ball python is said to be 47 and a half years old, and while that is uncommon, it is still a possibility for your snake to live that long. Even so, many keepers report their animals to live over 15 years! Because they live over a decade, you will need to determine if you are dedicated to caring for the animal closely its entire life. As the snake ages, you will need a larger enclosure which will both be more expensive and time consuming to clean, the snake will require larger prey which is more expensive, and bites can be more damaging (although perhaps not too bad for ball pythons, it is still something to consider as a new owner).
Moreover, if you are looking for a display snake, a ball python will not be a good option. Because they are nocturnal, or at the very least crepuscular, it is very unlikely that you will see the snake active and roaming around the enclosure very often. During the times people are awake, this species is likely to hide. They are also not a particularly active species, in fact when they are out you will commonly find them sitting in one place for an extended period of time. Due to the time of day they are awake and inactivity, ball pythons do not make good animals for display, which may affect your decision making when deciding what species to keep.
On the other hand, ball pythons are fairly easy to handle, which is a benefit of having them as a pet. They can be very docile and slow moving snakes, depending on the individual. During handling, most ball pythons will opt to curl up, as their namesake implies, instead of biting. Furthermore, they rarely dart about in attempt to escape. Aside from their adult size and weight, which can be a challenge for some keepers, their demeanor is fairly relaxed and predictable, making them a prime candidate for new reptile owners. If you are looking for a calm, handleable animal, a ball python could be a good choice.
*it is important to remember most reptiles tend to tolerate handling, but we cannot say they enjoy or like it. It is best to handle them consistently, but sparingly.
Finally, there are many different morphs, or colorations, of ball pythons, making them a desirable pet. Yellow, orange, hints of purple, black and white- almost every color of the rainbow is represented by ball python morphs. The probabilities are endless which allows you to find a snake that best suits your aesthetic. Having the ability to choose from a wide variety of colorations is certainly a positive of keeping this species.
Overall, each component has a different baring on your decision to keep a ball python as a pet. It is critical to regard each aspect as important in order to make a choice that best suits your ability and desire, but is also good for the snake too. Due to the complexity of husbandry needs and behavior of the ball python, they may or may not be the best species for you.
First, it is very easy to overlook aspects of ball python care. The basics of snake care involve monitoring a variety of measurements to ensure you have created a suitable habitat for your animal. Ball pythons in particular are notably sensitive animals, requiring a small range of temperatures and humidity in which to feel comfortable. In addition, ball pythons should be provided a temperature gradient which allows them to thermoregulate, or adjust temperatures, at their own will. Overseeing all of these components can be tricky for anyone without previous reptile care experience, which may cause some aspects of husbandry to be forgotten. In this case, if some measurements are missed it has a direct impact on the ball python. Not only is it uncomfortable for the snake, but when ball pythons do not have correct husbandry they stop eating. For this reason, it is important to evaluate yourself to figure out if you will be vigilant and able to recognize when husbandry is off. If the husbandry is off you will need to be confident in making adjustments until it is correct.
Additionally, life expectancy is also another factor when deciding if you should get a ball python or not. The oldest ball python is said to be 47 and a half years old, and while that is uncommon, it is still a possibility for your snake to live that long. Even so, many keepers report their animals to live over 15 years! Because they live over a decade, you will need to determine if you are dedicated to caring for the animal closely its entire life. As the snake ages, you will need a larger enclosure which will both be more expensive and time consuming to clean, the snake will require larger prey which is more expensive, and bites can be more damaging (although perhaps not too bad for ball pythons, it is still something to consider as a new owner).
Moreover, if you are looking for a display snake, a ball python will not be a good option. Because they are nocturnal, or at the very least crepuscular, it is very unlikely that you will see the snake active and roaming around the enclosure very often. During the times people are awake, this species is likely to hide. They are also not a particularly active species, in fact when they are out you will commonly find them sitting in one place for an extended period of time. Due to the time of day they are awake and inactivity, ball pythons do not make good animals for display, which may affect your decision making when deciding what species to keep.
On the other hand, ball pythons are fairly easy to handle, which is a benefit of having them as a pet. They can be very docile and slow moving snakes, depending on the individual. During handling, most ball pythons will opt to curl up, as their namesake implies, instead of biting. Furthermore, they rarely dart about in attempt to escape. Aside from their adult size and weight, which can be a challenge for some keepers, their demeanor is fairly relaxed and predictable, making them a prime candidate for new reptile owners. If you are looking for a calm, handleable animal, a ball python could be a good choice.
*it is important to remember most reptiles tend to tolerate handling, but we cannot say they enjoy or like it. It is best to handle them consistently, but sparingly.
Finally, there are many different morphs, or colorations, of ball pythons, making them a desirable pet. Yellow, orange, hints of purple, black and white- almost every color of the rainbow is represented by ball python morphs. The probabilities are endless which allows you to find a snake that best suits your aesthetic. Having the ability to choose from a wide variety of colorations is certainly a positive of keeping this species.
Overall, each component has a different baring on your decision to keep a ball python as a pet. It is critical to regard each aspect as important in order to make a choice that best suits your ability and desire, but is also good for the snake too. Due to the complexity of husbandry needs and behavior of the ball python, they may or may not be the best species for you.