Ball pythons are a popular choice for new serpent collectors, due to their manageable size and laid-back attitude.
This article will tackle some of the most common questions about these slithery creatures since they’re not nearly as scary as they look.
Here is a list of ball python questions that most people don’t ask about.
You should know the answer to every question.
Why did my ball python start butt first when eating?
It’s always a frustrating experience when babies don’t eat.
When they’re fed to the cusp of adulthood, you may be wondering why they suddenly stop eating and what you can do to get them back on track.
For some, there are many reasons that your ball python may refuse their food. Here are several possible reasons and what you can do about it:
- If the water temperature doesn’t feel right in your ball python’s habitat, he will start displaying signs of stress in order to let you know something is wrong. Make sure his water is not too hot or too cold for him as this could result in serious health problems such as dehydration or a heat stroke.
- If there’s an underlying medical condition causing your ball python not to eat properly then this should first be resolved before proceeding with any other steps listed below; otherwise, nothing else will work!
- If it’s too hot outside then try taking off some layers and keeping cool by drinking some ice water while inside so that your body temperature doesn’t get overheated which will make things worse if anything were wrong with their habitat settings at all times during periods of extreme heat waves outside our homes (which happens often enough these days).
Why ball python keeps going to the top of the cage?
The most common reason why a ball python keeps going to the top of its cage is that it needs more heat.
Ball pythons are cold-blooded, so they need some source of heat in their cages to keep them warm and help their metabolism.
Ball pythons often go to the top of their cages because that’s where the highest point of heat is located if you have a heating lamp or heat pad above them.
Moreover, ball pythons are nocturnal animals, which means that they are most active and awake at night.
At night, your ball python will need a basking spot under its heating lamp or light.
If you don’t provide one for your snake, it will seek out the warm spot on its own because it needs to regulate its body temperature by being in contact with warmth.
Your ball python may also be going to the top of its cage because it is looking for more humidity.
Humidity helps snakes shed properly, and wild ball pythons do not typically like dry environments; they prefer humid areas such as rainforests and swamps instead.
In captivity, many pet owners use water bowls inside their snakes’ cages for this purpose.
However, some also choose to install irrigation systems into their enclosures that disperse water vapor throughout the entire cage.
This method creates an almost wild-like environment without actually having a bowl inside your snake’s enclosure where he could potentially drown himself in water or defecate inside his own drinking water (ball pythons are known to defecate while swimming).
Do ball pythons pee?
Yes, ball pythons do pee, but it is not something that is very common.
When you handle your ball python or they are getting used to their environment they will sometimes let out a small amount of urine.
This will be clear and you probably won’t even see it. If the urine is cloudy then this can be a sign of an infection or some type of dehydration.
Ball pythons can go for months without peeing so if you are not seeing any then this is totally normal.
How often do ball pythons poop and pee?
Ball pythons, like all other animals, poop, and pee. The frequency at which they poop and pee depends on a number of factors including age, size, and diet.
While younger snakes will poop more frequently than older ones due to their smaller size and higher metabolisms, the amount of food they eat per day also plays a role in how often they defecate.
With respect to urination, since snakes don’t drink water directly from bowls or bottles like cats or dogs, the frequency of their urination is determined by how much moisture is contained in the prey they consume.
If you have a ball python who hasn’t pooped or peed for several days, even after eating a large meal with lots of water weight (like rats), it may be time to consider taking them to the vet for an examination.
Are ball pythons smart?
Ball pythons are typically considered to be one of the more intelligent snake species.
They are also known to be very docile and easy to handle, making them a good choice for beginning snake owners.
Ball pythons are known to be quite curious, which makes them easy to train.
They have been observed learning their way through mazes and figuring out how to open doors in order to escape from enclosures.
They are also able to change color over time depending on their environment (colder temperatures will make them darker).
Why is my ball python’s belly pink?
If your ball python has a pink belly and you’re wondering why read on for some possible explanations.
1. Stress
One common cause of a pink belly is stress.
If your snake is stressed from being handled too much or from being moved to a new environment, it may not be eating well or taking in enough water to keep its body hydrated properly.
This can cause the coloration of its scales to fade and become paler than normal — which will show up especially brightly on the belly because it’s usually white there anyway!
2. Age and Pattern Type
Ball pythons come in different age groups and pattern types that affect their coloring differently as they get older.
For example, juvenile ball pythons have stripes when they’re young but those stripes fade as they grow up into adulthood; however, baby ball pythons don’t have any stripes at all — they start out with just one stripe on.
Who is the longest ball python recorded?
Medusa, a reticulated python living in captivity in Kansas City, has been certified by Guinness World Records as the longest snake ever in captivity.
Her official measurement came to be 7.67 meters (25 ft 2 in) long.
Medusa was originally purchased as an animal for educational presentations by Full Moon Productions, a company that provides exotic animals for movies and television shows.
She was already pretty big at 2ft 7in when she arrived at the facility. For those passing through the American Midwest, Medusa is surely a showstopping addition to any itinerary.
A helpful hint: she is known to purr like a cat when she’s happy and hisses when she’s angry. Considering the size of this incredible creature, we recommend slithering away yourself if the purring ever stops.
Can ball pythons eat chicken and chicken eggs?
The ball python is a ground-dwelling python species that is native to West Africa.
They are typically pretty docile and can make well-behaved pets.
If you are considering getting a ball python, you will want to be aware of the many foods they can eat so that you can be sure to provide your new pet with an adequate diet.
Can Ball Pythons Eat Chicken?
While the ball python can eat chicken, it should not be fed this type of food regularly.
Chicken is high-fat meat that can lead to obesity and other health issues if your pet becomes dependent on it for nutrition.
It also lacks some important nutrients like calcium which are needed by all animals for healthy bones and muscles.
If you do decide to feed your pet chicken occasionally it should only be used as a treat because it is high in calories compared to other types of food that can be given to these snakes.
Can Ball Pythons Eat Chicken eggs?
The answer is yes, they can eat chicken eggs. However, the egg must be completely cooked before feeding it to your snake.
Raw eggs can cause severe health problems in snakes, so you need to be very careful when feeding them raw eggs.
The reason why raw eggs are dangerous is because of their high protein content.
If a snake ingests too much protein it can cause renal failure and even death in some cases.
This is why many owners choose to feed their snakes pre-cooked rodent diets instead of raw meat from grocery stores or butcher shops.
If you do decide to feed your snake a raw egg make sure it’s completely cooked first before giving it to your snake.
You should also only give them one egg at a time and no more than once every week or two depending on the size of your snake (smaller snakes need less food).
What is the recommended heat lamp wattage for a ball python?
The recommended wattage of your heat lamp will depend on the size of your snake.
For baby ball pythons, you may use a 40-60 watt bulb but it is recommended to use 75 watts.
This will be strong enough to heat their enclosure and provide enough light.
As they grow older, you may need to upgrade the bulb to 100 watts but this is usually not necessary.
To monitor the temperature in their enclosure, you should use an infrared thermometer which will give an accurate reading for both hot and cold spots in their cage.
Does PetSmart sell live feeder mice?
PetSmart’s mice are sold in a variety of sizes, including small, medium, and large.
You also have the option to choose between male and female mice. Mice are sold individually or in packs of two or four animals.
- As with any live prey animal, there is the risk that the mouse could be carrying diseases or parasites (some of which may be transferable to humans). The quality of care for live feeders at large pet store chains can also be vastly different from the quality of care offered by a breeder or reptile specialist store.
- If you buy from a local reptile specialist shop or breeder instead, you will know exactly what conditions your snakes are being kept in and you can rest assured that they are receiving high-quality care. A reputable breeder will also be more knowledgeable than a general pet store employee when it comes to ball python health and diet.
- Frozen mice are another option available at most large pet stores such as PetSmart if you do not want to deal with live prey animals (although buying them online is going to save you money every time). You will still need to thaw them before feeding as frozen mice pose a choking hazard.
What is the difference between a ball python and a royal python?
Ball Pythons are one of the most popular pets in the pet trade.
They make great beginner snakes, as they are relatively easy to care for and only need one feeding a week.
Ball pythons have an average life span of 10-20 years, but have been known to live up to 30 years in captivity!
Royal pythons are also very popular but are much harder to find at a breeder or pet store.
They are larger than ball pythons and can grow up to 6 feet long! Their temperament is similar to that of ball pythons, but they require more attention and care than their smaller counterparts.
How do I tell the difference between male and female Ball Pythons?
Male Ball Pythons have larger heads and longer bodies than females.
Female Ball pythons will also have shorter tails than males (the length of the tail is proportional to the size of the snake).
The underside of males is also slightly lighter than that of females.
Do ball pythons make good pets?
Yes, if you have the time, space and commitment needed to care for them properly.
Ball pythons require regular feeding and cleaning, as well as proper temperature control and humidity levels.
They also need a cage large enough for them to stretch out comfortably in order to maintain their health throughout their lives.
A 10-gallon tank with a secure lid will suffice for most adults from hatchlings on up.
juveniles will need something larger than 10 gallons until they reach maturity around age 2 or 3 years old (depending on the size of your snake).
