Care & Education | Ball Python Care, Setup & Feeding Tips

Ball Python Care & Education

Whether you’re a first-time reptile owner or a seasoned keeper, our Care & Education center is your trusted source for ball python husbandry and health. Here you’ll find science-backed advice and experience-tested tips for raising happy, healthy ball pythons.

All our guides are written by breeders and reptile keepers who’ve spent years studying and caring for ball pythons. From beginner basics to advanced care, we’re here to help you become a confident and informed keeper.

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Ball Python Care Guide

Ball pythons (Python regius) are docile, low-maintenance snakes that make fantastic pets. But proper care is essential to ensure their health and reduce stress. Below is a summary of what every ball python needs to thrive.

Habitat Setup

  • Enclosure Size: Minimum 4’x2’x2’ for adults
  • Heating: Warm side 88–92°F, cool side 76–80°F
  • Humidity: 55–65%, increase to 70% during shed
  • Lighting: Not required, but a day/night cycle improves health
  • Substrate: Coco husk or cypress mulch for humidity retention
  • Hides: At least two—one on each side of the thermal gradient

🛒 Need supplies? View our recommended Enclosures.

Best Enclosure Options

We recommend front-opening PVC enclosures for ease of access, humidity control, and safety. Avoid screen-top tanks unless modified to hold humidity effectively.

Feeding Tips & Rodent Sizing

Feeding a ball python the right way is key to its health and growth. We strongly recommend offering frozen/thawed rodents instead of live prey to reduce the risk of injury.

  • Hatchlings: Every 5–7 days
  • Juveniles: Every 7–10 days
  • Adults: Every 10–14 days

Feed rodents that are the same width as the snake’s thickest body point. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and regurgitation, so be consistent but cautious.

🐭 Shop Frozen Rodents for Ball Pythons →

Feeding Tips

  • Thaw prey fully and warm to body temperature before offering
  • Use tongs to present food — never your hands
  • Do not handle your snake for 48 hours after feeding
  • Track feeding dates in a journal or app

Handling & Taming

Ball pythons are naturally shy, but they can become tame with regular, gentle handling. Start slowly and increase frequency as your snake becomes more comfortable.

Handling Guidelines:

  • Wait 5–7 days after your snake arrives to begin handling
  • Handle 2–4 times per week for short periods (10–15 minutes)
  • Always support the full body and avoid grabbing from above
  • Never handle while your snake is in shed or after eating

Want to build trust with your snake? Read our full guide: Ball Python Care Guide →

Shedding Support

Healthy ball pythons shed their skin in one complete piece every 4–6 weeks (for juveniles) or every 1–2 months (for adults).

Signs of Upcoming Shed:

  • Cloudy eyes
  • Dull, faded skin
  • Reduced appetite
  • More time spent hiding

Tip: Boost humidity to 70% and provide rough surfaces like bark or cork flats to help with the process. If stuck shed occurs, a warm soak (85°F) for 20–30 minutes can help loosen retained skin.

FAQs for New Ball Python Owners

Q: How long do ball pythons live?
A: With proper care, 20–30 years in captivity.
Q: What size enclosure does my snake need?
A: Adults need at least 4'x2'x2'. Bigger is better when properly furnished.
Q: Why won’t my snake eat?
A: Possible reasons include stress, shedding, breeding season, or improper temps/humidity. Check your husbandry first.
Q: Do I need a heat lamp?
A: No. We recommend under-tank heat or radiant heat panels controlled by a thermostat.

Still have questions? Contact us here or DM us on Instagram.

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We’ve helped hundreds of ball python owners succeed with their pets. Whether you're choosing your first morph or setting up your first enclosure, our team is here to guide you with expert-backed care tips.

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