Ask any reptile owner expert what’s the easiest snake to care for and they’re certain to mention ball pythons. In fact, if you were looking for one of the easiest reptiles of all time, ball pythons will likely make that list too. There’s a reason why this snake species is one of the most popular of all time. They’re beautiful, they’re fun to own, and they’re pleasant to be around. They’re as much fun for experienced herps to own as they are the perfect pet snake for beginners.
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3 Reasons Why Ball Pythons Make Great Pets
Ball pythons are really low maintenance, even when compared to both traditional pets like dogs and cats, or other reptiles (an impressive feat for creatures that are pretty independent already). But what exactly makes ball pythons such a breeze to keep? It boils down to a few key things: An easy feeding schedule, straightforward temperature requirements, and their delightful temperament.
Feeding Them Is Easy (and Cheap!)
In general, snakes don’t eat much. Most adults eat as infrequently as once every 10-14 days. Aside from being convenient (no need to hire a sitter while on vacation), it also spells good news for your wallet. Snakes eat an amount relative to their size and with ball pythons being on the smaller size, doing so is quite affordable. Ball pythons typically grow to be between 4-6 feet in length and only need a single moderately-sized mouse for feeding. Larger snakes, on the other hand like an anaconda, might require larger games such as guinea pigs or rabbits which is naturally, much more expensive.
They’re Not Fussy
Being cold-blooded, snakes are reliant on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature (these types of animals are known as ectotherms). As such, snake enclosures need to be outfitted to provide warm, cool, and basking areas. Some species are very particular and allow little room for error. Ball pythons, on the other hand, are much more forgiving if it takes you a while to get their setup right. Hailing from the hot and deserts of sub-Saharan Africa, ball pythons keep it simple. Their ideal temperatures are 75-80°F on the cool side, 80-85°F on the warm side, and 88-92°F for basking.
Friendly and Social
Last but not least, ball pythons have a fantastic temperament and are considered one of the friendliest of all snakes. They are naturally tame and docile and exhibit little to no aggression. This means there’s little worry that they may strike or attempt to nip you. While the knowledge that your pet snake won’t hurt you is comforting, it also makes a big difference in your ability to interact with it. In addition to being non-aggressive, ball pythons have a proclivity towards human interaction which makes them quite social. Unlike other species, ball pythons do well with daily handling and are much more tolerant of it than others.
Ball pythons are easy to care for and keep which is a major part of their appeal. However, they’re also a lot of fun to own as well. If you’re curious about what it’s like to own one, look for ball pythons for sale to discover for yourself!