COMMON NAME

Royal Python. Ball Python

LATIN NAME

Python regius

NATIVE TO

West Africa e.g. Sierra Leone, Togo and Senegal

ADULT SIZE

Seldom grows more that 3 or 4 feet. Captive lifespan of 20 - 30 years (record - 48 years).

EGGS OR YOUNG?

The females encircle their four to ten eggs, remaining with them from the time they are laid until they hatch. During this three month period, they will not leave the eggs and will not eat.

APPEARANCE

They are brightly-coloured, stocky snakes and there are now several pattern 'morphs' available. Males have longer spurs but smaller heads than the females

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

Feed them pre-killed small rats or mice on a weekly basis - even wild caught individuals can be conditioned to eat dead, an option much safer for the snake. They do not eat mice in the wild, they eat birds, small mammals, amphibians, other snakes, and lizards. Consequently, newly imported animals do not recognize the mice we offer them as being something edible and initially, will often refuse to feed for lengthy periods

EASE OF CARE

Beginners upwards

TEMPERAMENT

They are docile and can be shy. They achieved the name ball python because of their habit of curling into a ball if threatened. They are crepuscular.

VIVARIUM SETUP

A roomy and tall vivarium is required. House singly. Driftwood or a decorative rock should be added to aid the snake during its shed. Provide a climbing branch or two, some fake greenery, a hide box and a large water bowl for soaking. Daytime temperature of 80-85F/27-29C dropping to 73-75F/23-24C at night. Under-tank heatpad and basking light required.

SUBSTRATE

Commercially prepared shredded cypress or fir bark, dry cypress mulch, Astroturf or old newspaper.