About Ball Pythons
Easy going, nice sized, Ball Pythons or Royal Ball Pythons are a very popular choice for anyone considering a pet snake.wikipedia.org: [1] The reason for the name ball python is because when threatened, this little python rolls itself into a tight ball for protection.http://www.cobralilydesign.com/pages/snakes.html
Although there are those who would declare that corn snakes are the world's best pet snake, others will give you an equally strong argument for the ball python. http://www.ballpython.ca/about_us.html It has a very gentle and rather slow nature, and is very friendly. Sometimes called the "couch potato" of the pet snake world, a ball python is less active than a corn snake or other pet snakes. Part of the difference is in the way that they hunt.
The ball python is native to West Africa. In nature, a ball python is an opportunistic predator. It will sit quite comfortably, blending in with leaves and its habitat, until something tasty wanders near. Thus, it is not as active as rat snakes who are always on the hunt for a rodent, including down holes or up cornstalks, in the case of the corn snake.
This is a small python, about 4 feet long in its full adult size. It is a constrictor, meaning it squeezes its prey or kills by constriction. en.wikipedia.org: [2] It is not venomous.
Ball Python Diet
What do Ball Pythons eat? A ball python is a constrictor. All constrictors are carnivores. Ball pythons primarily eat rodents.
Frozen Feeder Rodents are highly recommended by pet snake owners for a variety of reasons: safety, diminished aggression, convenience. They are readily available at most large pet stores. Most reptile hobbyists and professionals highly recommend "pre killed" prey.hubpages.com: [1]
Ball Python Agression
If a pet ball python seems to be uncharacteristically aggressive, it may be about to shed its skin. Right before a molt, the snake is uncomfortable, often itchy, and is loosening up the soon-to-be skin, preparing to crack it with a jaw-splitting "yawn" then rub it off. During this time, the ball python may also temporarily lose its appetite. Constrictors often refuse to eat before a molt; it makes the molt more difficult. Digestion takes energy away from the shedding process. After your snake has shed, give it awhile to let the new skin adjust, then try feeding and handling.
Ball Python Facts
Like all other snakes, Ball Pythons shed their skin or molt. It is native to grasslands in Africa. They can grow to 5 feet, but rarely larger. If the eyes of a pet snake become "milky" and its skin dull in color, it is about to shed. This may decrease the python's appetite and increase irritability, but the docile ball python rarely exhibits serious aggression.
Ball pythons lay "clutches" or multiple eggs, about 4-6. They sufficate their prey with constriction. It is a constrictor. This compact snake is heavy bodied. It eats small rodents. When threatened, the ball python will roll its body into a tight ball, hence the name, ball python.
Ball Python Markings
Pythons have asymmetrical markings, boa constrictors have symmetrical markings. They are slightly iridescent and their colors are beautiful in the light.
References
Fast Facts
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Markings
Pythons have irregular markings.
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Size
Ball pythons rarely grow more than 5 feet, so remain manageable pets.
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Behavior
Slow and docile, the ball python is one of the most popular pet snakes.
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Frozen Rodents
Always buy frozen feeder rodents from a reliable source.
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Native Country
Ball Pythons are native to West Africa.
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Other Name
Ball Pythons are also called Royal Ball Pythons.
