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There are many different species of pet snakes. This is meant as a general care guideline for Ball Pythons. The needs of one species may differ from those of another, so be sure to discuss specific questions with a knowledgeable herpetologist or a veterinarian familiar with reptiles.
Size: 4-5 feet long Life span: Up to 30 years with proper care
Diet/Feeding: Frozen rodents are ideal for ball pythons. They should be thawed/warmed to above room temperature and should not be larger than the snake’s width at mid-body. Live prey is not recommended as rodents commonly bite snakes and wounds can become life-threatening to your snake. Adults should be fed every 1-2 weeks. Because they are nocturnal, they would prefer being offered meals at night. Fresh, clean water should be always available and in a large enough bowl for your python to soak in.
Habitat: 40+ gallon enclosure for adults. Adults should be housed in a tank that is large enough for them to stretch out fully. Paper-based bedding, reptile carpet or forest bedding can be used as substrate. Provide a hiding area – these can provide an area for your python to regulate its body temperature. Provide climbing branches or other means for them to climb and exercise.
Lighting, Temperature and Humidity: The enclosure should provide a temperature gradient for your snake. The basking spot should be around 85-90 degrees and the cooler end should be around 75-80 degrees. Thermometers should be placed at each end to accurately measure temps. They do not require UVB lighting, but they can benefit from exposure to UV light during the day. Maintain 50-60% humidity by using a hygrometer. Inadequate humidity will affect their ability to shed and can cause serious health problems.
Handling: Feed your python in a separate enclosure so that they do not associate handling with feeding time, which could lead to accidental bites. Approach the enclosure from a side angle and never from the top (this can resemble a predator). You should use two hands to pick up and provide a sturdy perch and never allow them to dangle. Frequent handling is important to socialize them. Handling is recommended approx. 1-3 times a week and for less than 30 minutes.
There are many different species of pet snakes. This is meant as a general care guideline for Ball Pythons. The needs of one species may differ from those of another, so be sure to discuss specific questions with a knowledgeable herpetologist or a veterinarian familiar with reptiles.
Size: 4-5 feet long Life span: Up to 30 years with proper care
Diet/Feeding: Frozen rodents are ideal for ball pythons. They should be thawed/warmed to above room temperature and should not be larger than the snake’s width at mid-body. Live prey is not recommended as rodents commonly bite snakes and wounds can become life-threatening to your snake. Adults should be fed every 1-2 weeks. Because they are nocturnal, they would prefer being offered meals at night. Fresh, clean water should be always available and in a large enough bowl for your python to soak in.
Habitat: 40+ gallon enclosure for adults. Adults should be housed in a tank that is large enough for them to stretch out fully. Paper-based bedding, reptile carpet or forest bedding can be used as substrate. Provide a hiding area – these can provide an area for your python to regulate its body temperature. Provide climbing branches or other means for them to climb and exercise.
Lighting, Temperature and Humidity: The enclosure should provide a temperature gradient for your snake. The basking spot should be around 85-90 degrees and the cooler end should be around 75-80 degrees. Thermometers should be placed at each end to accurately measure temps. They do not require UVB lighting, but they can benefit from exposure to UV light during the day. Maintain 50-60% humidity by using a hygrometer. Inadequate humidity will affect their ability to shed and can cause serious health problems.
Handling: Feed your python in a separate enclosure so that they do not associate handling with feeding time, which could lead to accidental bites. Approach the enclosure from a side angle and never from the top (this can resemble a predator). You should use two hands to pick up and provide a sturdy perch and never allow them to dangle. Frequent handling is important to socialize them. Handling is recommended approx. 1-3 times a week and for less than 30 minutes.
At the Denver Animal Shelter, we have many wonderful animals available for adoption! View our online database of adoptable pets or stop by to see our animals in person:
1241 W. Bayaud Ave., Denver, CO 80223
Mon – Fri 10:30 a.m – 6:30 p.m.
Sat & Sun 11:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.
Adoption visits end one hour before closing (all adoptions must have a visit prior to paperwork being started).
Adoption lobby is closed to visitors 30 minutes before closing.
We constantly have new animals coming to the shelter. Keep in mind that adoptions occur frequently and we can not guarantee the availability of an animal listed online. The shelter's adoption package includes the adoption fee, spay or neuter cost, vaccinations, and a one-year pet license.
At the Denver Animal Shelter, we have many wonderful animals available for adoption! View our online database of adoptable pets or stop by to see our animals in person:
1241 W. Bayaud Ave., Denver, CO 80223
Mon – Fri 10:30 a.m – 6:30 p.m.
Sat & Sun 11:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.
Adoption visits end one hour before closing (all adoptions must have a visit prior to paperwork being started).
Adoption lobby is closed to visitors 30 minutes before closing.
We constantly have new animals coming to the shelter. Keep in mind that adoptions occur frequently and we can not guarantee the availability of an animal listed online. The shelter's adoption package includes the adoption fee, spay or neuter cost, vaccinations, and a one-year pet license.
1241 W. Bayaud Ave., Denver, CO 80223
Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Adoption visits end one hour before closing (all adoptions must have a visit prior to paperwork being started).
Adoption lobby is closed to visitors 30 minutes before closing.
1241 W. Bayaud Ave., Denver, CO 80223
Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Adoption visits end one hour before closing (all adoptions must have a visit prior to paperwork being started).
Adoption lobby is closed to visitors 30 minutes before closing.
More about this shelter
Denver Animal Protection (DAP) provides animal care and protection services for all of Denver County. DAP operates Denver Animal Shelter (DAS), an open-admission shelter that is home to more than 7,000 lost and abandoned pets each year.
Denver Animal Protection (DAP) provides animal care and protection services for all of Denver County. DAP operates Denver Animal Shelter (DAS), an open-admission shelter that is home to more than 7,000 lost and abandoned pets each year.
