What humidity should ball pythons be kept at?
50 to 60 percent
Continuous bright, overhead lighting is stressful to snakes, especially a nocturnal species such as the ball python. Ball pythons seem to prefer humidity levels of 50 to 60 percent. Maintaining proper humidity will allow your ball python to shed properly.
How long do ball pythons live?
Male: 30 yearsIn captivity
Ball python/Lifespan
How long do ball pythons live? The expected lifespan for a ball python in captivity is around 30 years. Individuals have been reported to have lived over 50 years when cared for well.
How does a ball python get rid of its skin?
Ball pythons get rid of their skin all at once to accommodate new growth, whereas the skin comes off other mammals in tiny pieces. It’s vital that you understand how the ball python shedding process works, and can deal with any problem sheds.
What does it mean when a ball python is shedding?
When finally shedding, your ball python will rub its skin against various objects in a cage. Its skin will then start peeling off, and your ball python will move around the cage to get it off. Shedding in one big piece is ideal, and any flaking or shedding in pieces is sign of low humidity levels, dehydration and even skin infections.
What are the signs of an unhealthy ball python?
This can be a sign of a mite infestation (see below), but it can also be a sign of stress. If this behavior continues, then your ball python can develop raw spots and sores on its head and/or nose. Snakes can catch parasites just like any other pet.
Why does a ball python rub his nose on things?
You may even notice that he’s rubbing his nose on things in the habitat. He’s doing this to help cut the outer (old) layer of skin near his lips, which will allow the shedding process to commence. Once the outer layer on his face begins to peel away, he’ll begin crawling out of the old skin.
Why does my ball python keep shedding its skin?
Snakes can develop issues during their shed. Normally due to environmental factors, the snake will be unable to shed all of its skin at once. It will come off in small patches, causing the snake stress. Most shedding issues center around the eye caps and the tail.
This can be a sign of a mite infestation (see below), but it can also be a sign of stress. If this behavior continues, then your ball python can develop raw spots and sores on its head and/or nose. Snakes can catch parasites just like any other pet.
You may even notice that he’s rubbing his nose on things in the habitat. He’s doing this to help cut the outer (old) layer of skin near his lips, which will allow the shedding process to commence. Once the outer layer on his face begins to peel away, he’ll begin crawling out of the old skin.
How to get rid of a ball python’s eye cap?
Also, you can use a wet cotton bud to try to remove stuck skin on the eye. Always try to look for the edge of the stuck skin, which is often around the eye. Use your clean finger or a q-tip to gently rub the eye. You can also use reptile eye drops/rinse like this to moisturize eyes and help the skin come off.
