What should I avoid if I have a ball python?

What should I avoid if I have a ball python?

Substrates like gravel and sand are not good for your ball python. They can be abrasive to the snakes skin, as well as do damage to your snakes insides if accidentally ingested. Pine or cedar wood/wood chips of any kind can be harmful to your snakes health, and should be avoided at all costs.

Can a ball python go on a hunger strike?

Occasionally ball pythons go on hunger strikes, refusing to eat for weeks on end. As long as your ball python is not losing weight, your snake is fine. But if this will be your only snake and you do not like wasting food, a ball python may not be the snake for you.

When does a ball python change its behavior?

(Even if you control the cage temperature to have the same temps year-round, your ball python could still experience seasonal changes in behavior.) Feeding behavior can also change when a snake reaches sexual maturity. In ball pythons, this can happen when the snake reaches two years of age — or even sooner for males. (That’s just a rough guide.

Can you keep more than one ball python in a tank?

If you keep more than one in a tank you can end up with bullying/fighting that can end in serious injuries, sickness, and death for one or both of the snakes. Breeders may temporarily put snakes together for breeding purposes, but for the average keeper, keep your snakes separate.

Why is my ball python not eating anything?

Bear in mind these reasons are simply the most common culprits behind a ball python not eating, so there’s no guarantee they’re why yours is abstaining from food. After all, every snake is different. However, they should, at the very minimum, give you a fabulous place to start!

Do you need to take care of a ball python?

Unlike many common pets, ball pythons don’t need very much attention from their owners. So if you’re busy and don’t have the time to walk your pet, no worries here. 4.

What does it mean when a ball python is burying itself?

If your ball python is burying itself or burrowing a lot under substrate or a water dish, it could mean that it’s not feeling secure in its hides or that the cage is too open. Also, it could mean that the temperatures in your ball python’s cage are not ideal.

What are the pros and cons of a pet ball python?

1 Ball pythons are extremely easy to take care of, and are incredibly low maintenance. 2 Paying for food and upkeep for a pet python is very cheap, making them highly affordable pets. 3 Unlike many common pets, ball pythons don’t need very much attention from their owners.