Ball python

Ball Python
A Pastel Ball Python
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Pythonidae
Genus:	Python
Species:	P. regius
Binomial name
Python regius (Shaw, 1802)

The Ball Python (Python regius), also known as the Royal Python, is a ground dwelling snake native to the savannahs and rain forests in western Africa, predominatly the countries of Ghana, Togo, and Benin. Its name derives from its tendency to curl into a tight "ball" to protect its head on the inside when threatened. They are usually brown and black in color, and there are over 50 "morphs" in color that breeders have obtained (see link below). Adults can range from 90 to 180 centimeters (3 to 6 feet) in length, with the average being 120-150 cm. The female will commonly grow larger than the male. They reach sexual maturity at 3 to 5 years, and live more than 20-30 years, though the oldest recorded Ball Python reached 48 years of age in captivity.

Pythons and Boas, including Ball Pythons, have anal spurs, which are single claws appearing on either side of the vent. These spurs are important for the mating process aiding the snakes in holding onto their mate. Animals with the spurs damaged or removed have been shown to be less able to mate. It was once thought that these were vestigial organs however that theory has been rejected by many Herpetologists as they have a critical function. The spurs on males are generally longer than those on females. Spur size can be deceiving as there are many documented cases of females having longer spurs. The only definitive way to sex a ball python, or any snake, is by probing. This should only be done by someone with proper veteranary training as it is possible to kill the snake if the prober is inexperienced. Probing is when one inserts a special rod into the snake's cloaca. Males will always have a deeper cloaca, and females will always have a shorter cloaca.

In the wild Ball Pythons eat amphibians, lizards, birds and small mammals.

Ball Pythons as pets

Ball Pythons are commonly owned snakes due to their personalities. They come in a few different color phases. The natural phase is brown, tan and black in color. They are also sometimes seen as albino, caramel, jungle, reverse-stripe, axanthic, ghost, avalon oats, lemon pastel, pastel jungle, green rumi, pied, yellowbellies, and striped. There are more than 62 known genetic morphs to date.

In captivity most are fed mice as juveniles. Adults will take rats. They can be fed living or dead prey, but once they accustomed to one or the other, it can be difficult to get them to take anything else. Ball Pythons have a reputation for being picky eaters, but this is much more of a problem with snakes caught from the wild rather than captive-bred because they prey-imprint early in life, and it can be difficult to convince them to switch prey items. Offering different food items instead of just mice usually solves this problem, especially in captive-breed animals.

Like all ectotherms, they must be housed with an external heat source, such as an under tank heater and/or with heat lamps. The air in the snake's tank should be 20 °C to 27 °C, with a basking spot of 30 °C to 33 °C. (80°-85°F on the cool side, and 90°-93°F on the heated side)Heat rocks should never be used, as they can badly burn the snake.

A "juvi" or sub-adult snake can be homed in a 45-130 litre tank, but an adult will need a larger space. A 250 litre tank is sufficient for one full grown ball python. A hiding spot at each end of the tank should be provided, as they are very shy in the wild and will feel more secure. Ball Pythons can also live quite happily in a sweater box and/or other under-bed storage device properly changed to its needs. A 15 quart tub will serve hatchling ball pythons well, but juveniles and adults can be housed in 30-40 quart tubs.

Ball pythons should be housed individually. They will create a hierarchy system amongst the group if housed together. Several lower ranked ball pythons may refuse food in this environment and could continue to refuse food even if they're later placed in their own tank. Even worse than this is the fact that there has been proven incidences of cannibalism between relatively similar sized Ball Pythons. Although other species of snakes can be housed with ball pythons, this is not recommended. Boas are known to potentially carry IBD (inclusion body disease), which is a deadly disease that will kill ball pythons. Ball pythons are ground dwellers, and should not be left in a vertical tank, for it will stunt their growth. Having too much space to climb around in will also stress out your snake, so make sure the habitat is shallow. However,a ball python does enjoy climbig a branch and just hanging out for a while, especially right after eating.

External links

• RCReptiles.com - Professional Ball Python Breeder
• Dr. Steve Gorzula Presents - Ball Pythons in the Wild DVD
• Ball Python and Reptile Forum
• Melissa Kaplan's Herp Care Collection: Ball Pythons
• Herphangout Care Sheet on Ball Pythons
• Troubleshooting guide for Ball Pythons
• The Snake Keeper
• Ball Python Care Sheet
• kingsnake.com's ball python forums
• kingsnake.com's ball python classifieds
• kingsnake.com's ball python photo gallery
• Yahoo Ball Python Image Search
• Constrictors Unlimited
• [1]Reptic Zone