Ball Python as a Pet

Ball Pythons are a very popular pet all over the world. They are excellent and have plenty of qualities that make them better and more popular pets across the globe. Their docility, along with the fact that they are non-aggressive, makes them an ideal pet for a beginner snake owner.

It is possible to keep them in captivity. They are small in size and placid in nature. They come in an endless number of shapes and colors which gives pet owners an endless choice of what to choose from. They can live for 20 to 30 years if kept in captivity.

Are Ball Pythons good pets?

Yes, ball pythons are indeed good pets, but it is important to research how to handle them and care for them properly. They come with a reasonable price and so many options, and they are not venomous.

There are several reasons why ball pythons are a good and affordable pet. In the following paragraphs, we have listed these reasons and discussed them in detail.

Their maintenance requirements are low

A ball Python, as you know, is one of the most popular pets in the world. This is because they are easy to care for and require little maintenance as compared to other reptile pets.

There is no need to give your ball python a lot of attention, so you shouldn't have to give a lot of time to them in your busy lifestyle. 

They are friendly and easy to handle

A ball python is viewed as a very popular pet due to their friendly nature. When they are new in your house, they take a little while to adjust to you, but after a while, they become friends with you if you give them adequate care and attention.

The most effective way to get along with them is to treat them gently. It is recommended that you handle them at least once a day. Soon, they will start to become very friendly and comfortable with you.

They do not require a large tank

A ball python does not require a large enclosure and plenty of substrates in the tank. Female ball pythons are giant than male ball pythons, so they may need as much as a 4 to 5-foot-long tank. in comparison, male ball pythons may require a 3 to 5-foot tank.

Their feeding products are affordable

As a pet owner, if you're looking for a pet with affordable needs then a ball python is the ideal pet for you. This is due to their easy care and affordable feeding requirements. Ball pythons can eat up to two mice or rats a week and don't need much maintenance.

Their lifespan is long

Pet owners are usually emotionally attached to their pets and so when their pets pass away, they break down. But if the pet is a ball python, there is no problem because its lifespan in captivity is too long, usually between 20 to 30 years. Therefore, this does not pose a problem.

Pros and Cons of owning a Ball Python

Pros

  • Their maintenance is low,
  • It is easy to handle and care for them,
  • They maintain a clean habitat,
  • Their nature is friendly and docile,
  • They have a long lifespan,
  • A wide variety of colors and patterns can be found in ball Pythons,
  • They don't need a lot of attention.

Cons

  • Their tank setup is expensive and time-consuming,
  • They can sometimes be unpredictable and dangerous,
  • They usually need live food,
  • Not easily accessible or easy to find.

What are the difficulties of keeping Ball Pythons as Pets?

There is no doubt that they are good pets once they are properly cared for. They don't need any special care from you just like other pets, but there are some difficulties you will have to face if you keep them as pets. These difficulties are described below.

  • Whenever they suffer from health problems such as not being active, stress, or a lack of food, they do not show any signs. Therefore, it is difficult for owners to identify their problems.
  • It is sometimes that they behave unpredictably, and this can cause them to injure you by biting you. Therefore, you must make sure you understand how to handle them properly to avoid injury.
  • To regulate their temperature, they need some form of heat. They need heat sources for them to do this, and you must keep an eye on their humidity and temperature regularly so that they can thermoregulate.

Do Ball Pythons bite Or Are they dangerous for humans?

Yes, they may bite. However, it is important to note that even though they are not venomous, if you do not handle them appropriately, you may end up with injuries.

The nature of these animals is docile, and therefore, they are not dangerous to humans. If they bite you, all you need to do is wash your hands and disinfect the area in which they have bitten you.

To avoid biting, you must take safety precautions when handling them.

When choosing a Ball Python as a pet, what should I consider?

It is important to know how to choose a Ball Python and how to distinguish between a healthy and a non-healthy one if you are interested in getting one as a pet, which is explained below.

  • I recommend that you choose a young ball python so that it is easier to handle when you try to handle it for the first time.
  • You should choose a snake with a well-rounded body.
  • To choose a healthy ball python, the eyes, vent, and other organs must be clean.
  • To obtain a healthy ball python, it must show no signs of health problems such as respiratory problems and other health problems.

Do Ball Pythons recognize their owners?

Yes, ball pythons, as well as other snakes, can recognize their owners through scents and sounds that are associated with their owners.

It must be noted that animals cannot recognize people by memory as humans do. They can only recognize them by smelling or hearing them.

Do Ball Pythons cost too much to keep as pets?

No, ball Pythons are not expensive to maintain if they are kept correctly. While the initial setup might have been costly, substrates and food are not too expensive.

It is important to remember that as they grow and become adults, they will eat less, which will result in a lower feeding cost, and if you take care of them cleanly and hygienically, you will not need to visit a vet, which will result in a lower vet bill.

What is the cost of Ball Pythons and where can I purchase them?

A ball Python is probably one of the most popular pets that can be purchased for a reasonable price. These animals can cost anywhere between 100 and 400 dollars, depending on the size and the color pattern.

You can purchase them in local pet stores as well as from the online website that is given below.