Companion Reptile Care SERIES Bpython.Qxd 8/11/2010 2:32 PM Page 2

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BALL

Most Common Disorders The ball python (Python of Ball Pythons regius), or royal python, is a Loss of appetite pythons small, attractive and gentle snake Intestinal parasites native to western and west-central Skin problems Africa. These nocturnal pythons Respiratory disease prefer mixed grassland and trees Mouth rot (savannah) as their habitat. External parasites (mites and ticks) During daylight hours they hide Dysecdysis (retained skin shed, retained eye spectacles) underground in rodent burrows. Obstipation/constipation In captivity, this behavior is Bite wounds from prey interpreted as secretive. When Dystocia/retained eggs they are frightened, they coil up Inclusion body disease into a ball — thus, the name “ball python.” Rectal/colon or uterine prolapse Spinal fractures/trauma/thermal burns Free-ranging ball pythons are considered a threatened species, Ball pythons can flourish as long-lived pets when attention is resulting from habitat destruction given to certain aspects of husbandry, including temperature and collection for the pet trade, and humidity. Regular visits to your reptile veterinarian skin trade, and as a food item. should be scheduled to check for parasites and other early signs of disease and to promote a long, satisfying relationship Permits are required for their with your ball python. For help in finding a reptile veterinari- exportation from Africa. an in your area, contact the Association of Reptilian and Ball pythons can be relatively Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) by visiting www.ARAV.org expensive pets to maintain because and click on “Membership Directory.” of their requirements for a large enclosure, special heating elements to regulate temperature, and live prey items for food.

Companion Reptile Care SERIES bpython.qxd 8/11/2010 2:32 PM Page 2

What Your Veterinarian Looks for in a Healthy Ball Python

Active tongue that flicks What to Expect from Your Ball Python when snake is handled Nostrils free of bubbles or discharge nakes do not respond to their owners like dogs be provided by special reptile heating pads or incan- Clear eyes Active and alert and cats do and generally prefer to be left descent light bulbs in reflector hoods, placed to avoid to surroundings Clean vent area alone. Ball pythons are exceptionally shy. Because they direct contact with the snake. One end of the enclosure are small and docile, they may appear to be a good should be maintained at a higher temperature for beginner snake; however, the new ball python owner basking. must be prepared to deal with poten- Proper humidity levels help ensure successful sheds V ital Statistics tial feeding problems, parasites and for your snake. Although the ideal humidity of the Body length (adults): 36-48 inches secondary health problems. The enclosure should be between 60 and 80%, this is diffi- (90-120 cm) beginner should acquire only young cult to maintain in a dry climate. An alternative is to Body weight: age and length dependent captive-bred specimens or imported provide a shedding box (eg, Tupperware® container Age of sexual maturity: 3-5 years specimens that are proven eaters. with the two opposite corners cut out for entry and Gentle but firm grip Maximum life span: 30-40 years Clear, firm skin with A frightened snake may lash with its exit). Damp sphagnum moss placed in the box main- Rounded body shape Average captive life span: 20-30 years no retained shed tail, hiss, or in rare cases, bite. tains an agreeably moist environment. Young growing (not triangular shape) snakes shed approximately every 4-6 weeks; adults Is Your Ball Python Male or Female? shed several times a year. Ball pythons are difficult to sex. Usually the males How to Keep Your Ball Python Healthy, Happy and Safe! have thicker tails, and the anal spurs are more curved. What and When to Feed Your Snake ✓ Buy from a reputable breeder Housing for your ball python It is important for ball pythons A reptile veterinarian may use a probe to determine Ball pythons are fed at night. They are fed every 7-10 because a young, captive-bred should: to avoid: your snake’s gender. days for the first 2-3 years and every 2-3 weeks there- ball python is less stressed and ✓ be a relatively large enclosure ✗ live prey that may injure them after. A prey item appropriate for the size of the snake more willing to eat than a Housing Recommendations frightened, wild-caught snake. ✓ maintain ambient daytime tem- ✗ normal household temperatures should be fed at each meal. Ball pythons are constric- peratures of 80-85°F (27-29°C) (cooler than 75°F [24°C]) Housing should be an escape-proof enclosure that is the ✓ Take your new ball python to tors—that is, they coil around their prey and suffo- ✓ ✗ appropriate size for the snake. Hatchlings require at a reptile veterinarian for a provide for a basking area of unsuitable substrates such as cate it. Only stunned or prekilled prey should be general health exam and test 90-94°F (32-34°C) cedar, corncob, wood chips/ least a 10 gallon tank (50 x 25 cm); young adults a for parasites. shavings, gravel, dirt or rocks offered to avoid injury to the snake. ✓ have access to fresh water in a 20 gallon tank (60 x 31 cm) and large adults need a ✓ ✗ Gerbils are the initial prey of choice, although dark- Leave a newly purchased snake bowl that is large enough for “hot rocks,” which are 30 gallon tank (90 x 31 cm). The best type of enclosure alone in its enclosure for 1-2 the snake to soak considered a potential hazard colored mice or hamsters might work as prey items in weeks to acclimate to its new ✓ maintain high relative humidity ✗ direct contact with heating is one specifically designed for housing snakes, which home. a reluctant eater. Some snakes do not recognize red- (60-80%); a large plastic con- elements includes a fixed screen/hinged glass top. A dark, secure ✓ eyed white mice as a food item. Rubbing mice with a Provide heat to your snake by tainer with moist sphagnum ✗ hiding box inside the enclosure at the cool end is soiled water bowl gerbil can impart the scent of the gerbil to the mouse special reptile heating pads or moss may help proper shedding incandescent light bulbs in ✗ cats, dogs, other pets mandatory for a sense of security. Because ball pythons ✓ include suitable substrates that and aid in converting the snake to a mouse diet. As reflector hoods; the use of “hot are easy to clean: newspaper, ✗ unsupervised children are nocturnal, UVB sources are not necessary. rocks” in the snake’s enclosure your snake gets larger, small rats are ideal. Adding paper towels, indoor-outdoor should be avoided. nutritional supplements, such as HEALx Sunshine carpet, Astroturf® Temperature and Humidity ✓ ® Interact with your ball python Factor, * to the prey’s diet may be beneficial. ✓ provide a climbing branch with Proper temperature regulation is even more important during the evening hours when greenery for basking than the physical enclosure in maintaining a healthy Frequency of defecation depends on food consumption it is becoming active. ✓ be escape-proof snake. Room temperature is not adequate for the and age but should occur at least 1-2 times per month. ✓ Use a pillowcase as a transport container for short trips. digestive process and health of the snake. Heat may *www.HarrisonsPetProducts.com

Text by Susan Leck, DVM and Roger Klingenberg, DVM