Can my ball python play outside?

Maybe this is a dumb question, but its not my first so I'll ask it anyway. Is it OK to take my snake outside and let him explore around?

Will he possibly get mites or some other nasty parasite or be attacked by insects (mosquitos, ticks, etc)? Maybe it would scare the crap out of him and stress him out?

He likes to crawl around the house (OK maybe he really doesn't like it, I don't know) but I'm constantly chasing him down and moving him away from whatever he was trying to get into/under. He could have more freedom outside.

Can you take them outside? yes but there are some things to consider

1. proper temperatures/humidity (common sense don't take a BP outside when it is 40 degrees)

2. other people... Our hobby is under fire all the time we don't need nyone getting the cops called on them because they took their BP to a park

3. bugs. I doubt that you will pick up reptile mites (though it is possible) there are all sorts of other bugs that can be a nuisance.


All in all I personally don't think that taking a BP outside is worth the potential risks.... but many people do take their BP's outside.

There was a quite controversial thread on here about this not long ago. I believe it got moved to qt though. Short answer, technically they could go outside, however its not at all in their best interest. If your bp is "trying to get into things" its trying to find a place to curl up and hide. They do not need to "explore" outside. Mine go out as far as my front yard once in a blue moon on a sunny day for pictures.

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Yeah I'm not talking about taking him to the park or anything. Just letting him slither around the front yard. Thanks for the info. Gives me something to consider.

On the other hand, fresh air, exercise, and natural sunlight can only be beneficial. I feel it's a trade-off. It is stressful for the snake, there are some risks of exposure to bugs (not a huge risk), and you must be extremely careful with supervision.

I think, overall, it's neutral--the benefits and risks are likely balanced. A lot depends on how YOUR individual snake responds to it. They are all individuals. I would not take a snake with a shy or nervous disposition outside.

I will take my friendliest BP outside for what I call "yard patrol"... usually late evening-ish... we just stroll around the yard investigating different plants and flowers - usually he is hanging around my neck - sometimes when he seems really interested in a certain plant or flower, I will let him investigate it a bit - he really seems to like certain types of iris - oh and roses, he really likes to smell roses... he is pretty much a lush though, and doesn't like to stray too far from my handling.

It really comes down to knowing your snake and being able to read his body language. Give it a shot; if he seems relaxed, let him out for a few minutes every now and then until he gets used to it. But all of the bp's I've cared for were very stressed when I tried taking them out. My boas sure do love being out though!

I would assume where you are located would play a huge factor. Like here in Wisconsin, it's been pretty hot and I don't think I would have to worry about reptile mites. Mine already has them, but when there gone I wouldn't have to worry here. Haha

Also something to think about - my BP doesn't seem to like it when I simply blop him down in the grass outside. He will usually crawl right back up in my lap.


I agree with Crazy4herps - you have to pay attention to their level of stress. It just so happens that Norman is not easily stressed and is quite the social buttfly - we often go visit the neighbors house during BBQs and other social events. But he the only snake I would do this with.

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

There was a quite controversial thread on here about this not long ago. I believe it got moved to qt though.

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My bad :rolleyes: lol
I posted that thread when I first joined here.