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.

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Originally Posted by Trackstrong83

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

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No bad. :). There is no bad question except the one that is not asked. While here at bp.net there seems to be a "general group consensus" of the best care and husbandry of bps, - to each his own. I think we are all here because we all love and want the best for our snakes, yet still have our own ideas and opinions. That's what's great about this community, many experienced keepers and all their experience and knowledge come together. Offering a pool of usefeul information to any newcomer, and maybe, perhaps new insite to a veteran keeper.

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I tried taking my Ball out twice; each time she would look around cautiously, then suddenly ball up tightly. It's the only time I've ever seen her live up to her breed name. Needless to say, being outside is something she seems to definitely not enjoy, so I don't do it anymore. She only gets to cruise around inside under supervision.

My boa, however, could care less where she is, as long as she gets the freedom to check out what she wants. She's perused my front yard (back when I lived in a house. we were off the street and had a very secluded yard) and seemed pretty happy. But still, I didn't do it often. Just as an occasional summertime treat.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

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.

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For reasons you well know, my biggest fear would be an escape!

I can't imagine having to hunt outside for my wayward snake.

:O

I usually just take mine out to get some fresh air and sunlight. He doesn't like the feeling of grass touching his face though, so I end up just holding him.

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Originally Posted by WingedWolfPsion

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.

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He basically sumed it up. If you are responsible and watch your ball carfully ( dont let it go near the road ) you should be fine for a short time outside.

Before i reshearched this topic. I took my regular bp outside she was a rescue i got a few months back her cage was not even set up right for her she had cuts and bruises all over her after i got her and fixed her cage she got sick once she got better i realized shes wasnt very friendly and not easy to handle she has a nice big cage but i noticed she explores the whole cage lookin for a way to escape so i found out if i bring her outside at night wen its warm and let her crawl around she becomes more friendly because wen i hold her she assumes shes being taken for a walk i only do this at night bp"s are nocturnal meaning they are naturally night time animals so wen i bring her out at night she never shows signs of being nervous or stressed out infact she explores as much as she can before i bring her back to her cage.

I sometimes take mine to Petco on Saturdays to show them off, but not out as in playing in the yard and such. I like to show them around at the store though and teach the kids and even adults that show an interest in them about BP's. Just today I took my new girl to Petco and one of the employees actually asked if she could hold her and if I would take a picture because some of her friends make fun of her being afraid of snakes.

I've taken my friendliest ball python out into the grass and he seems to like it. As others have said, it's all about knowing your snake, his comfort level and being able to interpret his body language. Kahlua seemed very relaxed and enjoyed slithering around in the grass, and since it was right around dusk, the heat and humidity levels were similar to what he was used to. As long as he is not at risk of getting into the road or getting lost, it can't hurt to try it. It also makes for some fantastic photo ops

Ok, 4 year old thread but...

1. I have too much money tied up in animals to let them play outside (which they have absolutely no need to do anyway) and bring something unwanted in.
2. I would never in a million years take an animal into a petco, see reason one.
3. My neighbors do not need to know my business.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h1...psax0gshc7.png

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Originally Posted by Michaelfree73

I like this post, I read so many posts relating how balls have to cognitive ability and it's just not true. You are obviously in tune with your pet and his existence is more enjoyable because of it. I do similar things with mine and he has become more docile because of it.

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Originally Posted by Michaelfree73

Edit(saying they have no cognitive abilities), again, it's just not true.

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5 years old thread, and the member quoted has not been active in over a year.