well i managed to print out a caresheet of our BP's from the petco from where i work at. i gotta admit some of the info sounds reasonable but you judge to see how it is:

Ball Python
Python regius

Ball pythons are named for their habit of curling themselves up into a tight ball with their heads pulled firmly into the center when they are nervous. Ball pythons are carnivorous animals, and they are mostly active at night.

*a few question inserted here for the customer to answer to see if the BP is right as a pet for them*

Average size: 4-5 feet long

Life span: up to 30 years with proper care

Diet: Thawed, appropriate frozen size rodents, warmed to room temperature

Feeding: Feed adult snakes every two weeks, or as needed; juveniles once or twice a week

Feed in a separate tank so that your snake does not associate your hand or the cage being opened with feeding

If feeing your snake live rodents, do not leave them unattended. Live rodents can injure the snake, sometimes fatally.

Housing: Size - 20-gallon tank or larger to accommodate normal behavior and exercise.

Substrate - Aspen shavings, mulch-type commercial material; unbleached paper towels, soil, dampened sphagnum moss, and bark; pelleted paper; avoid gravel and artificial turf(too harsh for skin)

Habitat - Provide a hiding area just large enough for your snake to fit inside and a branch or shelf to climb on

Temperature - Temperature gradient (up to 95 F. for the warm end and 78 F. for the cool end); recommend radiant heat; use an incandescent light or ceramic heater as primary heat source, use an undertank heater as secondary source

Lighting - Snakes need a photoperiod light cycle; provide 8-12 hours of light daily; do not leave white light on at all times; to view snakes at night use a black or infrared light

Water - Provide a bowl of clorine-free water large enough for the snake to soak in

Do not house different species of reptiles together

Recommended Supplies:

Habitat with secure lid Thermometer and Humidity gauge
Appropriate substrate Hiding or retreat area
Large Water Dish Incandescent light or ceramic heater
Light timer Infrared or black light
Book about ball pythons undertank heat source


Normal Behavior and Interaction: Searches its habitat when hungry, appearing alert and even restless

May refuse food; can go several weeks without feeding

Will remain quiet in the hide box or coiled up for long periods of time; should display an alert demeanor when disturbed

As snakes get ready to shed, eyes will turn a milky blue over the course of a few days and body color will start to dull and develop a whitish sheen

Habitat Maintenace: Clean out water dish and replace water daily

Remove feces daily, or food if not eaten immediately

Thoroughly clean the tank at least once a week: set snake aside in a secure habitat; scrub the tank and furnishings with a 3% bleach solution; rinse throughly with water, removing all smell of bleah; dry the tank and furnishings; and add clean cage carpet

Grooming and Hygiene: Snakes will regularly shed their skin; if old pieces of skin remain after shedding, mist the snake and gently rub off the old skin

Always wash your hands before and after touching your snake or habitat contents to help prevent salmonella and other infectious diseases

Signs of a healthy animal
  • Active and alert
  • Clear eyes
  • Healthy skin
  • Eats regularly
  • Regular shedding of skin
  • Sheds skin in one complete piece
Common Health Issues
Dermatitis:
Symptons or causes- Blisters; rapid shedding caused by an unclean habitat or one that is too cold or damp.
Suggested action- Clean the cage and lower humidity. Consult your exotic animal veterinarian.

Respitory Disease:
Symptoms or causes- Labored breathing. Mucus in mouth or nostrils. Can be caused by a habitat that is too cold or damp.
Suggested Action- Keep snake warm and dry. Consult your exotic animal veterinarian.

Stromatitis:
Symptons or Causes- White, cheesy substance in the mouth; loss of teeth and appetite
Suggested action- If untreated, can be fatal. Consult you exotic animal veterinarian.

Ticks and Mites:
Symptoms or causes- Parasites on skin, can transmit diseases.
Suggested Action- Consult your exotic animal veterinarian

Red Flags
  • Unusually frequent or infrequent shedding
  • Lethargic or reluctant to eat
  • Abnormal feces
  • Difficulty shedding
  • Vomiting
  • Bumps or spots on skin
  • Labored breathing
  • White, cheesy substance in mouth