Can my ball python play outside?

[DooLittle]

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

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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[xFenrir]

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.

[Salamander Rising]

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.

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

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

[r0ckyr3pt1le]

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.

[bpownerjoey]

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.

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.

[Simon.peter.kust]

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.

[Meerna]

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.

[lawnchaircrisis]

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

[JodanOrNoDan]

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.

[PitOnTheProwl]