TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction 1
- Glossary of Snake Terms 4
- Chapter One: Understanding Ball Pythons 11
- Summary of Ball Python Facts 13
- Origin and Distribution 15
- Chapter Two: Things to Know Before Getting a Ball Python 19
- Do You Need a License or a Permit? 21
- How Many Ball Pythons Should You Keep? 23
- Do Ball Pythons Get Along with Other Pets? 25
- How Much Does it Cost to Keep a Ball Python? 26
- What are the Pros and Cons of Ball Pythons? 30
- Chapter Three: Purchasing Your Ball Python 33
- Where Can You Buy Ball Pythons? 35
- How to Choose a Reputable Ball Python Breeder 37
- Tips for Selecting a Healthy Ball Python 40
- Chapter Four: Caring for Your New Ball Python 43
- The Basics of Reptile Thermoregulation 44
- Ball Python Caging 46
- Heating Requirements 47
- Lighting Requirements 49
- Maintaining Humidity 50
- Useful Tools and Devices 51
- Chapter Five: Meeting Your Ball Python’s Nutritional Needs 53
- Prey Items to Feed Ball Pythons 55
- Feeding Fresh vs. Killed Prey 57
- Tips for Feeding Your Ball Python 58
- Possible Feeding Problems 60
- Chapter Six: Ball Python Husbandry 63
- Cleaning and Disinfecting the Snake Cage and Habitat 63
- Tips for Bathing a Ball Python 67
- Chapter Seven: Ball Python Handling and Temperament 69
- Ball Python Temperament 70
- Tips for Handling Your Ball Python 70
- Behavioral Characteristics of the Ball Python 72
- Chapter Eight: Breeding Your Ball Python 77
- Sexing 78
- Thermal Cycling and Cooling 80
- Introduction and Mating 81
- Ovulation and Pre-Lay Shed 81
- Laying Eggs 82
- Brooding or Incubation 84
- Hatching 86
- Chapter Nine: Keeping Your Ball Python Healthy 89
- Respiratory disease 91
- Dermatitis 91
- Inclusion Body Diseases 92
- Infectious stomatitis 93
- Ticks and mites 93
- Rectal Prolapse 94
- Tail-hanging 95
- Septicemia 96
- Ball Python Care Sheet 97
- Basic Ball Python Information 98
- Habitat Requirements 100
- Nutritional Needs 100
- Breeding Information 101
- Index 103
- Photo Credits 109
- References 111
