How Do Ball Pythons Live?

How do ball pythons live? If you’re looking to own a pet snake, a ball python is one of the snake species that’s ideal for first – time owners or even for experienced hobbyists. Ball pythons have a reputation for being generally docile and friendly. This breed can only reach a maximum length of 6 feet. On average, they measure around 4 feet. How do ball pythons live? In captivity, these docile snakes can live up to 20 to 30 years. However, when it comes to keeping pets like snakes, you need to ask yourself if you can provide for their needs. In this article, you’ll learn how do ball pythons live?

How Do Ball Pythons Live: Initial Cost

How do ball pythons live? Ball pythons are not that hard to keep but there are things you need to initially invest in that can add up to your monthly budget. The initial cost of ownership is around $350 to $1,000 for the first year. This is because you need to buy the terrarium, some decorations, substrate, heat lamps, heat regulators, vet checkup, and the like. In the succeeding years, it will only cost you around $150 to $350 as part of your monthly food budget and perhaps cleaning materials etc. Keep in mind though that there are also few factors that can cause for the prices to vary.

Ball Python Cost Breakdown

How do ball pythons live? When it comes to computing for the total cost of keeping a snake like a ball python, you need to consider a few factors. There’s a good amount of supplies that you need to buy aside from the snake itself. This includes housing, accessories, food, substrate, and heating equipment. It’s also best to set aside a budget for occasional medical care. The cost of all these things will vary depending on the kind of brand you’re going to buy, the quality of materials you prefer, and how many you may want. I have listed below some of the basic snake essentials that you need along with estimated prices. In addition to the initial cost that you will incur in your first year of snake keeping, I also included the yearly cost. The yearly cost includes the things that will recur on a monthly basis.   

Basic Essentials for Ball Python Snakes:

Purchase Price

• Initial Cost: $25 to $200
• Yearly Cost: 0

Enclosure

• Initial Cost: $75 to $300
• Yearly Cost: 0

Heat Pads and Heat Lamps

• Initial Cost: $10 to $30
• Yearly Cost: 0

Fluorescent Light

• Initial Cost: $20 – $30
• Yearly Cost: 0

Cage Decorations

• Initial Cost: $30 to $100
• Yearly Cost: 0

Thermometer

• Initial Cost: $10 to $20
• Yearly Cost: 0

Water Bowl

• Initial Cost: $5 to $15
• Yearly Cost: 0

Dry Hide and Humid Hide

• Initial Cost: $30 for each
• Yearly Cost: 0

Food

• Initial Cost: $100 to $150
• Yearly Cost: $100 to $150

Substrate

• Initial Cost: $50 to $70
• Yearly Cost: $50 to $70

Sphagnum Moss

• Initial Cost: $10 to $20
• Yearly Cost: 0

Parasite Medications

• Initial Cost: $0 to $15
• Yearly Cost: $0 to $15

Emergency Needs

• Initial Cost: $0 to $15
• Yearly Cost: $0 to $15

How Do Ball Pythons Live: Important Reminders

Enclosure

How do ball pythons live? The most essential component of snake keeping is the enclosure. The size of the tank that you will get for your pet snake will depend if you already want to invest on it one time. Some people initially buy a small tank then buy another one once their pet gets larger. You can also buy a larger one already so that you won’t need to replace it once your ball python reaches adulthood. For a 20 gallon tank, you can expect to pay around $75. For a 40 gallon tank, it may cost you around $300. You will also need to buy a tank that’s complete with screen clips and mesh screen to secure your snake inside.

As for what size is best for you ball python, the rule of thumb to follow is “the larger, the better.” We highly recommend that you buy a 40 gallon tank as this will allow you to also fit various decorations inside such as hide places, substrate, and plants. These accessories will keep the enclosure interesting for your new pet and will also provide enough space. 

Heat Lamp

How do ball pythons live? Ball python are reptiles and reptiles are cold – blooded animals. This means that they can’t produce their own body heat. This is where you come in. It’s very important that you provide your pet with enough heat in their enclosure. You can do this via using either setting up a heat lamp or by using an under – tank heating pad. You need to keep either one of these running constantly on one part of the cage because it’s essential for their health. It’s highly recommended that you get a mat because sometimes lighting can mess up the sleep schedule of snakes. Fortunately, you can set up a good heating pad. A $15 heat pad could last for many years.

Fluorescent Light

The fluorescent light is more of an optional accessory. Many snake owners don’t really need it. While it is commonly thought that a snake needs a light on, it’s actually a fallacy. Just like humans and other animals, snakes have sleep cycles. If you put on a constant light, it can definitely mess with their cycle. This may also stress out your snake. The best thing to do is to get your snake’s enclosure near a window where there’s already a good lighting so that you won’t need to buy additional light.

Thermometer

The environmental condition is very essential when keeping a ball python. Make sure to monitor the levels of temperature of inside the cage. One way of doing this is by using a thermometer and also a hygrometer (for humidity). You need to monitor not just the temperature but also the humidity levels of your pet’s tank. It should be in an optimal level. There are products out there that offer both a thermometer and a hygrometer, and it’s also generally cheap. 

How do ball pythons live? The ideal humidity level is around 55% to 60%. It should also have two sides. The warm side or basking area should have a temperature of 87°F to 90°F, and the cooler side should be around 77°F to 80°F.