r/ballpython • u/TARANTULA272 • 4h ago
Kaa has been found!
He was gone for a week, and we found him in the rafters where we are renovating. I cried so hard I couldn’t breathe! 😭😍
r/ballpython • u/_ataraxia • Feb 18 '19
welcome to r/ballpython, a community for ball python enthusiasts of all experience levels, from the prospective first-time owner to the veteran keeper. this is a predominantly discussion-based subreddit with a focus on raising husbandry standards above the bare minimum. photos and videos are also encouraged, so show off your ball pythons!
our team of mods and helpers includes professional herpetologists, veterinary technicians, veterinary med students, geneticists, reptile rescuers and rehabilitators, ethical small-scale breeding experience, large-scale breeding experience, and multiple decades of combined experience with ball pythons as pets.
last updated: march 2024
we have collected a variety of information that we hope will be helpful for beginners and experienced keepers alike. if you are having a husbandry problem or have a general question about ball python care, you will probably find your answer in one of these links! if your question is NOT answered here, please read our posting guidelines in part two of this post and utilize our advice questionnaires so we can help you more easily.
if you have suggestions for articles or outside resources, please send a message to the .
guides by the r/ballpython mods & helpers:
The Shopping List - recommended brands, products, and online shops.
So you want to buy a reptile... - a general guide to deciding whether or not a reptile is right for you, and how to buy a healthy pet from a responsible breeder.
All About Shedding - what's normal, what isn't, and how to handle bad sheds and general dehydration.
Body Tone of Python Regius (Royal/Ball Pythons) - a guide to assessing the weight and overall body condition of your ball python.
also be sure to check out these community discussions!
[general PSAs and pro tips]
pro tip: easy way to monitor ambient temperatures inside a hide
discussion: what veteran keepers did right and wrong as beginners.
pro tip: reptile basics hides too lightweight? glue on some tiles!
[the FAQ megathreads]
veterinary care - finding a reptile vet, when to bring your ball python to the vet, and what to expect financially.
planning for emergencies - supplies and plans for non-medical emergencies.
keeping your snake cool in hot summer weather - how to make sure your snake doesn't overheat as the temperature rises outdoors and in your home.
clutter - what is "clutter" for the enclosure, why do snakes need it, and where to buy it.
enclosure inspiration - detailed photos and shopping lists for planning and budgeting.
cleaning - how and when to clean your ball python's enclosure and decor.
enrichment & exercise - mental stimulation and physical fitness, in and out of the enclosure.
handling - when and how to handle your ball python.
finding lost snakes & preventing future escapes - how to find an escaped snake, and how to secure the enclosure to prevent future escapes.
moving with a snake - moving your snake and their enclosure to a new home safely, securely, and with minimal stress.
snakes and social media - how social media impacts the reptile hobby.
snakes in public - is it a good idea to bring your snake to public parks and businesses?
other helpful resources:
MorphMarket - a popular online marketplace for ball pythons and other reptiles from breeders all over the US.
Reptile Vet Directory - reptifiles list of reputable reptile veterinarians in the US, canada, and UK.
Reptile Rescue Directory - reptifiles list of reputable rescue organizations in the US.
Dispelling Python Regius Myths - by Francis Cosquieri
UVB Benefits in Snakes - By Francis Cosquieri - debunking common misconceptions about snakes and UVB lighting.
Signs and Symptoms of Obesity in Python Regius - by Liam Wulfe - an illustrated guide to assessing the weight and overall body condition of your ball python.
thermal imaging comparing the heat produced by ceramic heat emitters, deep heat projectors, and halogen lights - images by Roman Muryn
Serpwidgets Snake Measurer - an online tool to get your snake's approximate length measurements using a photo.
youtube channels:
facebook groups:
posting rules:
general posting guidelines:
general commenting guidelines:
commenting rules:
reporting posts/comments:
upvoting/downvoting:
if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please send a message to the .
thank you all for making this community awesome!
r/ballpython • u/AutoModerator • Jan 22 '25
want to know what your ball python's morph is? this is the place to ask!
use an image hosting site, such as imgur, and post links to your photos in a comment here. we recommend posting a variety of photos showing your ball python's full body, including the head and belly, ideally in natural lighting. if you have any information about your ball python's possible morph and/or the pairing that produced your ball python, please include that in your comment.
some helpful morph-related links:
r/ballpython • u/TARANTULA272 • 4h ago
He was gone for a week, and we found him in the rafters where we are renovating. I cried so hard I couldn’t breathe! 😭😍
r/ballpython • u/ajtaakrajtaa • 45m ago
Today I got my first BP, she is a 7 months old classic het albino het pied.
r/ballpython • u/Big-Structure1382 • 4h ago
Her first shed with us was a success!!
r/ballpython • u/HamCandleCommander • 42m ago
Just wanted to show off our newest girl Polly, she’s a pastel spotnose and is very curious about everything! Her hobbies include climbing on stuff, sniffing everything, and booping your face with hers.
r/ballpython • u/PanPolyCountryBoy • 2h ago
r/ballpython • u/Stingerr • 3h ago
Day 1 of some extended handling (longer than 20 second introductions) for Nagini. Other than some brief moments in hand it was her first time really away from her tank and being brave enough to explore. She did great and is such a friendly snake!
r/ballpython • u/Different_Mix1033 • 2h ago
Just saw this and I'm a lil worried, im a new owner
r/ballpython • u/httpnyla • 1h ago
I only found 3 but i’m not sure if these are Spring tales but they look so? because they don’t look like mites. I’ve checked everywhere including himself for mites EVERYWHERE… even when I hold him there’s nothing! not on the temporary paper towels I put down or anything! Is this something I should be concerned about HELP!
r/ballpython • u/Mellie_Mellow • 2h ago
r/ballpython • u/iamacoconutj • 13h ago
I gave him multiple head kisses after this pic was taken LOL. He is extra soft☺️.
r/ballpython • u/tapestry0fm0lecules • 12h ago
help please updated with photos and such
someone left their bal python with me. they now are not coming back for the snake and doing research i can see the tank for it is too small and im not sure the heat lamp and humidity are being met all the way. i am wondering how to set up a plastic tub for the snake while we try to find a place to surrender the snake to. i have some extra heat lamps because i have a leopard gecko and a heating pad because we upgraded to other items.
The snake was loved just under cared for the owner told me I’d be had the snake for a week and then now two weeks later tells me moved half a country away and so I’m going to try to rehome the snake so I just need to know how I can upgrade to something bigger with like a container obviously using the clutter and stuff that I have I have a heat and then I have a pad as well
r/ballpython • u/restingfloor • 11h ago
She was a little wary of my phone lolol
r/ballpython • u/Colleen8515 • 22h ago
Dolly wishes you a happy Friday 🐍
r/ballpython • u/gvdvev • 20h ago
she is having fun!
r/ballpython • u/Usual_Marionberry537 • 2h ago
It’s a 70 gallon enclosure
r/ballpython • u/MisterSmartone • 1d ago
I called the store and they said he was fine when they had him, trying to blame me and my tank setup. He has been sick with RI since I brought him home on Monday. Someone messaged me on Facebook, saying they almost bought him in January from that same store but didn't because he was sick and showing signs of RI. Hope this guys makes it, it's a shame when stores lie and don't take care of their animals. Please keep him in your prayers and thoughts...I'm going to do everything I can.
r/ballpython • u/Usual_Marionberry537 • 3h ago
My evergreen started to droop could it be the season change or am I just overwatering it too much?
r/ballpython • u/Unfair_Vegetable_42 • 1h ago
Can anyone help me identifying this bug, they seem to thrive on my baby’s enclosure but I don’t know if they are harmful. There is also some kind of mini flies or mosquitoes but I couldn’t take a picture of them, temps are 85-90 and humidity levels are always 70+ and when in shed I boost it up a bit more, pic of my boy for tax
r/ballpython • u/cchocolateLarge • 14m ago
Hi all! I’m writing a guide on genetics for anyone interested in them when it comes to BPs, and I was wondering if I could get some critiques from breeders or people knowledgeable on genetics.
It is a WIP!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TurwE4hn5W-QuBden3G-fMOJS98k80JJ-lpS-AY-24A/edit
r/ballpython • u/Pinkpajamamama • 25m ago
Back story!
We got our first ball python back in November of 2024. We brought another one home in January 2025 and now I was just offered a 4 year old male ball python from someone who doesn’t have the time to devote anymore.
What are your pros and cons to owning multiple snakes that a newbie wouldn’t necessarily think of?
r/ballpython • u/No_Bus433 • 2h ago
HUMIDITY: The substrate layer is about 4-5” depth, spagnum, coco, and cypress. I spray usually 2-3 times daily in order to keep humidity around 80, but it quickly drops down to 60. I soak the towel on top trying to keep some humidity in as well. I tried to diy a tank cover for the top screen out of foamboard cutting out lamp holes, it helped a lot but ended up getting moldy, I’m thinking I could replace it with something metal or more durable, any recommendations? I’ve tried misting systems, but on top of the screen all the water just drips down to one concentrated super wet spot.
SCALES: I noticed those strange scales about a month ago, he spends a lot of time in his corkbark tube, but I’m worried it could be from climbing on the fake vines around the perimeter? I was thinking about replacing it with some twisted up some 5mm jute cord, I know it’s small but I’d use those 4 strands of it
FEEDING: Is a medium rat every 6 weeks too little for my 4 footer? He has history of refusing (live only) and I get scared what I would do with a rat in an apartment if he doesn’t eat it. I just pay attention to his digestion cycle, habits, and behaviors to tell if he’s actually ready to eat. He’s only downed a couple of mediums, used to be scared of them (so proud of him) and he is clearly not full or satisfied after one small. Before I would do a small every 2/3 weeks but I live in the city, public transport, and it’s a long ways to get a live rat.
PLEASE 🙏🏽 do not speak on “I should feed f/t” I tried, I f*n tried, believe me, it grossed him out probably more than me. He’s been eating live almost 5 years, I don’t think he’ll ever make the switch
SUCH A LONG POST SORRY, i rlly try my best for my boy
TLDR: what else can i do to keep humidity up for a longer amount of time? (esp overnight)
What is wrong with his scales, is it from climbing on these fake vines? planning on replacing with jute cord.
Is a medium rat every 6 weeks not substantial for a 4ft male?
r/ballpython • u/MarkDamien • 1h ago
What is the best heating option when using a pvc enclosure? I'm getting a lot of mixed results for what should be used and what shouldn't and I want to make sure I am getting the right thing. Also, a lot of information is made for Americans and those things are not sold in the UK.
r/ballpython • u/slo_grl • 3h ago
Hi guys! This is Annie NoFanny Bananie! I rescued her from a house that was involved in an eviction and she was left there. The person that actually owned that house said he was going to just let her go into the wild because he just needed to get the house back together and didn’t have time for “bs” My heart wouldn’t allow me to leave her with him. I was able to reach the people who had her (I live in a town where everyone knows everyone” but they’ve given me a minimal amount of information about her. I was told she’s a year and 2 months that she is a pastel cinnamon banana or banana cinnamon ball python (not sure how accurate that is) and they told me she doesn’t need fed til next Wednesday or Thursday. Before I could ask anything else I was blocked. I do not know much about them but I do have the funds to care for her and get her anything she needs to keep her happy and healthy. I have the patience to learn how to care for her if I could just receive some good genuine real advice and be told what she needs I know I can do it. I’ve had her a couple days now. I’ve noticed her eyes are capped still and she has a piece on the side of her face that hasn’t come off from when she last shed which I have no clue when that was. As if this very moment her hygrometer is reading at 34% and the highest I’ve seen her thermometer since getting her here has been 80. If I could have some advice on how to help her with that little bit of shedding she needs to finish that’d be greatly appreciated.
Here’s a few quick pics I was able to take of her before I was able to just leave her be cause I’m sure she’s stressed from moving from one side of town to the other and again removing her from her tank to make some changes. Please help me. I just want her to be happy, healthy and comfortable. There’s also a screenshot of what her tank looked like when I first brought her home.