If you dream of owning your first snake but are a little afraid of their size or complex care, take a closer look at the ball python. This amazing snake has earned the love of terrarium owners around the world not only for its beauty but also for its gentle, balanced character.
Unlike many of its relatives, the royal python rarely shows aggression. When stressed, it is more likely to curl up into a tight ball, hiding its head inside, than to attack. This feature has given it a second, very apt name—the ball python.
Its size is also ideal for keeping at home. An adult snake rarely exceeds one and a half meters in length, which makes it easy to handle and does not require a huge terrarium.
It is also a real fashionista among reptiles. Thanks to the work of breeders, there are now several hundred color variations, or morphs. You can choose a python that looks like its wild counterpart, or find a dazzling white, bright orange, or even iridescent beauty.
All this makes the royal python a wonderful companion. It is unpretentious, calm, and truly beautiful. Let's find out how to create a comfortable home for such a pet and befriend it.
The royal python is the perfect choice for those who want to get a snake. It does not require complex care, is calm, rarely shows aggression, and tolerates life in captivity very well. At the same time, it looks like a real beauty: shiny scales, expressive patterns, and noble movements make it a decoration for any terrarium. Plus, it makes almost no noise, has no smell, and does not shed — what else do you need for peaceful coexistence?
Habitat and lifestyle
Where does the royal python live? Royal pythons are widespread in West and Central Africa.
Its habitat covers the Central African Republic, Senegal, Mali, Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Niger, Nigeria, Benin, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Uganda, Sudan, Cameroon, and Chad.
Habitat map
Pythons settle in savannas and equatorial forests, leading nocturnal lifestyle. Snakes spend the daytime in shelters: under tree roots, in hollows, between rocks, and under fallen leaves. At dusk, they go out hunting, preferring to wait for prey near their shelter. They are excellent climbers and good swimmers.
Royal python
They suffocate their prey by constricting it with their bodies and then swallow it whole. They feed on rodents, small mammals, and birds.
Appearance
The royal python is one of the smallest members of the true python genus. It is distinguished by its powerful, thick body with a short tail and a large, angular head that is noticeably separated from the neck.
On both sides of the cloaca are small spikes the minimum number of body segments is 30, while the maximum depends on the species. In some cases, this number is 52-53, in others – 60. The limbs are specific – they resemble bristles. Molting continues throughout life, which means that the body length is constantly increasing.
The coloration is bright and striking, with large spots and stripes in yellowish, brown, and beige tones with black or light edging.
The belly is cream-colored or almost white, plain or with small spots, with a large triangular spot (usually darker) on the head.
Housing conditions
Royal pythons are considered one of the most popular snakes for keeping in captivity. They are compact, do not require huge terrariums, get along well with each other, and can be tamed.
Pythons are kept in glass or plastic terrariums that are at least twice the length of the snake. Young pythons do well in small terrariums or plastic containers, but as they grow, they will need to be relocated. To prevent the python from escaping, the terrarium should be covered with a lid with ventilation holes covered with mesh.
Eyes
The bottom should be covered with artificial substrate, cypress mulch, coconut fiber, or paper towels, which should be changed as they become dirty. Wood shavings or sawdust are not suitable as substrate. The terrarium is decorated with large stones, branches, and driftwood. Required shelters, where snakes will hide during the day: large pots, artificial grottos, wooden, plastic, or cardboard tunnels.
Close-up of the head
The ideal daytime temperature for a royal python is 26-29 degrees. This can be achieved using a heating mat or heating cord attached around the perimeter of the terrarium. It is recommended to install a ceramic-coated lamp in one corner: the temperature in this area can reach 32 degrees. A thermometer is attached to the wall for monitoring. By moving from one area to another, the python regulates its body temperature on its own.
Photo of a royal python
At night, the lamps and heating are turned off, and the temperature in the terrarium drops to 21-23 degrees. Such daily fluctuations are necessary to maintain the python's natural life cycle.
Please note:! The terrarium needs a container with clean water, which will be useful for drinking and bathing. As the python grows, the bathing area increases and becomes deeper. The humidity level is very important: it is desirable to maintain it at 70-80% by spraying the walls with water from a spray bottle.
Feeding
The python is a versatile predator. In the wild, its diet consists mainly of rodents: mice, rats, and shrews. If possible, the python will not mind feasting on a careless bird.
In a terrarium, snakes can be fed mice, small rats, hamsters, and chickens. To avoid injury, potential prey should be pre-warmed. deafening: the python is not bothered by immobile food.
In captivity, pythons can also be fed frozen food: skinned rodents, carcasses of small animals, and birds. It is safe and does not contain sharp fragments that could damage the snake's esophagus. Before use, frozen food is thawed in warm water.
The only drawback of such food is the difficulty of purchasing it; frozen food must be ordered through special services. However, it solves the ethical problems that are inevitable when buying live food yourself.
Feeding frequency depends on age. Young individuals feed twice a week; one mouse is enough for one meal. Adult pythons are fed once a week, with one large rat per serving. It has been observed that pythons grow faster and gain weight better when fed rats. A single refusal to eat is possible, but a persistent loss of appetite is a reason to carefully examine your pet or consult a veterinarian.
Royal python, photo
In addition to food, pythons constantly need clean water: spring water, bottled water, or filtered water. The water in the drinking bowl is changed daily, as pythons use it not only for drinking but also for bathing.
Reproduction
Sexual maturity in pythons begins at different times. Some females successfully produce offspring as early as 18-20 months, but most are ready to mate at 3-4 years.
The mating season for royal pythons in terrarium conditions begins in mid-summer or autumn and lasts until early December. Preparation is necessary before mating: future partners are placed in separate terrariums, the temperature is lowered to 20 degrees, and the daylight hours are shortened. After 20-30 days, the pythons are returned to the common terrarium, where mating takes place.
Pregnancy lasts 110-120 days, after which the female lays 4-6 eggs (larger clutches are also found). The female curls up around the eggs, warming and protecting them with her body. She does not eat or leave the nest during the entire incubation period. After 68-90 days, the hatchlings appear, remaining in their shells for a while before crawling around the terrarium.
Note! Young pythons begin to feed independently 7-10 days after birth. The best food for them is small mice, previously stunned. The babies can be left with their parents until they grow up and need a separate spacious terrarium.
Subspecies and morphs
The natural coloration of royal pythons is very beautiful, but breeders are not stopping there, breeding new morphs and fixing unusual color mutations.
The following are among the most interesting and popular.
Albino
Albino pythons occur in the wild, but this mutation was successfully fixed artificially in 1992. Pythons of this type can be high-contrast or low-contrast, and their coloration lacks dark pigment. Large bright yellow spots are scattered on a white or cream background. With age, low-contrast albinos lose their white markings and become solid yellow, while high-contrast albinos retain their striking spotted pattern. All albinos have pink-red eyes.
Pegoy
A unique coloration combining pure white areas with fragments of classic gray-brown-black spotted coloration; the head also has standard coloration. When describing piebald pythons, the percentage of white must be indicated; the higher it is, the more highly valued the snake is. The mutation is well fixed in the offspring, but only when two piebald individuals are crossed.
Banana
A relatively new color variation popular with breeders. The snake's body is bright yellow, sandy, or orange with an asymmetrical pattern of dark and light spots. Many mutations of pastel and brighter tones have been bred, and one snake of this morph is sufficient to produce offspring of the desired color.
Clown
The main color is brown, with a dark stripe with uneven edges running down the back. The sides can be solid or decorated with small spots resembling paint drips. On the head, spots of different shades of brown form a complex, whimsical pattern. The color is recessive, so two snakes of the same morph are needed to fix it in breeding.
Pastel Clown
A variation of the previous morph in light colors. Instead of brown pigment, there is beige, bronze, or light yellow. There is no black stripe on the back, but the spots on the sides and head are more pronounced.
Genetic
The original coloration is without spots, the sides and belly are solid: yellowish, beige, light brown, or almost white. A solid stripe with even edges runs along the back; it can be contrasting or almost blending in with the main coloration. The morph is recessive, and the offspring are diverse in color.
Diseases and prevention
The health of a python depends on its living conditions, diet, and innate immunity. To avoid missing any signs of illness, it is recommended to monitor the snake's weight and observe its behavior, especially during feeding.
A single refusal to eat is normal, but if the python does not eat more than a month, the outcome can be disastrous. Royal pythons are prone to the following diseases:
- stomatitis;
- respiratory syndrome (acute or chronic);
- cryptosporidiosis;
- protrusion of organs from the cloaca.
These pathologies are characteristic of both sexes and occur in both artificially bred morphs and pythons living in the wild.
This is important! Females often experience dystocia – egg retention in the reproductive tract during laying.
It is quite difficult to understand what exactly is happening with the python, but an experienced veterinarian will help to establish a diagnosis. experienced veterinarian. In case of severe exhaustion, lack of stool, or any unusual behavior, it is necessary to contact a clinic as soon as possible and begin treatment.
Interesting facts
The unofficial name for the royal python is the ball python or ball snake. The reason for this is the snake's behavior: if it is frightened, it does not attack, but curls up into a compact ball, hiding its head.
Due to their lack of aggression and innate phlegmatic nature caring for pythons is very easy.. This species is recommended for beginners: if the temperature and heat conditions are maintained, a royal python will live in captivity for up to 40 years, which is four times longer than in the wild.
Royal pythons grow very quickly: at birth, they are no more than 43 cm long, but in the first 3 years, young pythons grow 30 cm annually. Adult females are almost twice as long as males, and this difference is noticeable within a few months after birth.
Like other pythons, royals shed their skin regularly. Young snakes shed their skin monthly, then the shedding cycle slows down.
You can purchase a royal python at specialized nurseries or from private breeders. The price depends on the age and size of the snake, as well as its coloration. Interesting morphs are more expensive, while pythons with classic natural coloration are cheaper.
Royal python
On average, a giant snake can be purchased for 15,000 rubles, with males being slightly cheaper.
The royal python is truly the pet that many reptile lovers dream of. It combines a striking appearance, a calm temperament, and surprising undemanding care. If you are looking for a beautiful and dignified snake to start your journey in terrarium keeping, it will be an excellent choice.
Its main advantages are its compact size and phlegmatic nature. It is not aggressive, rarely bites, and prefers to spend most of the day quietly resting in its shelter. This makes it an ideal pet even for a small apartment. You won't have to spend a lot of time on complicated care procedures.
Of course, like any living creature, it needs proper care: a stable, heated terrarium and regular feeding. But if you provide these basic conditions, the python will delight you with its presence for decades. It is a patient and beautiful friend, and interacting with it is a real pleasure.
