Ball python: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 13:11, 9 June 2005

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{{Taxobox_section_binomial_parens | color = pink | binomial_name = Python regius | author = [[George Shaw|Shaw]] | date = [[1802]]}}

{{Taxobox_end}}

The '''Ball Python''' (''Python regius''), also known as the '''Royal Python''', is a ground dwelling [[snake]] native to the savannahs and rain forests in western [[Africa]]. Its name derives from its tendency to curl into a tight "ball" to protect it's head on the inside when threatened. They are usually brown and black in color. As adults will they can range from 3 to 6 [[feet]] (90 to 180 [[centimeter]]s) in length. They reach sexual maturity at 3 to 5 years, and live more than 20 years. The oldest recorded Ball Python reached 48 years of age in captivity.

[[Python]]s and [[Boa]]s, including Ball Pythons, have [[anal spurs]], which are single claws appearing on either side of the vent are the vestigial remains of the hind legs snakes lost during their evolution from lizards. The spurs on males are longer than those on females.

It is a popular [[Exotic pet]], sometimes recommended as a "beginner snake," because it is docile and grows to the manageable size of 3 to 5 [[feet]] (1 to 1.6 [[meter]]s).

In the wild Ball Pythons eat [[amphibians]], [[lizards]], other [[snakes]], [[birds]] and small mammals.

Ball Pythons have somewhat of a reputation for being picky eaters, but this is much more of a problem with snakes caught from the wild rather than captive-born. Ball pythons refusing to eat can usually be left alone for an adjustment period of 1-2 years. New owners will usually have the most trouble.

== Ball Pythons as Pets ==

Ball Pythons are commonly owned snakes due to their non-aggressive personalities. They come in a few different color phases. The natural phase is brown and black in color. They are also sometimes seen as [[albino]], caramel, jungle, reverse-stripe, anerythristic, ghost, lemon pastel, pastel jungle, pied, and striped.

In captivity most are fed mice. Ball Pythons have somewhat of a reputation for being picky eaters, but this is much more of a problem with snakes caught from the wild rather than captive-born.breed Ballbecause pythonsthey refusingprey-imprint toearly eatin canlife, usuallyand beit leftcan alonebe fordifficult anto adjustmentconvince periodthem ofto 1-2switch prey yearsitems. New ownersOffering willdifferent food items instead of just mice usually havesolves thethis mostproblem, especially in captive-breed troubleanimals.

Like all [[cold-blooded]] animals, they must be housed with an external heat source, and they must also have enough space to be comfortable. Contrary to folk-myth, snakes do not stop growing to fit their housing space.

They are nocturnal and can live up to 50 years in captivity if cared for properly, though 20-30 years is much more common.

==External link==