Ball Pythons:
My female Ball Python.
- Feeding:
Ball Pythons are quite a hardy species that does not require the same “tender love and care” that other, more delicate, species might. However, they can be fussy eaters. It is important to check on the behavior of your Ball Python as well as to check if it is in shed before you try feeding. There are many methods you can try to get your Ball Python to feed but the important thing to remember is DO NOT force feed unless recommended by a veterinary professional.
Generally, Ball Pythons can be fed mice and smaller rats throughout their lives and should be fed according to their weight.
- Housing:
Temp: Ambient 80-85F Basking 90-92F
Humidity: 40-60%
Ball Pythons grow to a modest size between 3-5 feet depending on gender and diet. There are many options as to what can be used as an enclosure if it meets the recommended minimum for the length of your snake and will retain enough humidity for them to be healthy. I personally use transparent storage bins for my Ball Pythons, and they seem to be much happier and healthier than in an aquarium style setup.
It is important to remember that, in nature, Ball Pythons are a prey species. Therefore, they do not like to be exposed for prolonged periods of time. Take the time to consider this when you are setting up their habitat. Add plenty of clutter and a hide large enough for them to fit comfortably.
Although Ball Pythons are not the best climbers out there, it is still a source of enrichment for them in the case they do decide to be a little more explorative of their environment. Try adding some branches and platforms in your habitat that will allow them to climb up and hang around if they so choose.
- Handling:
Before I get into this portion, I want to make it clear that every snake is different no matter the species. Some species tend to be more docile than others but that does not mean that every member of that species will have that behavior. Some Ball Pythons DO NOT want to be touched, while others pay no mind at all. It is best to test your snake, of any species, to determine where it stands before you begin to try handling it on a regular basis. SNAKES DO HAVE INDIVIDUAL PERSONALITIES.
With that out of the way, in general Ball Pythons are very docile and would rather ball up and hide their heads than strike at you. However, some Ball Pythons can be a little more aggressive than others and it is important to understand their body language before you attempt to make too much progress too quickly.
Most Ball Pythons will accept handling over time with repetition and care that not too much stress is put onto them to quickly.
Overall, Ball Pythons take handling very well and can be “trained” by association to understand that this could be an opportunity to explore and stretch themselves out. They are not so large that an adult may need to consider an extra set of hands to help in case of a bite, and they are suitable to be exposed to children as they are large enough that a little drop or squeeze will not hurt them or cause so much stress it could end in a bite.
- Ball Python Summary:
Ball Pythons make excellent pet snakes for anyone who is looking for their first pet snake or the veteran who has had anything but a Ball Python. As long as you respect their boundaries and provide proper feeding and housing, you cannot go wrong with a Ball Python. Their smaller size makes an excellent pet for those who have smaller children and pets as well as elderly folk. Their care is straight forward; however, they can be fussy eaters so proper preparations will need to be put in place to ensure they are getting their nutritional needs.
Red Tail Boas (BCIs):
My male Red Tail Boa.
For simplicity, I will be referring to Red Tail Boas as BCIs throughout this article.
- Feeding:
BCIs are often sold as newborns at pet stores or online and it is quite easy to forget how large these snakes can truly get or not realize it at all. They grow quickly and can reach an average size of 7-10 feet depending on gender. If you choose to purchase a BCI you need to consider the fact that eventually you will need to provide this animal with larger food items at various stages of their growth. At their smallest they can be fed fuzzy mice but as they reach their adult size you will need to consider purchasing something like a rabbit to ensure they receive a proper meal.
- Housing:
Temp: Ambient 80-90F Basking 90-95F
Humidity: 60-70%
As stated before, BCIs can reach lengths of 7-10 feet long and their enclosure will need to accommodate this. BCIs are also well adapted climbers so if it is possible for you to provide them with this it is highly recommended. They also appreciate lots of clutter to hide themselves in. They are very well adapted climbers and will appreciate some structure to their habitat. Being from the rainforests of South America, they enjoy a higher humidity range than Ball Pythons but temperature ranges are roughly the same.
When BCIs are born they are quite small making it surprising they can reach such a large size in adulthood, so it is important that you know for certain that this is the right snake for you and you have a plan in place for upgrading their enclosures. As hatchlings they can easily be kept in storage bins that are set up to meet all their requirements. Eventually, though, they will need an enclosure that is large enough to have some wiggle room. For an adult BCI a minimum of 4x2x4 feet.
- Handling:
BCIs are often seen as aggressive snakes simply due to their body language. I’m here to tell you that this is not the case. BCIs tend to hold themselves in a posture that appears as though they are about to strike, when in reality, they are just hanging out or inspecting their environment.
Unlike Ball Pythons, BCIs are quite active snakes that like to climb and explore their environment. When handling them, they more often see you as a tree and will climb around you to get a better view or to get to another spot they want to check out. However, it is important to note that their body language is a little more difficult to read than Ball Pythons and more care needs to be taken as far as your movements. It is best to avoid standing over them if they are on the floor as you may be perceived as a threat.
If you have small children or pets, it is a good idea to keep your BCI in a separate room in an enclosure that can be locked or latched shut. Snake feeding behavior is almost entirely instinctual and if they believe they can eat it, they will most certainly try. It is wise to keep small dogs and cats well away from your BCI if you decide to handle it. It is also a good idea to have a second person in the room with you as BCIs are a larger snake and can be a challenge to deal with if a bite does occur.
Red Tail Boas (BCIs) Summary:
BCIs are a large snake that requires planning and research before you buy. They grow to be quite large and will need proper accommodations planned well before they reach adulthood. Handling is most often not dangerous but it is wise to plan ahead with safety measures before doing so. BCIs are an inquisitive species that makes an excellent pet for those that are willing and capable of meeting their needs.
Notes:
Ball Pythons and BCIs both make great pets as long as their needs are met, and proper care is taken to consider the safety of yourself and your other pets. Take care to do your own research and consider if you can provide the needs for either of these species before you mkake a final decision. If you find that you cannot care for your snake DO NOT release it into the wild. Contact a wildlife rescue or breeder to see if they would be willing to take your snake in.
