So, you’ve brought home your very first ball python. How exciting! Whether this is your first pet reptile or just your first snake, you’ve made a great choice. Ball pythons are calm, easy to care for, and let’s be real they look awesome too.
Now, we get it—starting something new can feel a little overwhelming. But don’t worry! We’ve put together 7 easy and helpful tips to make things super simple for you. Let’s get you and your new scaly friend off to a smooth start!
1. Choosing the Perfect Enclosure Size for Your Ball Python
When it comes to your ball python’s enclosure, size really does matter—but maybe not how you think. You might assume, “The bigger, the better,” but that’s not true for these shy little snakes. Ball pythons actually feel safest in a cozy space that makes them feel hidden and secure. Too much open room can make them feel stressed.
If you’ve been browsing ball pythons for sale recently, just remember—once you bring one home, setting up the right-sized enclosure is just as important as picking the right snake!
Here’s a simple guideline to follow:
- Hatchlings/Babies: 10–20 gallon tank
- Juveniles: 20–30 gallon tank
- Adults: 40 gallons or more
Make sure the enclosure has a secure lid—ball pythons are surprisingly strong and can squeeze out of small gaps. You’d be amazed how fast a snake can vanish in a house when left unsupervised!
Also, avoid glass tanks without enough cover, as too much visibility can stress them out. If you’re using a glass enclosure, add plenty of plants or opaque hides to help them feel safe.
2. Master the Art of Temperature and Humidity
One of the biggest mistakes new snake owners make is not managing temperature and humidity properly. Ball pythons are native to West and Central Africa, which means they thrive in warm, humid conditions.
Here’s what you’ll need to monitor:
- Warm side: 88–92°F (basking spot)
- Cool side: 75–80°F
- Humidity: Ideally 50–60%, and up to 70% when shedding
You’ll want a heat source like an under-tank heater or ceramic heat emitter (avoid heat rocks—they can cause burns). Place the heater on one side only so your snake can choose whether it wants to warm up or cool down.
As for humidity, a shallow water bowl and occasional misting can help. If your snake has trouble shedding, it might be a sign the humidity is too low.
Pro tip: Use a digital thermometer and hygrometer for accurate readings—those dial ones are often way off.
3. Give Them a Place to Hide (Or Two!)
This might sound odd at first, but ball pythons love being invisible. These guys are shy and secretive by nature. In the wild, they spend much of their time tucked away in burrows or under logs.
At a minimum, you should provide two hides:
- One on the warm side
- One on the cool side
This gives your python options without stressing them out. You can buy reptile hides at pet stores, but even something as simple as an upside-down plastic container with a hole will work.
Want bonus points? Add a third moist hide with some damp moss inside to help during shedding.
4. Feed the Right Way—And at the Right Time
Feeding your ball python can be really fun, but it also brings up a lot of questions—especially when you’re just starting out. What should you feed them? How often? What size is right?
Let’s break it down nice and easy:
What to feed:
- Frozen-thawed mice or rats are best
- Always choose prey that’s the right size
How to pick the right size:
- The prey should be about the same width as the thickest part of your snake’s body
How often to feed:
- Hatchlings: Every 5 to 7 days
- Juveniles: Every 7 to 10 days
- Adults: Every 10 to 14 days
Extra feeding tips:
- Always supervise your snake while it’s eating
- Use pre-killed or frozen-thawed prey—it’s safer for your snake
- Avoid live feeding because live rodents can bite and hurt your snake
- Don’t handle your snake for at least 48 hours after feeding—this gives them time to digest properly and helps prevent them from throwing up their meal
5. Handle with Patience and Care
Ball pythons are usually super chill, but remember—they’re not used to humans right away. If you just brought your new pet home, give them a week or so to settle in before handling them.
When you do start handling:
- Approach from the side, not from above
- Support their whole body
- Move slowly and calmly
Start with short sessions—5 to 10 minutes—and gradually increase over time. Don’t handle them if they’re in a shed or just ate. Trust is built slowly, but once your snake gets comfortable, they’ll be much easier to interact with.
6. Explore the World of Python Morphs
One of the coolest things about owning a ball python is learning about the amazing variety of looks they come in. These different color and pattern combinations are called ball python morphs, and they’re the result of specific genetic traits.
While some morphs have vibrant colors or bold patterns, others are more subtle and earthy. Some can be pricey and rare, while others are more common and beginner-friendly.
Exploring morphs is fun and educational—you’ll begin to notice the small differences in markings, head stamps, and even eye color. Understanding morphs also helps when choosing your first snake or planning to add more to your collection.
Just be careful—it can become addictive! Many keepers start with one and end up with several because each morph has its own personality and charm.
7. Buy From a Breeder You Can Trust
We saved this one for last, but honestly, it’s one of the biggest game-changers for any new keeper. If you’re still on the hunt for your very first ball python—or maybe thinking of adding a new one to your reptile room—do yourself a favor and buy from a reputable breeder. The difference between a healthy, well-adjusted snake and one that’s stressed or won’t eat can make or break your early experience.
Here’s what to look for in a trustworthy breeder:
- A live arrival and health guarantee
- Clear feeding history and genetic background
- Someone who’s happy to answer all your beginner questions
- A vibe that’s more about education than sales pressure
And speaking of trustworthy sources, some top breeders also offer equipment they personally use and trust. For example, Wilbanks Reptiles offers their own Wilbanks Radiant Heat Panel a reliable heating option that helps maintain those perfect enclosure temps your snake needs. It’s an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned keepers looking for consistent, safe warmth in their setups.
Choosing the right breeder and the right tools from the start sets you and your snake up for success plain and simple.
Conclusion:
Bringing a ball python into your life is exciting—and honestly, kind of magical. These snakes have a way of charming their keepers with their gentle nature and curious personalities. With the right care, they can live 20–30 years, so this is a long-term bond worth investing in.
As you begin your journey, keep learning, stay patient, and remember—you’re doing great just by caring enough to read up and do it right.
If you’re looking for a healthy, happy snake from people who genuinely care, we highly recommend checking out Wilbanks Reptiles. They’re known in the reptile community for producing some of the most beautiful and well-cared-for ball python morphs available. Whether you’re new to snakes or adding to a growing collection, they’re a fantastic place to start.
