Care level: Beginner-intermediate
Temperament: Docile, shy; usually handleable
Behavior: crepuscular, terrestrial/semi-arboreal (males more arboreal than females), solitary
Minimum enclosure size: 4×2×2’ (1.2×0.6×0.6m)
Basking spot temp (surface): 95-104°F (35-40°C)
Cold side temp: 72-80°F (22-27°C)
Nighttime/minimum temp: 70-78°F (21-26°C)
UVB: UVI 1-3/Ferguson zone 2 (e.g. Arcadia Shadedweller 7% at 12-15” (30-40cm) away with no mesh or Arcadia T5HO 6% at 11-21 (28-54cm) away with typical mesh)
Humidity: 60-80%
Diet: Carnivorous; mammals and avians; males primarily avians
Adult size: 3-5’ (1-1.5m)
Wild Distribution: grasslands and open forests of west and central Africa
(care guide written with contributions by mandi#6740)
Other Resources:
Reptifiles Guide – Ball Python
Happy Dragons Guide – Ball Python