Short answer: A docile, slow-moving python from West and Central Africa. An adult needs a 48 × 24 × 24 inch enclosure (36 × 18 × 18 for a juvenile under 3 feet), an 86–90°F basking spot, a 72–80°F cool side, 60–80% humidity, and one appropriately sized rodent every 1–8 weeks depending on its weight.
Every number below links to the care source it came from. No AI-written care advice.
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| Enclosure (adult minimum) | 48 × 24 × 24 in. Juveniles under 3 ft long: 36 × 18 × 18 in. The enclosure should be at least as long as the snake. [source] |
|---|---|
| Basking spot | 86–90°F [source] |
| Cool end | 72–80°F [source] |
| Humidity | 60–80%. A humid hide with damp sphagnum moss [source] |
| UVB (recommended) | A T5 HO 5.0 or 6% tube about half the enclosure's length (22–24 in for a 48 in enclosure). [source] |
| Heat | A heat lamp over one hide at the warm end, on a thermostat. [source] |
| Substrate | A moisture-holding soil mix (topsoil, reptile soil, a little sand) with moss and leaf litter. Avoid: Cedar or pine shavings. [source] |
| Adult size · lifespan | 3.6–4.5 ft · 15–30 years |
What to feed, and how often
Frozen-thawed rodents, warmed before feeding. [source]
| Hatchling (under 200 g) | Rat fuzzy or small mouse |
|---|---|
| Juvenile (200–500 g) | Rat pup, adult mouse or weaned rat |
| Adult (500 g and up) | Small to medium rat |
Supplements: None needed for whole prey
When is the next meal due?Feeding schedule →Is this normal?
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Sources
- ReptiFiles: Ball python terrarium size
- ReptiFiles: Ball Python Care Sheet
- The Bio Dude: Ball python care guide
General husbandry information, not veterinary advice. If your animal is losing weight or seems unwell, see a reptile vet (find one through ARAV). Updated November 9, 2026.