While visiting with friends, I was able to give this lovely female Ball Python, some enrichment time, out of her terrarium. She’s well cared for, with perfect body condition, and weight. Her high sheen is apparent and revealed, because of a recent healthy shed.

Ball Pythins are common pets, for first-time snake owners. They are the smallest of the Pythons, ranging  from 3’-5’ at maturity. This makes housing requirements, easier to accommodate, than their larger Python cousins. Pythons are constrictors, and not venomous. Smaller size, coupled with docile temperament, make owning these snakes, ideal for snake-lovers.

Originating from South Africa, the Ball Python gets its name from the snakes defense mechanism, of curling itself into a tight ball. In this capacity, the snake can survive being tossed about, and investigated, by other animals. Balling-up can spare the snake from being eaten by some other predators as well, as swallowing the snake in a balled-up position, makes passing down another’s throat, difficult or impossible.

Females lay and incubate, 3-11 eggs underground. They reach sexual maturity either at 20-36 months of age, or when reaching a weight of at least 800grams (1.7pounds). The females, are larger than male Pythons.

The snake is considered sacred, in some South African cultures. They are never hindered from roaming freely, amongst homes and villages. Some African cultures will build coffins for snakes accidentally killed, and hold a funeral.