Ball Python Care Guide

You didn’t buy a pet. You invested in an animal built on selective genetics, clean lines, and strong health. Every Soul Serpents python is raised under strict care. This guide gives you the exact structure we use in our facility. Follow it and your snake will thrive.


Setup

Enclosure

  • Hatchlings: 10–15 qt tub

  • Juveniles: 28–32 qt tub

  • Adults: 41–70 qt tub or 4x2x2 enclosure
    Keep it tight. Too much open space causes stress.

 

Substrate

  • Best: Coconut husk or cypress mulch

  • Quarantine: Paper towels

  • Avoid: Cedar or pine

  • Keep it clean and replace after defecation or every 30 days.

 

Hides
Two secure hides. One on the warm side, one on the cool side. Add a humid hide during shed cycles.

 

Lighting
Ball pythons don’t require UVB, but a 12-hour day/night rhythm supports appetite and behavior.

 

 

Temperature & Humidity

Zone Target Notes
Hot Spot 88–92°F Controlled by thermostat
Cool Side 78–82°F Natural gradient
Humidity 55–65% Raise to 70% during shed

 

Use digital probes, not stick-on gauges. Check temps daily.


Feeding

Stage Frequency Prey Type
Hatchling Every 5–7 days F/T rat pups or mice
Juvenile Every 7–10 days Small rats
Adult Every 10–14 days Medium rats

 

Rules:

  • Feed at night.

  • Prey should match the snake’s mid-body width.

  • Always thaw and heat prey before offering.

  • Don’t handle 48 hours after feeding.

Refusals happen. Keep calm, adjust temps, and retry in one week.


Water

  • Fresh, clean water daily.
  • Use a sturdy bowl that won’t tip.
  • Disinfect weekly with reptile-safe cleaner.


Handling

  • Handle only after your snake has settled for one full week.
  • Support the entire body. Stay calm and steady.
  • Never handle within 48 hours of feeding or during shed.
  • Short, consistent sessions build trust faster than long ones.



Shedding

Signs: dull color, cloudy eyes, less activity.

During shed:

  • Raise humidity to 70%.

  • Add a damp hide or mist enclosure.

  • Do not handle.

After shed: confirm full skin removal (including eye caps and tail tip).
If shed comes off in pieces, soak in shallow lukewarm water for 15 minutes.


Health Checkpoints

Run this list weekly.

[ ] Clear eyes and nostrils
[ ] No bubbles or wheezing
[ ] Full body sheds
[ ] No stuck shed on tail tip
[ ] Consistent appetite
[ ] No mites or specks in water bowl
[ ] Smooth body condition (no wrinkles or swelling)

If you see anything off, isolate the snake and contact a reptile vet.


Cleaning Routine

Daily
[ ] Remove waste and urates
[ ] Replace water
[ ] Quick check of temps and humidity

Weekly
[ ] Wipe tubs and hides with F10 or chlorhexidine
[ ] Check for stuck sheds
[ ] Inspect rack, cords, and heating elements

Monthly
[ ] Full deep clean of enclosure
[ ] Replace all substrate
[ ] Sanitize bowls, hides, and décor

Always clean first, then disinfect. Let items dry fully before reuse.


Shipping & Acclimation

If your animal was shipped:

  • Unpack immediately upon arrival.  DO NOT do this in the car!  

  • Inspect visually before placing into its enclosure.

  • Do not handle for seven days.

  • First feeding: after seven days if the snake is alert and settled.