Helping Your Child Care For Their New Ball Python
If you have a child who is a snake enthusiast and you decided to purchase one for them to care for, a ball python is a great starter snake because care is relatively easy. Here are some tips to ensure your child's new ball python thrives comfortably.
Get The Right Enclosure For The Snake's Size
Most people start off with a small ball python so they can watch it grow. Never place more than one of these snakes in an enclosure unless you are doing so for breeding purposes. Since your child is just starting off with caring for a snake, an aquarium works well for its habitat. Purchase an aquarium in the 30-40 gallon range to provide your child's snake with enough room for moving around while giving it a limitation on how much room the enclosure takes in your home.
Make Sure There Are Spots For Hiding
Ball pythons need areas where they can hide if they feel threatened or if they do not wish to engage with people. It is best to have at least two spots in your child's snake's enclosure for hiding. One should be kept in a warmer area of the enclosure, near the lighting system. Another should be in a shaded area where the temperature is cooler. This gives the snake the choice of its atmosphere at any time.
Encourage Your Child To Handle The Snake Regularly
At first, a ball python will shy away from people and try to retreat to its enclosure out of fear. It is imperative that your child handle the snake regularly so it gains trust and starts engaging with your child favorably. Encourage your child to put on a pair of gloves when handling the snake in the first weeks and months it lives with you. This is for your child's protection. A ball python will quickly realize that your child is their owner and it will enjoy stints of being held.
Be Aware Of Shedding Signs
Ball pythons shed their skin several times a year, most being when the snake is young. A snake getting ready to shed will have bluish eyes and its skin will feel hard and rough. Increase the humidity level in the ball python's tank to aid with the process. The snake will likely rub up against rocks, branches, and even your child when it is getting ready to go through the shedding process.
Look for ball pythons for sale.