Ball Python Breeders

Ball pythons are also known as royal pythons are non-venomous pythons native to Africa. It is the smallest among African pythons and can easily be bred in captivity. That is probably the reason why they are so popular in the pet trade. The name ball python comes from the fact that it coils into a tight ball when threatened. In its natural habitat it feeds on small mammals such as rats, shrews and mice. When bred in captivity they usually feed on either live or frozen domestic mice or rats. These should be of a size not larger than the largest diameter of the snake’s body. The best food to feed your ball is fuzzy mice at the beginning. These have little fur and closed or just opened eyes. The young balls should be fed once every 4-7 days and the adults once a week. Later on it may come down to once in a fortnight. The ball is a picky eater and may often go without food for weeks together. This is not uncommon but care should be taken to see that your ball does not lose weight or develop parasites. If you face feeding problems then try any of the following methods:

• Do not force to feed a ball python. If it’s dehydrated soak it water a couple of times in a day. Then administer fluids orally or through injections.
• After re-hydration mix and dilute with any electrolyte like pedialite and inject it.
• Trick your pet into self feeding.
• Keep it in a dark enclosure and feed it during the night since it is a nocturnal animal.
• Attract the ball by hanging the prey in front of it using tongs or forceps.
• If it strikes the prey but doesn’t eat, put it in a box and cover it on all sides with the prey.
• Never put live mice as the mice may try to defend it and could end up harming your ball.

The above discussed methods will surely help you overcome the feeding problems of your ball python.