Compared to your standard pets (dogs, cats, birds), reptiles are a breeze to care for. But just as certain types of animals are known to be feisty, playful, or even aggressive, that’s not to say that all reptiles are a walk in the park to own. Certain reptile species are known to be easier to care for than others—but there is one clear winner. Ball pythons are commonly cited to be one of the easiest reptiles to care for by those in the reptile-loving community. While there are plenty of reasons why this snake species is one of the most popular, here are the three main reasons why:
Their Small Size
When it comes to housing your pet, bigger isn’t always better. Snakes don’t need a yard to play in or porches to explore as a dog or cat would, but they still require a certain amount of space for their tanks and terrariums—and the larger the snake, the larger enclosure you’ll need.
Ball pythons are mid-sized snakes and only grow to be around 4 to 5 feet in length (female snakes are larger than the males, however, which rarely exceed 4 feet). Their relatively small stature makes them easy to house even in the smallest of studio apartments. Most adult ball pythons can be comfortably kept in a or 40 or 50 gallon tank, which is only about 7 cubic feet.
Their Friendly Disposition
It’s safe to assume that most pet owners want to have an animal friend that they can interact with and enjoy. Snakes aren’t known for being the cuddliest of creatures, but ball pythons have a wonderful disposition and are considered to be one of the friendliest snakes available.
They actively enjoy being handled (something that cannot be said of all snake breeds) and are very social. Pick them up and watch them go; these critters are quick to curl around wrists, arms, and shoulders when they’re in contact with humans. Ball pythons are also nonaggressive creatures who would rather hide in a ball (hence their name) rather than hiss or bite.
Their Minimal Care Requirements
Certain snake breeds are very particular when it comes to the environment of their habitat. Some need specific lighting, humidity levels, and temperatures. Ball pythons are extremely easy going and don’t have such stringent requirements. They prefer temperatures in the high-70s and mid-80s, which can be accomplished with a simple heating pad and thermometer setup.
Ball pythons are also a breeze when it comes to feeding. Adults only need to eat every 10-14 days—and even then, they don’t eat very much, which is convenient for both ball python owners and their wallets. For pet owners that travel often, a ball python can safely be left at home for a week at a time without worry.
The Lowdown About Low Maintenance Reptiles
“Pet ownership” and “low maintenance” aren’t usually used in the same sentence, but the rising popularity of reptiles as pets is changing the conversation. It’s possible to keep and care for a pet without it being a huge hassle, just find reptiles for sale near you and you’ll soon see for yourself!
