Fancy Ball Python

• For ages 12 & up
• Can reach approximately 60"L
• Can live 30 years or more
• Carnivores
• Solitary

Ball pythons can live 30 years or more! Unless breeding, these snakes should be housed one to a habitat. There are a number of different color varieties of ball pythons. They are a very popular snake in the United States. This can be attributed to the fact that they are generally hardy and very docile in nature.

Visit our Snake guide to learn more about the traits and behaviors that make snakes great pets, plus find care information and the products you'll need to keep them healthy and happy.

PetSmart offers several snake species. Here's some information to help you make an educated decision about which snake will best fit your family.

Things to remember

Handling
Give your snake 3-4 days to adjust to his new home, then try holding him for brief periods of time. Hold your snake gently but firmly trying not to constrict his movement, but rather allow him to move between your two hands (using the hand over hand handling method). Most snakes will calm down and move more slowly when allowed some initial free movement. Ball pythons rarely bite, but don't handle your snake during feeding time or when he is shedding.

Frozen mice
Ball pythons will obtain all of the nutrition they need from the laboratory-grown frozen/thawed mice available in the PetSmart fish department freezer. Choosing the right size of frozen rodent is easy; choose the one with a body circumference closest to the size of the thickest part of your snake's body.

Feeding amounts & frequency
Feed young snakes 2-3 times a week. Offer adults food once a week.

Water
Provide a water dish large enough for the snake to submerge itself in. Change water daily.

Housing
Individual ball pythons can be maintained in a 20-gallon habitat or smaller plastic pet container as juveniles, and in a 20-gallon or larger habitat as an adult (2-3 years of age). A tight-fitting locking screen lid is essential for proper air exchange, and to prevent escapes!

Hiding place
Provide a natural or artificial rock, wood or plastic hiding area.

Vet Assured™ Promise
All pets purchased at PetSmart are raised under our exclusive Vet Assured program and come with a 14-day satisfaction guarantee. Vet Assured is a program designed by PetSmart veterinarians to improve the health and well-being of our pets. The program sets standards for the care of our pets by our live animal partners and store associates and establishes strict standards for the monitoring and prevention of common illnesses found in pets. PetSmart makes a significant investment in the care of our pets and it is apparent in the quality and comfort of the pets in our stores. However, if your pet becomes ill during this initial 14-day period, or if you're not satisfied with your pet for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price. Please keep your sales receipt and return the pet to the store where it was purchased if needed.