Select Page

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Introduction 1
  • Glossary of Snake Terms 4
  • Chapter One: Understanding Ball Pythons 11
  • Summary of Ball Python Facts 13
  • Origin and Distribution 15
  • Chapter Two: Things to Know Before Getting a Ball Python 19
  • Do You Need a License or a Permit? 21
  • How Many Ball Pythons Should You Keep? 23
  • Do Ball Pythons Get Along with Other Pets? 25
  • How Much Does it Cost to Keep a Ball Python? 26
  • What are the Pros and Cons of Ball Pythons? 30
  • Chapter Three: Purchasing Your Ball Python 33
  • Where Can You Buy Ball Pythons? 35
  • How to Choose a Reputable Ball Python Breeder 37
  • Tips for Selecting a Healthy Ball Python 40
  • Chapter Four: Caring for Your New Ball Python 43
  • The Basics of Reptile Thermoregulation 44
  • Ball Python Caging 46
  • Heating Requirements 47
  • Lighting Requirements 49
  • Maintaining Humidity 50
  • Useful Tools and Devices 51
  • Chapter Five: Meeting Your Ball Python’s Nutritional Needs 53
  • Prey Items to Feed Ball Pythons 55
  • Feeding Fresh vs. Killed Prey 57
  • Tips for Feeding Your Ball Python 58
  • Possible Feeding Problems 60
  • Chapter Six: Ball Python Husbandry 63
  • Cleaning and Disinfecting the Snake Cage and Habitat 63
  • Tips for Bathing a Ball Python 67
  • Chapter Seven: Ball Python Handling and Temperament 69
  • Ball Python Temperament 70
  • Tips for Handling Your Ball Python 70
  • Behavioral Characteristics of the Ball Python 72
  • Chapter Eight: Breeding Your Ball Python 77
  • Sexing 78
  • Thermal Cycling and Cooling 80
  • Introduction and Mating 81
  • Ovulation and Pre-Lay Shed 81
  • Laying Eggs 82
  • Brooding or Incubation 84
  • Hatching 86
  • Chapter Nine: Keeping Your Ball Python Healthy 89
  • Respiratory disease 91
  • Dermatitis 91
  • Inclusion Body Diseases 92
  • Infectious stomatitis 93
  • Ticks and mites 93
  • Rectal Prolapse 94
  • Tail-hanging 95
  • Septicemia 96
  • Ball Python Care Sheet 97
  • Basic Ball Python Information 98
  • Habitat Requirements 100
  • Nutritional Needs 100
  • Breeding Information 101
  • Index 103
  • Photo Credits 109
  • References 111

Pin It on Pinterest