Species profile · Pythonidae

Python regius

Complete care sheet and morph genetics registry for the ball python — husbandry parameters, diet, breeding and pairing calculator.

python regiusroyal pythonpython royalpyton
Adult size
0.9–1.5 m
Lifespan
20–30 yrs
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperament
Docile
Activity
Nocturnal
Reproduction
Oviparous
01

Husbandry requirements

Ball Python — origin: West and Central Africa — savannahs and grasslands.

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min24 °C
Cool side26–28 °C
Warm side30–32 °C
Basking spot31–33 °C

Controlled by a thermostat; never use an unregulated heat source

Enclosure (adult)
120 × 60 × 45 cm

PVC or sealed-wood vivarium with a front opening

Two snug hides (one warm, one cool): the species feels secure in close contact

Humidity
55–65 %

Raise the humidity during the shed

Substrate
CypressCoconut fiberOrchid bark
UVB
Optional

Not essential (nocturnal), but low-level UVB (the lowest Ferguson zone) is beneficial

Water source
Always available

A large bowl of clean water available at all times

Origin
Pythonidae

West and Central Africa — savannahs and grasslands

02

Feeding & health

Diet

Carnivore — whole rodents of appropriate size — Mice, then rats as the snake grows

Known for its hunger strikes (males, in winter) — monitor its weight, it's often normal

Breeding
Oviparous

Clutch 3–11 eggs/young. Maternal or artificial incubation lasting several weeks

Health watch points
  • Respiratory infections
  • Incomplete shedding
  • Mites
  • Obesity (overfed adults)
03

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 108 documented genes for Ball Python.

  • Pastel jungleInc.d
  • Super PastelDom
  • Banana coral glowInc.d
  • Super BananaDom
  • EnchiInc.d
  • Super EnchiDom
  • Pinstripe pinDom
  • SpiderDom
  • WomaDom
  • Hidden Gene Woma hgwInc.d
  • Champagne champDom
  • SpotnoseInc.d
  • CypressInc.d
  • Red StripeInc.d
  • Leopard leoInc.d
  • Blackhead bhInc.d
  • Calico sugarInc.d
  • GHI gotta have itInc.d
  • Orange Dream odInc.d
  • BongoInc.d
  • MahoganyInc.d
  • StrangerInc.d
  • Chocolate chocInc.d
  • SableInc.d
  • WookieInc.d
  • HuffmanInc.d
  • Mojave mojoInc.d
  • Lesser butterInc.d
  • PhantomInc.d
  • MysticInc.d
  • Russo (Het Leucistic) het leucisticInc.d
  • SpecialInc.d
  • BambooInc.d
  • MochaInc.d
  • DaddyInc.d
  • Yellow Belly ybInc.d
  • GravelInc.d
  • AsphaltInc.d
  • Specter spectorInc.d
  • SparkInc.d
  • NannyInc.d
  • FireInc.d
  • VanillaInc.d
  • DiscoInc.d
  • ThunderInc.d
  • LemonbackInc.d
  • Sulfur sulphurInc.d
  • LuciferInc.d
  • FlareInc.d
  • Black Pastel bpInc.d
  • Cinnamon cinnInc.d
  • Het Red Axanthic hraInc.d
  • Green PastelInc.d
  • LoriInc.d
  • GargoyleInc.d
  • AcidInc.d
  • ConfusionInc.d
  • StaticInc.d
  • TrickInc.d
  • BlitzInc.d
  • HurricaneInc.d
  • Scaleless Head slhInc.d
  • MicroscaleInc.d
  • BladeInc.d
  • ClownRec
  • CrypticRec
  • Pied piebaldRec
  • AlbinoRec
  • CandyRec
  • ToffeeRec
  • Lavender Albino lavRec
  • Ultramel ultraRec
  • CriderRec
  • MonarchRec
  • Hypo (Ghost) ghostRec
  • Desert Ghost dgRec
  • EnhancerRec
  • Axanthic (VPI) vpiRec
  • Axanthic (TSK) tskRec
  • Axanthic (MJ) mjRec
  • Axanthic (Jolliff) jolliffRec
  • Genetic Stripe g-stripeRec
  • Tri-StripeRec
  • PuzzleRec
  • SunsetRec
  • MonsoonRec
  • RainbowRec
  • ToyRec
  • PaintRec
  • SentinelRec
  • LaceInc.d
  • White LaceInc.d
  • Black MagicInc.d
  • OdiumInc.d
  • ConfusionInc.d
  • AsylumInc.d
  • Het PizzarInc.d
  • Pizzar (Super)Dom
  • SaharaInc.d
  • HGW GraniteInc.d
  • JigsawInc.d
  • Mardi GrasInc.d
  • FaderInc.d
  • FlameInc.d
  • Gene XInc.d
  • GraniteInc.d
  • MatrixInc.d
  • Het DaddyInc.d
04

Pairing calculator

Pick each parent's genotype — clutch probabilities update live. Free, no sign-up.

🧬

Ball Python × Ball Python

Probabilities per gene (independent loci).

GeneParent AParent B
Expected clutchSelect at least one gene on a parent.
05

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the ball python.

How big does an adult Ball Python get?
An adult Ball Python typically measures 0.9–1.5 m (females are noticeably larger and heavier than males).
What temperature and humidity does a Ball Python need?
A gradient of roughly 26–28 °C on the cool side to 30–32 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 31–33 °C. Humidity 55–65 %.
What does a Ball Python eat?
Carnivore — whole rodents of appropriate size: Mice, then rats as the snake grows.
Is the Ball Python a good reptile for beginners?
Beginner level. Very docile and shy; curls into a ball when stressed Plan ahead: a lifespan of 20–30 yrs.

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