The Ball python is a remarkable animal. They are also known as Python Regius, a Latin name, which translates to Royal   Python.The name Ball Python comes from the fact that they curl up into a ball and tuck their head into the middle to keep   their vital areas safe from predators. Your house pet Ball Python may exhibit this if it feels threatened by you. After you   handle it some it will learn that you are not going to harm it and it will then uncoil.

  The origin of the Ball Python ranges from West Central Africa, in the countries of Nigeria, Uganda, Liberia, Sierra Leone,   and Guinea. Great portions of the imported Ball Pythons come from Benin, Ghana, and Togo.

  Ball Pythons live in tropical conditions. The normal temps found in these areas range from 60° to 110° F. A great portion of   a Ball Pythons life is spent underground where the temperature is constant and the humidity is perfect. They are nocturnal   animals and come out when the temperatures drop and the sun sets. This is when they start their hunt for food.

  As pets, Ball Pythons make a great animal. They grow to between 3-5 feet, making them an ideal pet snake as a pet. There   are casing where ball pythons could reach the 6 foot range but are very uncommon.

  Ball Pythons live for approximately 20yrs, although, it is not unheard of to see animals living longer than that with the   proper care from the owner, anything is possible.

  Their enclosure does not have to be large, they will strive in a 30-40 gallon tank. I use Vision Cages. They require a
  heat pad placed on the outside of the tank, a hide box or shelter, and a medium sized water bowl. Other items you
  will need include a thermometer & humidity indicator, a timer for your lights, and a thermostat for the heat pad.
  These items are crucial in keeping your animal in good health. You find all your items at the vision link above.

  Their diet consist of rodents, preferably a rats or mice, once a week. You do not want to over feed your animal this
  will just stress them out and make them prone to illness. If your snake does not eat for you right away try again in
  another few days, they need to settle into their new home. So don't rush them. Depending on what time of the year
  you get your ball python and how old and big it is, could influence the animals eating. Adult ball pythons tend to not
  eat in the winter time. The change in temps and lighting triggers their breeding mode, which is when they might not eat.   Don't get me wrong it is still advisable to try feeding every week.