![]() ![]() Age is only one factor in determining reproductive maturity and ability to breed weight is the second factor. Reproductive maturity is reached at 11-18 months for males and 20-36 months for females. Parental care of the eggs ends once they hatch, and the female leaves the offspring to fend for themselves. Eggs are incubated by the female under the ground (via a shivering motion), and hatch after 55 to 60 days. Females lay 3 to 11 large, leathery eggs (4 to 6 are most common). They usually breed from mid-September through mid-November. These illnesses can be treated with medication, so always take your pet to a veterinarian that specializes in snakes.Ball pythons are polygynandrous (promiscuous) which means that both males and females mate with multiple partners. Check your snake if you see a lump wedged beneath a scale, and look closely, because ticks can sometimes blend in with your snake's natural coloration. Ticks - Yes, ticks can feed on snakes, and they sometimes crawl underneath these reptiles' scales to access their blood.Mites - This parasitic infestation of snake mites, which are small, black or red arthropods that specifically feed on the blood of snakes (don't worry, you and your other pets can't catch them), can be life-threatening, so watch to see if you snake is soaking excessively (attempting to drown the mites) or appears agitated, and check your snake for mites.Respiratory infection - This disease usually results from a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection, and may present with a host of symptoms, including mouth swelling, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and more.Blister disease - This condition usually results from living conditions that are too humid, and symptoms include small blisters or orange dots on the snake's skin.Mouth rot - Also known as infectious stomatitis, this disease results from various types of infection and presents as small hemorrhages on the snake's gums, production of excessive mucus, or swelling around the snake's mouth, among other symptoms.Ball pythons get a few diseases and ailments that you should be on the lookout for: Just to be on the safe side, it is always a good idea to wash your hands after handling your snake. Snakes, including ball pythons, are relatively disease-free, but they can carry Salmonella, which doesn't harm the snake but can be transferred to people. Make sure you wash your hands before and after handling your snake to prevent the spread of dangerous bacteria.You also should not pick them up when they are shedding.Your snake may become defensive when startled, so allow them to see you coming first. ![]() Another "don't" is coming from behind and lifting them.Don't grasp them tightly or restrict their movement, especially their head. The first time you pick them up, lift around the middle area of their body and make sure you support their body.You can also use just your hands, but always keep their body completely supported to keep them from becoming anxious and afraid, and to prevent injury. You can take them out of a tank using a hook and your hands to support them.Some "don'ts" when handling a ball python are to never grab them by their tail or lift them by the head.Mature snakes can be handled more often, but always after their digestion is done. Once they've eaten, plan on handling a young snake no more than once a week, and do so when you know they have digested their last meal completely.Wait at least a full 24 hours after their meal, because if you handle them too soon, they may regurgitate. Don't attempt to handle them until they have eaten at least once.Make sure everything in the tank is set up for the most appropriate environment for your ball python and leave them alone for a few days and then see if they will eat. If they won't eat, they may still be stressed and need more time to acclimate to the habitat.They will be digesting their meal during this time. Once you've fed them for the first time, allow a few more days to pass.Then you can begin the first steps in handling them. A good sign that the snake is feeling relaxed is if you see them eating. Give them a few days to feel comfortable in their new environment. Ball pythons are naturally shy, so you should allow your new pet to take some time to de-stress after you bring them to their new home.
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