Adoption Details For Caramel!
Name:
Caramel
Animal Id:
12468
Date Created:
9/6/2023 10:41:36 PM
Age:
2 Year(s) 8 Month(s) Old
Type:
Snake
Gender:
Undetermined
Primary Breed:
Ball Python
Spayed / Neutered:
No
Secondary Breed:
Microchip:
Primary Color:
Black
Markings:
12468, WW, R1, K1
Secondary Color:
Brown
Pattern:
Weight:
0 lbs
🐍 Meet Caramel – A Sweet, Shy Soul Looking for Love 🧡
Caramel may be considered a "common" ball python by classification, but there’s absolutely nothing ordinary about them. With striking patterns that hint at possible leopard lineage, Caramel is a visual standout—and a heart-stealer, too.
This gentle snake's journey has been one of quiet resilience. Caramel entered the shelter system in early September 2023 as part of an emergency boarding intake that included several other unusual species. Overwhelmed and deeply fearful, they were transferred to rescue care in hopes of reducing stress and encouraging trust through patient, consistent handling.
It took several months before Caramel felt safe enough to be held—but with time, kindness, and a dedicated foster family, they’ve made incredible progress. Though still shy by nature, Caramel is now calm and easy to handle. Their foster describes them as sweet and observant, with a consistent feeding schedule and a love for cozy hides. While not especially active, Caramel enjoys quiet companionship, often content to lounge around the back of the neck for movie nights or calm, extended hangouts—sometimes for up to two hours at a time.
As of April 2025, Caramel has grown from a tiny ball into a healthy 30.5 inches long and weighs just under a pound (1lb 0.9oz / 47.89g). They would thrive in a home with a patient, compassionate guardian who understands that love sometimes takes time—and is willing to offer a safe space to continue blossoming.
Could you be the calm, steady presence Caramel has been waiting for?
💌 PLEASE NOTE: 📍 We can only accept applications from interested adopters in or near San Diego County, California.
🚗 We do not ship reptiles, but in some cases, we may work with applicants willing to travel within Southern California. This is determined on a case-by-case basis and at the discretion of the board of directors.
Click the Adoption Application button below, and an adoption counselor will be in touch to help Caramel find the peaceful, loving forever home they deserve. 🧡🐍
Quick Reference Guide
Animal Type
Snake
Breed
Ball Python
Introduction
Ball pythons, also known as the Royal Python, are a non-venomous, constrictor species native to the bushlands and savannas of Central and Western Africa. They are a medium-sized snake ranging from 3-6 feet. These snakes are crepuscular, which means that they are most active at night, but especially active around dawn and dusk. As ambush hunters, they actively track down and then wait for prey such as rodents, birds, and lizards to scurry past before striking. Ball pythons are sexually dimorphic, which means there is a noteworthy difference in size between males(smaller) and females (larger), but not as large in some other snake species. Ball pythons have a 15-30 year lifespan in captivity.
Difficulty
Beginner
Difficulty Notes
Ball pythons are among the most popular pet snakes. They are good beginner snakes because they are docile and easy to handle.
Basking Temp
95-104
Ambient Temp
80-86
Lowest Temp
72-78
Temp Notes
The use of undertank heat mats with glass tanks or radiant heat panels as internal heaters for night heat, and cage guarded halogen/incandescent bulbs as day heat is preferred. Never install any heating device without plugging it into a thermostat and always securely wire the thermostat probe within the heating range of the device generating heat.
Diet
Carnivore
Diet Notes
Frozen thawed rodents in sizes equal to the girth of your snake at its center. Feeding frequency in general is 1 prey item fed in intervals coorisponding to the length in feet of your snake. A one foot snake would be fed weekly, a 4 foot snake every 4 weeks, etc. As ball pythons get larger their metabolism slows down. This is a guidleine, so adjust to the health of your specific snake to maintain a healthy weight.
UVA Intensity
Shade Dweller
UVB Intensity
Low/Occasional
Ferguson Zone
2
Lighting Notes
Provide 12hrs of both light and darkness on a timer for consistancy. Never use colored bulbs.
Enclosure Size
Large Semi-Arborial
Enclosure Notes
While females are largely terrestrial, males and juviniles are considered semi-arborial as they have a liking to climb and hunt in trees.
Substrate
Coco Chips
Substrate Notes
Coconut husk chip substrate absorbs odors and moisture very well. A layer of about 4" is preferred.
Humidity
High (70-100%)
Humidity Notes
Ball Pythons prefer humid environments and should be provided a humid hide if possible.
Animal Reference Material:
| Category | Title | AnimalType | Breed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Care | *SBRSC Ball Python Information Guide for Adoption | Snake | Ball Python | |
| Animal Care | Ball Python Care: Feeding, Housing and Handling | Snake | Ball Python | |
| Animal Care | Snake UVB Lighting: What you need to know! | Snake | ||
| Blog | [VIDEO] Is a Ball Python right for me? | Snake | Ball Python |