Adoption Details For HD!
Name:
HD
Animal Id:
12517
Date Created:
3/9/2024 9:32:01 AM
Age:
6 Year(s) 3 Month(s) Old
Type:
Snake
Gender:
Undetermined
Primary Breed:
Ball Python
Spayed / Neutered:
No
Secondary Breed:
Microchip:
Primary Color:
Brown
Markings:
Secondary Color:
Black
Pattern:
Weight:
0 lbs
🎁💚 Hi, I’m HD — short for Hot Dog! 🐍✨
I’m a handsome and confident ball python with a bold pattern and a calm, curious personality to match. I slithered into the shelter as a stray back in October 2023, and after no one claimed me, I found my way to the rescue. Life’s been cozy and safe ever since 🏡💛, but I’m still dreaming of my forever home where I can bring warmth, charm, and companionship all year round! ✨
💫 Why You’ll Fall for Me:
🕯️ I’m mellow but curious — I love to slowly explore new spaces and investigate every corner.
❄️ I’m a nighttime creature — I enjoy exploring in the evenings when it’s calm and quiet.
🔒 I’m strong and steady — over 4 feet of gentle muscle, so I need a secure enclosure with a tight-fitting lid or lock.
💚 I know my boundaries — I prefer not to be touched on the head or neck, but once I trust you, I love supervised out-of-enclosure time. 🏡
🐾 My Tale So Far:
When I first arrived at the shelter, I was a little underweight and unsure of what was going on. The rescue team helped me get healthy, taught me that humans aren’t so scary, and now I’m confident, calm, and ready to meet my special person. 💛
🎁 Holiday-season Fun Facts About Ball Pythons Like Me:
🕯️ We’re primarily nocturnal, which makes us perfect companions for calm evening activities.
❄️ We curl into a tight ball when unsure, giving us our protective “ball” name.
🎄 Adults usually reach 3–5 feet long and can weigh 3–5 pounds.
🌟 With proper care, we can live 30–40 years — that’s a lifetime of cozy companionship!
🏡 We love cozy hides and gentle handling, making us calm and easygoing companions.
Now, I’m ready for the next chapter — finding my person who will give me love, care, and a safe, warm forever home. Could that be you? 🐍💚🎁
💛🎁 If you’d like to make me part of your family, please click the Adoption Application button below — I can’t wait to meet you! ✨🏡
✨ PLEASE NOTE:
1️⃣ 🎁 We can only accept applications from interested parties who are in or near San Diego County, California at this time.
2️⃣ ❄️ We do not ship reptiles 🚫✈️ but may be willing to work with you if you’re able to travel 🚗.
3️⃣ 🌟 #2 will depend on the animal you’re applying for and is at the discretion of the board of directors.
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 |