Available for Adoption! Elf!

Adoption Details For Elf!

Name:

Elf

Animal Id:

12516

Date Created:

3/9/2024 6:45:43 AM

Age:

3 Year(s) 11 Month(s) Old

Type:

Snake

Gender:

Male

Primary Breed:

Ball Python

Spayed / Neutered:

Secondary Breed:

Microchip:

Primary Color:

Black

Markings:

Secondary Color:

Brown

Pattern:

Weight:

0 lbs

🎁🧝‍♂️ Hi, my name is Elf! 🐍💛

I came into rescue on March 8, 2024, after being found as a stray in Escondido. Since then, I’ve been in foster care, growing, thriving, and learning to trust the world around me. ✨🏡

At just under 2.5 feet long, I may not be the biggest ball python, but I make up for it with my sweet, curious nature. My foster family says I’m gentle, calm, and easy to handle—perfect for cozy cuddle time or quiet evening hangouts. I especially love to explore outside my enclosure during supervised adventures, and I’ll happily curl up to relax once I’m done investigating. 🌟

I’m a strong, consistent eater and shed beautifully with the right care and humidity. Like all ball pythons, I’ll need a secure, enriching habitat with proper heating and humidity to stay happy and healthy. With gentle handling and the right setup, I’ll be a loyal, charming companion for years to come. 💛

Though I’m classified as a “common” ball python, my subtle patterns and warm tones make me truly unique. My foster mom says I have a quiet charm that grows on you the more time you spend with me. 🧡

🎁 Holiday-season fun facts about ball pythons like me:
🕯️ We’re primarily nocturnal, so our little adventures mostly happen at night.
❄️ We curl into a tight ball when unsure, which is how we got our name!
🎄 Adults usually grow 3–5 feet long and can live 30–40 years with proper care.
🏡 We love cozy hides and burrowing, which make us feel safe and comfy.
🌟 We’re gentle, curious, and respond well to slow, patient handling.

I’m ready to find my forever home—a safe, loving place where I can share my gentle, curious nature and bring a little holiday warmth to your life! 🧡🎁

💛🎁 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 we may be willing to work with you if you are willing to travel 🚗.
3️⃣ 🌟 #2 will depend on the animal you are 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

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