Adoption Details For Elf!
Name:
Elf
Animal Id:
12516
Date Created:
3/9/2024 6:45:43 AM
Age:
3 Year(s) 9 Month(s) Old
Type:
Snake
Gender:
Male
Primary Breed:
Ball Python
Spayed / Neutered:
No
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. 🧡👻
🎃 Spooky 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 scared, 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 maybe even spook you a little with my Halloween charm! 🧡🎃
💛🎃 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
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 |