Hi there — my name is HD, short for Hot Dog, and 2026 is my year to find my forever family. 🐍💚 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! ✨ Though I’m most likely a normal, I could have a low-expression pattern modifier like Hurricane or Trick, which gives my markings a little extra flair and makes me truly unique. I’m mellow but curious — I love to slowly explore new spaces and investigate every corner. I’m primarily nocturnal, enjoying quiet evening adventures, and 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. I can be a bit spicy, especially around feeding time, so I’ll need a human who understands my body language and respects my cues. At over 4 feet long, I’m strong and steady, so I need a secure enclosure with a tight-fitting lid or lock. When I first arrived at the shelter, I was a little underweight and unsure of the world, but the rescue team helped me get healthy, showed me that humans aren’t so scary, and now I’m confident, calm, and ready to meet my special person. 💛 ✨ Ball Python – Species & Personality Facts ✨ • Typically grow to 3–5 feet as adults • Lifespan: 30–40 years in captivity with proper care • Calm, curious, and observant — respond best to slow, patient handling • Primarily nocturnal — most active in the evenings and nights • Curl into a tight “ball” when unsure, which is where our name comes from • Love cozy hides and gentle exploration to feel safe and secure • Can be a bit spicy, especially around feeding, so observing my body language is key 🏠 Husbandry & Enclosure Requirements 🏠 • Minimum enclosure: 4 feet long × 2 feet wide × 2 feet tall (bigger is always better) - The rescue will help guide you • Front-opening enclosures are ideal to reduce stress • Temperature gradient: warm side 88–92°F, cool side 78–80°F • Moderate humidity, with access to a water bowl for soaking • Multiple hides to feel safe and secure • Simple, functional décor works best — cozy and calm 🐍 I’m looking for a human who: • Can provide safe, thermostat-controlled heat 🔥 • Knows (or wants to learn) proper ball python care, including temperature, humidity, and safe handling • Is patient and gentle, giving me time to settle in — 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to get to know each other, and 3 months to truly feel at home ⏳ • Will provide a secure, enriching habitat, calm attention, and respect my body language, especially at feeding time I’m ready to bring my bold, confident, and heartwarming personality into the right forever home. Could 2026 be our year together? 🏡✨ ✨ 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. 💛🎁 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! ✨🏡