Hi there — my name is Hershey Kiss, and 2026 is my year to find my forever family. 🐍💛 I’m a calm, steady, and resilient ball python, ready to leave the past behind and start a fresh chapter in a safe, loving home. I came into a local shelter as a stray on June 14, 2025. When I arrived, I had scarring along my back from what appeared to be a burn caused by an unprotected heat source. It wasn’t an easy start, but thanks to careful observation, critical care, and plenty of time, I’ve healed beautifully. Today, my scarring is well-managed, I’m stable, I eat consistently, and I’ve shown that I’m a calm, deliberate snake — just like ball pythons are known to be. Though I’m classified as a common (normal) ball python, I’m ready to show someone special just how sweet and steady I can be. I’m calm, observant, and enjoy quiet time in my hides. I can be a little shy at first, but with patience and gentle handling, I warm up quickly. ✨ Ball Python – Species & Personality Facts ✨ • Typically grow to 3–5 feet as adults • Lifespan: 20–30+ years with proper care • Calm, shy, and deliberate — 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 burrowing 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 76–80°F • Properly regulated heat only — every heat source must be thermostat-controlled and protected to prevent injury • Moderate humidity: 55–65%, slightly higher when shedding • Multiple snug hides on warm and cool sides to feel secure • Diet: appropriately sized frozen/thawed rodents 🐍 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 and calm, consistent attention I’m ready to bring my calm, steady, and resilient nature 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! ✨🏡evenings ⏳ My 3–3–3 Adjustment Period • First 3 Days: I’ll need time to decompress. You’ll likely find me hiding — that’s normal. • First 3 Weeks: I’ll start settling into routine, recognizing feeding schedules, and tolerating gentle interaction. • First 3 Months: This is when I’ll truly feel at home, and my comfort and confidence will shine through. Patience during this time means everything to me and helps set us both up for long-term success. 🏠 My Ideal Home I’d do best with someone who understands proper ball python care or someone willing to learn and follow best practices. I’ve already lived through preventable hardship, and I’m ready for a future where my needs come first. 💛 Why Me? Because every scar tells a story — and mine deserves a happier next chapter. If you think you are the right home for me, please fill out the quick application using the button below, and one of the team members will be in touch! ✨ 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.