Do ball pythons like to climb, and what does this mean exactly? Generally, ball pythons tlike to stay on ground level. They seek comfort submerging themselves under leafs, rocks and fallen trees. However, they are known to be semi-arboreal. A semi-arboreal animal is any species that spends half their time in trees, and half their time on the ground. So this actually covers the majority of reptiles. This means that on occasion, ball pythons have been known to climb trees, walls, fences ect.
Why Do Ball Pythons Like To Climb Trees?
The main reason why ball pythons like to climb trees is for hunting. Birds nests become an intriguing prospect for a ball python, and they will be curious to find out what food the nest has to offer. Ball pythons like to climb and can climb very well, so they can climb the tallest trees without any hesitance.
Ball pythons have been know to be arboreal and climb trees, even walls in order to find a meal. As long as the climbing apparatus can hold the pythons weight, and the snake can wrap itself around, then it should be more than capable to climb any object.
This is however only in some extreme case though, as they usually spend the majority of their time slithering from burrow to burrow, looking for a hiding or sleeping rodent. This is much easier and far less effort for a ball python than it is climbing up trees.
Do Bull Pythons Like To Climb In Their Vivarium
So what do you reckon, do bull pythons like to climb in their vivariums? Yes, of course they do. From time to time, your bull python will like to climb on top of, and over furniture. If you would like to replicate this inside your vivarium then there is a product called Exo Terra Forest Branch, which is a completely safe, manoeuvrable, climbing apparatus for reptiles. It’s recommended by all reptile enthusiasts. This product is relatively cheap in comparison to similar items on the market.
Artificial plants, vines, branches, rocks and other foliage can be places anywhere with in the enclosure. Try to provide them with more than just one plant or vine though. Ball pythons need to feel safe in its surrounds at all times, so the more cover you can provide the better. This will give your snake a range of places to hide and relax.
Providing a climbing branch for your ball python is a great idea. You can either buy one from a reptile store, or you can make one. If you’re planning to make a climbing branch, ensure that it is smooth, with no sharp edges as this will only irritate your snake. Buying from a retile store would be best as they will always be safe and sterile. So you can put these straight into your snakes enclosure without having to worry.
They can be placed wherever you like in the enclosure, it really doesn’t matter. Just not too close to the heat lamp if you have one. And make sure your snake can actually climb on it. It will be no good having it pressed up against the wall of the vivarium. Ball python need to be able to wrap themselves around a branch, so always have in mind the size of your snake and what size the branch will need to be to hold its weight.
Benefits For Climbing Ball Pythons
There are many benefits for a ball python that climbs. Ball pythons will become more active and friendly towards yourself and others when its wellbeing is exercised correctly.
Keeping your ball python entertained is crucial to its wellbeing. A change of habitat from time to time will engage its curiosity to explore and discover. Snake lovers will usually change their vivariums interior every so often to replicate their snake being somewhere new.
If you’d like to add some climbing apparatus into your ball pythons enclosure, it’s recommended to do it whilst your snake is sleeping. When it wakes up, it will have a completely new surrounding to explore. This will also cause less stress to your python, compared to doing this whilst they are awake.
What If Your Ball Python Doesn’t Like To Climb?
If you realise that your ball python doesn’t like to climb, and it rarely uses any of its climbing apparatus, then you shouldn’t worry. As we have mentioned before, ball pythons spend the majority of their time on the ground, foraging through the forest floor. If a ball python is comfortable and well fed, then it may not see any reason to climb trees.
A pet ball python should only really be climbing on its apparatus if you have just recently cleaned the enclosure, or the temperature isn’t right for them. When you clean the enclosure, a ball python will have many new smells to explore. They will smell every inch of the enclosure to make sure there are no new threats to its safety. On the other hand, if the temperature isn’t at the correct level, then your ball python my either be seeking a hotter or cooler place to rest. It’s best to make sure that at the opposite end of the enclosure (to the heat lamp) there is a space which is completely cover from the heat and light.
As much as ball pythons like to climb, they also like to rest and stay hidden.
If your ball python doesn’t like to climb, then you should really focus on creating a habitat which replicates its natural environment as much as possible.
Conclusion
Well there we go, everything you need to know on “do ball pythons like to climb”. Remember that it’s perfectly fine for a ball python not to climb. Naturally ball pythons ill only climb trees for food and would much prefer to be on ground level. Sufficient food and water should be enough to keep a ball python on ground level.
Most Recommended For Ball Pythons
Bathing Water Bowl – Click Here
Heat Lamp and Guard – Click Here
Reliable Thermometer – Click Here
Vivarium/Enclosure – Click Here
Climbing Branches – Click Here
Hydrometer – Click Here
Other pages you might like…
Are Ball Pythons Constrictors?
When Do Ball Pythons Stop Growing?
How Fast Do Ball Pythons Grow?
