Question 1

What are ball pythons?

Accepted Answer

This is the smallest of the African pythons and is popular in the pet trade, largely due to its small size and typically docile temperament. The name “ball python” refers to the animal’s tendency to curl into a ball when stressed or frightened.

Question 2

What is a ball pythons size and behaviour?

Accepted Answer

Maximum adult length of this species is 182 cm (6.0 ft). Females tend to be slightly bigger than males, maturing around 122–137 cm (4.0–4.5 ft). Males typically grow to around 90–107 cm (3.0–3.5 ft). Their build is stocky, while the head is relatively small.

This terrestrial species is known for its defense strategy that involves coiling into a tight ball when threatened, with its head and neck tucked away in the middle. In this state, it can literally be rolled around. Favored retreats include mammal burrows and other underground hiding places. In captivity, they are considered good pets, with their relatively small size and placid nature making them easy to handle.

Question 3

What do ball pythons eat?

Accepted Answer

In the wild, their diet consists mostly of small mammals, such as African soft-furred rats (ASFs), shrews, gerbils, and striped mice and birds. In captivity most ball pythons accept common rats and mice, in Alberta African soft-furred rats can be bred in captivity for live feeding.

At Mystic Mutations a python hatchling diet consists of live fuzzy ASFs for the first 2-4 meals and are eventually transitioned to frozen-thawed rats.

All live feedings are and should be under supervision.

Question 4

What is considered to be an approved enclosure?

Accepted Answer

The enclosure must be an escape proof glass or PVC enclosure and sizing is dependent on the size of the reptile. Too large or small of an enclosure can cause stress to the reptile potentially effecting eating habits. Two hides are required as well as a water source and mental stimulation/ enrichment.

All heat sources require thermostat/ probe control and no heat source will be uncontrolled (plugged directly into an outlet). Heat tape used in enclosures can achieve up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, causing serious burns or death to the reptile if not regulated by a thermostat. Ball pythons require a 88-90 degree Fahrenheit basking side as well as a 78-80 degree Fahrenheit cooling side.

No glues or adhesives can be applied to the inside of an enclosure.

Humidity is required to be kept between 50-60% and can be achieved with different substrates and ventilation. At Mystic Mutation we use coconut husk and is highly recommended as a suitable substrate for Alberta's dry climate.

We are happy to help with the set up of your new enclosure if needed.

Question 5

When buying from us

Accepted Answer

When you are considering purchasing from us, we may ask for proof of enclosure to ensure that you are set up and ready for your new reptile. Once proof has been approved, a deposit for the snake of 50% will need to be made. This deposit is non-refundable, no exceptions, but is transferable to other reptiles within our current stock.

When you are ready for your reptile you can choose to have it shipped to you, dropped off, or if you are local to Calgary and area you can pick it up. We are also flexible in meeting you half way for a fee, which is calculated by distance. All shipping costs will be added to your total.

Shipping will only occur during warm months to ensure the safety of our reptiles. We are liable for the animal until it has been received by you, please see the policy page for more information.

Once a purchase is made and received we are always here as support to answer any of your questions! We love to see photos of how your new friend is doing.

Question 6

What you can expect from us

Accepted Answer

We will only sell a reptile if we believe it to be in good health with no underlying conditions. We will never sell a reptile that has not eaten at least five to seven meals and has shed.

We are here as a resource to people who are interested in buying their first reptile, breeding reptiles, or to any experienced owner. When a purchase is made from us we will always be available to help and answer questions.

If you find that you are no longer able to care for your reptile, please know we will take the animal back with no judgement or question. Life happens and we want to ensure the reptile will be properly taken care of. Please see the policy page for more info.

Question 7

What we expect from you

Accepted Answer

We expect that you have done the majority of research in owning your new reptile but are always happy to help and answer questions. In some cases proof of enclosure will be requested before you are provided a reptile.

We expect you to have a plan and source for your feeding regime and are happy to recommend sources.

We expect you to love your reptile unconditionally and hope this is always the case. However, if at any point you are unhappy or unable to keep the reptile, please contact us before rehoming. Please see the policies page for more information.

FAQ