The ball python also is known as the royal python is a python species found in sub-Saharan Africa. They are kept as pets due to their docile nature and small size.
They are rarely aggressive and on top of that, they are non-venomous which makes their defense mechanism different.
When stressed or frightened, the ball python curls into a ball and rolls away hence their name. Only in some rare cases will the snake bite. Such cases are due to stress and mistaking hand for food.
This raised an alarm and I had to research how many teeth does a ball python have and if their bite is painful.
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So how many teeth do ball pythons actually have?
Ball python teeth average to about 25-35 teeth closely aligned in the roof and the bottom jaw. The number of teeth depends on the age and size of the ball python.
By now I am sure you must be wondering if they have fangs. I did some research and found out that pythons are non-venomous and only venomous snakes have fangs.
Are Ball Python Bites Painful?
Handling the ball pythons gently prevents defensive bites. What if you own one and it bites you?
Does it hurt?
In case of a bite, a scratch from a kitten hurts a lot worse. Defensive bites are a quick strike and release.
Being bitten by a ball python is quite startling and the pressure from the bite is quite alarming. This is due to their strong grasp. Apart from some minor pain, the bite isn’t a big deal.
Here are some reasons why the ball python could bite:
- Hunger
Always feed your snake when hunger sets in. You don’t want to mess with a hungry snake.
- Threats
Any living thing will defend itself when threatened. Avoid cornering your snake or picking it from the front.
- Shedding
When shedding, their vision gets altered and all they have is a sense of smell. If they are hungry, they might mistake your hand for food. Also, check out our blog post on Albino Snake.
How Often Do Ball Pythons Bite?
Snake bites are quite surprising. No one would like to be caught in that situation. So, I was curious as to how often ball pythons bite.
Well, although ball pythons are known to be tame, they have teeth just like most snakes and anything that has teeth can bite.
Why Do Ball Pythons Latch When They Bite?
Although the ball pythons are docile and rarely bite, they sometimes do and won’t release. Do you want to know why the ball pythons latch on when they bite?
Keep reading. Also, find out the best and cool snake names.
According to the research I carried out, ball pythons are non-venomous constrictors. Without the help of venom when attacking their prey, they have to use their jaw strength and sheer squeeze power. They bite then squeeze once they are wrapped around their prey. This is their way to kill predators.
In case you are bitten and it won’t let go, just keep calm and don’t struggle. Those little teeth could cause more harm if you struggled.
Don’t be scared though. Ball pythons are very easy to handle.
You could try this if it does not release.
-Wait until he/she lets go
-douse it in water
-submerge her in water
-put something else in front of her face or
-line his gums with alcohol.
Ball Python Teeth Size
Ball Python teeth are really sharp, small, and spike-like. Backward facing teeth help a snake hold on to a large animal and since they don’t have arms the teeth keep the animal in place while the snake digests its prey.
Where Are Ball Pythons From?
Ball pythons can be found in Sub-Saharan Africa. In countries like Senegal, Mali, Liberia, Ivory Coast Sudan, Uganda, Ghana, Benin, and Nigeria.
What Does A Ball Python Eat?
Their diet consists mostly of small mammals. They feed on rats, birds, shrews, gerbils, and crickets.
How Often Do Ball Pythons Eat?
On how often ball pythons eat depends on your snake. In most cases, an adult snake will eat once every 2 weeks. Younger snakes eat more often at least once a week or once every 5 to 6 days.
What Color Is A Ball Python?
A ball python is a black or dark brown with light brown or gold sides and dorsal blotches. The belly is white or cream with scattered black markings.
How Big Are Ball Pythons?
Ball pythons’ hatchlings are approximately 10 inches in length. Female ball pythons are much larger than males averaging to about 3 to 5 feet long while the male averages from 2 to 3 feet.
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