Ball Python Prices 2024: Purchase Cost, Supplies, Food, and More!

Written by Mitchelle Morgan
Updated: July 14, 2023
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Ball pythons (Python regius) are amazing reptiles, captivating snake enthusiasts worldwide. They are non-venomous from Sub-Saharan Africa and loved for their docile temperament. Also, they have a manageable size and a fantastic variety of morphs.

Are you looking to own this snake as a pet and want to learn ball python prices?

Besides the purchase price, there are maintenance costs to consider when owning a ball python.

This guide gives comprehensive information about ball python prices in 2024. It includes their initial costs, appropriate enclosure, food requirements, and essential supplies. Also, we give helpful tips on how to cut down costs, both on purchase and basic supplies.

How Much Does a Ball Python Cost?

Currently, ball pythons don’t have subspecies. But depending on their regions, you can get them in different patterns and colors. Also, breeders have morphs not found in natural settings in the wild.

pastel super stripe ball python (Python regius) isolated on white background.

A ball python can make a good pet.

©fivespots/Shutterstock.com

The name ball python comes from this snake’s defensive position, whereby they wrap their body around their head for protection from possible attacks.

Factors that determine a ball python’s cost include age, color, and breed availability. Depending on the variable you choose, you should be ready to pay between $100 and $250 for a young one.

You can spend up to $100 and $175 for a pastel or spider python. However, you will need about $1,600 to $2,100 to get a killer clown ball python. But there are hundreds of ball python varieties, colors, and prices in the market.

Price Comparision of Different Pythons

COLOR/TYPEPRICE RANGE
Axanthic ball python$300 to $950
Banana ball python$200 to $700
Albino ball python$200 to $500
Butter ball python$200 to $400
Ball python MORPHS$250 to $550
Bumblebee ball python$120 to $240
Candino ball python$350 to $550
Chocolate ball python$120 to $240
Coral Glow ball python$350 to $600
Ghost ball python$100 to $175
Cinnamon ball python$100 to $300
GHI ball python$2,900 to $4,200
Ivory ball python$200 to $400
Killer clown ball python$1,600 to $2,100
Lesser ball python$100 to $175
Leucistic ball python$350 to $500
Leopard ball python$100 to $350
Mystic ball python$150 to $300
Pewter ball python$150 to $550
Mojave ball python$100 to $150
Pastel ball python$120 to $275
Pinstripe ball python$100 to $175
Phantom ball python$120 to $240
Queen bee ball python$350 to $650
Spider ball python$100 to $175
Spinner ball python$150 to $400
Spotnose ball python$150 to $220
Sunset ball python$1,300 to $2,600
Super blast ball python$220 to $400
Yellow belly ball python$175 to $350
Vanilla ball python$220 to $450

Factors That Determine Ball Python Prices

Ball pythons can cost as little as $100, depending on different factors. The local market and geographical location often determine the cost of these pet snakes. Also, their genetic traits, origin, health, and age can affect their prices.

Although, many times, their characteristics determine ball python prices.

Genetics

Ball python genetics determine its price value. If it has unique marks or rare genetics, you will pay more. At the same time, it may cost you less to get one with standard genetics.

Size

The next factor determining a ball python’s cost is its size. Commonly, large ball pythons are more expensive than small ones. Large snakes need more space and food, increasing maintenance and ownership costs.

Availability

Specific ball python availability determines their costs. Rare morphs are hard to find and therefore more expensive than common types. Similar to other commodities, the law of supply and demand applies.

Also, pet snakes are more expensive in countries where they are less common.

Color

Color is an important factor for ball pythons. Some colored varieties, like those with orange and yellow hues, have a higher demand than others. Hence, their prices can be more than that of common-colored ones.

Captive Breeds vs. Imported Breeds

Breed type is also among the major factors determining ball pythons’ cost. Captive breeds are more expensive. Ask for their breeding information regarding their previous diseases, genetics, pathogens exposure, and any other details you may want.

Imported breeds may come from wild snakes. And their genetics, lineage, and health information may be unknown. You must be careful since some importers charge as much for these as captive breeds despite their value differences.

Additional Costs of Owning Ball Python

Besides the initial ball python prices, there are other costs. We’ve created a comprehensive guide on the ball python’s long-term costs, including the cage and accessories.

Ball pythons are special and require a cage enclosure matching their natural habitats. Making one is relatively cheap.

AccessoriesCost estimates
Cage/ enclosure$70-$450
Dry hide$10-$30
Heating apparatus$10- $50
Thermometer and hygrometer$10
Humid hide$10-$25
Thermostat$25-$50
Water bowl$10-$20
Waste remover$12-$15
Light fixtures$10-$30
Shower or spray bottle$10-$20
Decorations$100
Total$250-$800

Cage/ Enclosure

The cage or enclosure size depends on the size of your snake. There isn’t one size for all ball python pets. Adults need at least a 20-gallon size enclosure, but it would help to have a more spacious structure.

Ball python snake with reflection

A ball python cage cost between $70-$450 depending on size.

©Megan Czarnocki/Shutterstock.com

A 40-gallon structure is better since you can make varying vegetation and hides, creating a wild feel. Hence, the cost depends on size, as follows:

  • 20 gallons at $70 to $200
  • 40 gallons at $150 to $240
  • 67 gallons at $300 to $450

Dry Hide

Dry hides give snakes a feeling of safety and comfort in their settings. For better comfort, provide two dry hides for your ball python. The first should be on the warm side of the tank, and the second should be on the cold side.

These give your snake more than one option for only $10 to $30. The cold side should be within 75F, while the hot side should be 85F-90F.

Humid Hide

This section gives your python pet a comfortable atmosphere with about 60-70% humidity. It closely resembles the dry hide but has higher humidity levels. The moisture makes it easy for skin to shed and enhances comfort.

You can customize their shedding hide at home with a yogurt container and paper towel. Or get ready-made ones with Tupperware and moss fillings for about $10. But you can also go for special hide designs for about $20 to 25.

Heating Apparatus

Ball pythons are cold-blooded, so they don’t generate heat. You need to provide heat in the right amounts for their comfort. Ensure the tank has a cold and warm side, each with a thermometer. Follow the tips below to achieve the best temperatures for them.

  • Get a dome or a heat lamp for about $10 to $35.
  • Place a heating pad, which costs between $20-$50, under the tank.

Thermometer and Hygrometer

It’s advisable to track the humidity and temperatures in the python cage. It would be best if you got a hygrometer and a thermometer.

Thermostat

This device is essential to control the temperature levels in the cage. This will give you peace of mind at only $25 to $50. With these, the cage temperatures will be ideal.

Scoop Cost

Scoops are important to remove fecal and urine matter from the cage for maximum cleanliness. Alternatively, you can buy a waste remover for $12-$15.

Water Bowl

Always provide your snake water in a shallow dish. Purchase a long-lasting and stable water bowl, which is affordable at around $10 to $20.

Soak it in shallow warm water for about 10 to 15 minutes to boost hydration and promote proper shedding. Increase the soaking to once a day, as shedding increases.

Light Fixtures

Light fixtures are optional in your ball python cage, but some people find them necessary. At $10 to $30, you can get quality light fixtures. However, remember that prolonged light exposure may cause sleep cycle disruptions and distress.

Decorations

You can make an oasis for your python tank by adding hides, sticks, plants, and rocks. These decorations enhance their environment and promote health and satisfaction. You can achieve this with less than $100, good imagination, and household items. Alternatively, you can use fake plants and intricate hides at a higher cost.

Spray or Shower Bottle

Pythons do well in relatively high-humidity environments. Keep their environment humid for optimum well-being. A cheap spray bottle is all you need to accomplish this.

Ball Python Consumable Costs

As a ball python owner, you must consider consumable products and ownership expenses. These consumables include substrate, moss, and food. And they need regular replacement.

Their costs break down are as follows:

ConsumablesCosts
Substrate$50-70 per year
Sphagnum moss$20 per year
Food$1 to $3 per meal

Substrates

You can use freely available materials like newspapers or buy them at your local pet store. You can buy aspen shavings at about $5 to $10. But it is important to get the right materials despite their costs.

Replacing the substrates after two months is advisable to maintain a healthy tank bed. In addition, you must avoid materials with small particles, sand, and gravel, as the snake may ingest them, leading to constipation.

Sphagnum Moss

Sphagnum moss maintains moisture for long periods. You may need to replace these occasionally, but costs are manageable at only $20 per year.

Food

Ball pythons are carnivorous and will only feed on meat, mostly rodents, whose prices depend on size. Also, your pet’s age and size determine the number and type of rodents you will give them for good health.

Here is a guide on python age and the size of rodents you should feed them:

Small, young pythons: Feed them small pinkie mice once weekly for proper growth and development. The mice will cost you about $1 to $2 per mouse.

Adults: these ball pythons need large mice to meet their nutrition requirements. You will part with about $4 to $5 per mouse.

Large ball pythons: These snakes need large rats once each week or two. Each goes for about $10 to $15.

The breakdown above shows that annual food costs for these pets are more manageable than others. Feeding them frozen prey is not good, although they may be cheaper. Freshly killed rats and mice are preferable.

In addition, it’s not advisable to give your pets live rodents since they may bite them, causing infections. Pet pythons will comfortably feed on dead prey, unlike wild snakes.

How Often Should You Feed a Ball Python?

©Megan Czarnocki/Shutterstock.com

You can feed your ball python every five days if it is of small size. At the same time, large pets can eat once every one to two weeks. You will feed them less as they age.

In addition, ball pythons tend to feed well in the afternoons or evenings since they are nocturnal animals.

Possible Reasons Your Pet Python May Not Eat

Sometimes, you will give your ball python food, but it will be reluctant to eat. This may be due to the following:

  • Habitat temperatures may be too cold or too hot
  • Extra-large habitats
  • He doesn’t recognize the food you give him
  • The snake is preparing to shed his skin
  • Your snake is stressed
  • It is breeding season
  • He is unwell
  • Your python is not hungry

In addition, you may need to do the following:

  • Warm frozen food before feeding
  • Cut pre-killed prey
  • Look for signs of illness or shedding
  • Regulate the tank temperature
  • Clean the habitat

Ball Python Medical Costs and Insurance

These pets are living creatures. Hence, they are prone to medical problems despite how much care you give them. You may notice some abnormalities that add to general upkeep costs. Some of these signs include the following:

  • Parasite infestation
  • Mouth rot
  • Snakes viral diseases
  • Pneumonia
  • Ascariasis
  • Retained eyecaps
  • Trauma symptoms
  • Diarrhea
  • No stool,
  • Not eating,
  • Poor shedding.

It may cost you up to $100 for an initial treatment vet visit. Please be keen on any of the above signs and take action early to avoid large bills.

In addition, you can get insurance services for your ball python. Compare different offers and settle on one with the best policies and benefits to suit your needs. Consider their exclusions, deductibles, company reputation, and waiting periods. This way, you will get the best deals and know what to expect in emergencies.

You can avoid these costs if you can maintain a healthy environment and provide proper care to avoid frequent health issues. Also, schedule regular checks, maintain appropriate humidity and temperature levels, and keep the tank clean.

Why Ball Pythons Are Cheap to Own

These snake pets are generally cheaper than other animals or reptile pets. Here are a few ways ball python ownership is convenient:

  • They are comfortable in small cages with less setup.
  • They are cheap to feed since adults feed once per week or two weeks.
  • Although some materials are expensive, they can last a long time if you take good care of them. These include the bedding, a thermometer, a heat mat, and a terrarium.
  • They require less care than other pets.
  • Excellent choice if you need a cost-friendly pet.

How to Minimize Ball Pythons Ownership Costs?

If you are a snake lover or a prospective ball python owner, here are a few tips to minimize costs — both the initial costs and consumables:

Research and Compare Prices

Before buying one, compare their prices with pet stores, breeders, and online sellers. The prices may vary significantly, so explore your options and settle on the best deal. But don’t compromise on health and quality.

Rescue or Adopt

You can rescue or adopt a reptile from adoption centers. This way, you will save more than getting one from a breeder. Also, you will give care to a needy snake.

Go for a Standard Morph

Unique and rare ball python varieties are attractive and expensive. You can choose a normal morph and pay less for the initial purchase.

Buy Young Pythons

Snake hatchlings and juveniles are cheaper than adults. Although they need more attention and care, you will enjoy seeing them grow while saving money on initial costs.

Set a DIY Habitat

Customize your cage or enclosure instead of buying from the store. This way, you will enjoy design flexibility and budget-friendly prices.

Shop Smart

When making purchases, go for discounts and deals on important supplies like heating equipment, enclosures, hides, and substrates. Be keen on online sales, promotions, and reptile expos where you may get discounts.

Join Reptile Communities

Look for your local reptile communities, social media groups, and forums. Here you may find members rehoming or selling their ball pythons at affordable prices. Also, you may get valuable information on cost savings.

Ensure Good Health

Investing in preventative care and quality husbandry to reduce health risks is important. This helps to reduce veterinary costs. Also, you should disinfect and clean the cage, ensure optimal humidity and temperature, and give a suitable diet.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © fivespots/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

Mitchelle is a content writer who loves nature. She loves writing about animals and plants. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and going for nature walks.

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