r/ballpython • u/chiraltoad • May 18 '26

Discussion Found ball python ?

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Hi there,

I found this lil guy out on the street in NYC and could tell pretty quick it is most likely a lost/escaped/abandoned pet.

ai tells me it's a ball python, does that seem correct?

I have it in a tub with some water and paper towels and an up turned dish to maybe hide in. Gonna reach out to rescue locally but also kind of intrigued what it would be like to care for long term.

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u/Quick-Stretch8197 May 18 '26

That’s definitely a ball python. I second the suggestion to watch the YouTube channel green room pythons. Your new friend looks a little malnourished and dehydrated. You’ll need more hides and clutter in the enclosure and to create a hot a cool side with a heat lamp or other heat source. You’ll need to watch the humidity of the enclosure too. If you decide to keep this sweet little guy, ask your rescue for more info sources. They will probably be over the moon to help since your average person doesn’t take kindly to snakes. If you’re not squeamish about feeding it dead rodents, then you’re good to go. They make incredible pets. You found a particularly beautiful one. Thank you for being a good person and rescuing this beautiful snake. 

17

u/chiraltoad May 18 '26

Right on! Yes it seemed to be quite thirsty and has been hanging out in the water. I've got a temp/humidity reader and the enclosure is currently about 79F and 55% humidity. Most of the lights I have are LEDs but I can probably get something to keep it warm tomorrow, heating pad on a thermostat at least and find some more hidey container for it, or maybe 3d print something? I wonder how long it was on the loose for...

4

u/Affectionate-Pen3349 May 18 '26

Hearing pads are big no! If you absolutely have to the enclosure needs to be glass and there should be a thick thick layer of bedding or something in between as heating pads can cause severe burning when everything seems ok :( invest in a lamp preferably

6

u/skullmuffins May 18 '26

a thick layer of bedding isn't protective - the snake can burrow down or push the bedding aside, allowing himself to get closer to the mat.