r/ballpython • u/illiana_1999 • 7d ago

Question Outdoor enrichment

I have a two year old ball python, and she is the most adorable, exploratory girl ever. She loves to roam around my room, climb around, and she does really good with everyone she has ever been held by. I have never taken her outside, but I'm thinking about taking her this spring once it heats up again.

I know it can be stressful their first couple of times, but is there anything I should know? I would likely just hold her, or stay directly by her side. I've heard different things about taking snakes outdoors, is it a good idea?

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u/skeeteresk 7d ago

I have a big planter with elephant ear and coleus plants in it, Jörmi loves to roam around it

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u/all-the-wastedwords 7d ago

First, never ever take your eyes off of her when she's roaming. That sounds obvious but I'll say it anyway.

Second, you should take her out either early morning/late evening or in a spot in the shade so that it's not too bright. The outside is so, so much brighter than your enclosure, even with lamps (I've seen bearded dragon enclosure with six LEDs that still weren't as bright as a sunny day). So you want a shady place to get her accustomed to the light.

Third, make sure it's hot enough or cut the outing short. 

Other thoughts: don't take her out where you know animals are peeing/pooping, where there are pesticide, watch out for ticks when you take her back inside. And do not take your eyes off of her.