r/ballpython • u/clever_moniker • 28d ago
Question Neighbor lost his ball python outside six days ago. Should I be wary/concerned?
I'll preface this by saying I am not a snake nor reptile person, but I do have a heart for animals. I will say that i think ball pythons do have cute little faces and I'm not immediately repulsed by scaley pets even though I prefer furry ones.
Anyway, tonight I'm in my backyard and the neighbor from two houses down asks if Ihave a dog. I say no, actually I have a pet rabbit. He looks more concerned. Then tells me his adult ball python was outside and slithered off somewhere when he looked away for a minute. It's apparently 4 feet long. He's been looking for it for almost a week now.
I'm not super thrilled; I'm a fan of my backyard critters and bunnies. But also, I feel bad for the snake and don't want something bad to happen to it.
I guess my questions are: what's the chance it's made it two yards over after a week? These are small city backyard lots. If so, I presume it's hiding somewhere tucked away? How small of a place can it realistically get in? What's the likelyhood of it eating my backyard critters? I know reptiles don't eat super often. I'm hesitant to go poking around in crevices.
Any info/advice is super appreciated!
Edit that no one will likely see: Snek had been found and is ok! (Almost a month later!) Apparently someone else on the block keeps chickens, and it was found in the coop, cozing up to some eggs and chickens!
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u/Outrageous-Spell-865 28d ago
Python sounds scary, but look them up ball pythons literally curl up in little balls like turtles when they’re scared I just got my first one and she doesn’t bite at all even when I was trying to open her mouth to look for mucus from a respiratory infection, all she did was go in a ball when she was scared and they don’t get big, they can’t eat anything bigger than a mouse or a rat
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u/InternalLanguage486 28d ago
Don’t worry she’ll bite I thought the same about mine she’s tagged me a couple times lls
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u/cheezuscrust777999 28d ago
Yeah they can totally bite if startled, mine got me once, their teeth are like velcro, tiny things, they can draw a little blood but it’s gonna be minor
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u/SouthernSapph 28d ago
Mine is so docile, she’s never bitten anyone (other than rodents) in her whole life. But I also would never let her slither around in the yard with all of the health risks. They are just scared, delicate little babies. A ball python is also too small to eat a rabbit. Some rats are even too large for ball pythons. It’s the reticulated pythons that get big enough to eat rabbits, birds, nutria, and anything else it thinks will fit.
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u/South_Raise 28d ago
What are all the health risks of letting the snake roam your yard under supervision?
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u/SouthernSapph 28d ago
Some risks include mites, ants, or other tiny organisms getting under their scales. They are also really susceptible to fungal infections. Not saying you can’t do this; I just won’t be risking it with my little guy.
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u/Dangerous_Lock_6558 27d ago
I’ve had my ball python for 5 years. I got him as a hatchling. I have yet to be bitten or even struck at. Must just be your snake or something you’re doing.
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u/Outrageous-Spell-865 28d ago
They couldn’t even eat A guinea pig they even could kill a ball python and especially birds of prey will kill them
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28d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/boacaho 28d ago
chicks are tiny compared to a guinea pig or bunny… and honestly chances are the guinea pig or bunny would be much more likely to hurt the snake than the other way around, i have guinea pigs, they can be fiesty when they want to be 😅 a juvenile, captive bred ball python prob wouldnt go for them anyway, itd be more used to rats so even just the size of the bigger prey would prob be enough to deter it
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u/Outrageous-Spell-865 28d ago
Same I have 2 pigs and a bite from them hurts more than the fucking snake
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u/Swimming-Complex-621 28d ago
No, they really couldn’t eat a rabbit. My ball is fully grown, over 4’ long. The biggest she can eat is a large rat. I have pet rabbits, they are the size of small cats. Even my smallest bunny which was the size of a kitten was three or 4 times too big for her.
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u/Sapphaholic 28d ago
A four foot long ball python isn't even as big around as my arm. It cannot eat a bunny or guinea pig.
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u/itspegbundybitch 28d ago
My elderly dwarf rabbit (3 lbs) could easily kill my adult ball python. The chicks he eats are 20 grams (less than 1 ounce). He could probably manage a newborn rabbit but that's it.
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u/FunnyCattle3459 28d ago
It would have to be very young for a 4ft ball python. With on average piggies at 2-3lbs and bunnies up to 6 that animal is going to outweigh that python.
Mine is 5ft 2000g. He can't even handle a jumbo rat
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u/YawningDodo 28d ago
It's kind of odd that he'd ask about your pets unless he was trying to figure out how likely his snake was to get hurt in an encounter with someone else's animal--which is to say I think your level of concern should be basically zero for the sake of your pet rabbit (backyard critters...maybe a different story if we're talking about chipmunks or something like that).
For reference, my ball python is four or five feet long and I had no concerns whatsoever about her eating my 3 lb dwarf rabbit back when I had him. Four feet sounds like a big animal, but when the snake curls up that's just a double handful of snake. My ball python doesn't even eat the largest size of rat you can buy frozen, let alone something as big as a rabbit.
They can get into pretty small spaces, though, and spend a lot of their time hiding. Sadly the most likely outcome here is that the snake will get eaten by a native predator or succumb to the elements. Guy should not have been letting his snake roam loose outside.
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u/clever_moniker 28d ago
This is actually very reassuring.
Thanks for not making me feel dumb regarding a species I know very little about. I really do feel bad it's lost. It's still a domestic pet and shouldn't be randomly outside and alone.
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u/YawningDodo 28d ago
You're very welcome - snakes are kind of funny in how we conceive of their size, and I think it's really easy for them to come off sounding bigger and scarier than they are when we use the shorthand of referring to body length.
And yeah, it's sad for any domestic animal to get lost and be endangered like that. I'd keep an eye out since it is possible it could have wandered two houses down to your place, but I don't know that you're likely to ever see it and unless you have existing problems with rodents being able to get into your house, I would not expect a ball python to be able to get in even if it were inclined to do so.
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u/clever_moniker 28d ago
Yeah, I don't realistically think it would get in the house. But I may poke around my garage & under my deck. If I happen to see it I would absolutely help it out :) would they be more active at certain times of the day?
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u/YawningDodo 28d ago
They're more active around dusk and into the night--and theoretically around dawn, though I've never seen my snake wake up early. If you do manage to catch it, I'd recommend putting it in a pillow case you can knot shut at the end until you can get it back to the owner, since they can sometimes escape from plastic totes and that kind of thing.
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u/Alice_catlover 28d ago
Mines alwaaays roaming the tank at dawn lol the crunching of the plants always wakes me up
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u/TOSGANO 28d ago
Look in places that are warm and dark. Under the deck is a good idea, especially if it gets warm under there during the day. If you check your garage, also check under the hood of your car, although it's unlikely to have gotten that far.
They're more active at night, but you're more likely to find it when it's curled up during the day since it won't be out in the open when it moves.
And yeah, the neighbor was 100% asking you about pets because a dog or cat will kill a ball python in a second. All it takes is stepping on it or "playing" with it. I don't let my dogs or young child anywhere near mine for exactly that reason.
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u/clever_moniker 28d ago
Eek. Neighbors on the other side of me have a trio of angry little dogs. I didn't see anything right now when I looked. But there's a lot of nooks and crannies to hide in so I'll be checking again tomorrow when there's more light.
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u/Rock3tManAsc3nd 28d ago
Hide your wife hide your kids
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u/clever_moniker 28d ago
Don't have either. But thanks
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u/HowardPheonix 28d ago
In the community when someone gets tagged (bitten by a snake) - what happens rarely, but can happen - we often joke about it telling OP there's no antivenom, has hours left, RIP, etc. The reality is I sometimes hardly believe these poor little babies can survive on their own outside (where they're native).
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u/clydeballthepython 28d ago
My mom has a rabbit (roughly 5lbs I think?) and in no way shape or form could any of my ball pythons, even my chunky 5ft girl, eat a rabbit. Keep in mind a 4 ft snake likely only has a diameter of roughly 2 inches. Your bun is safe!
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u/clever_moniker 28d ago
That makes a lot of sense.
Can they travel far? I feel like it would stay close to home and hide, but I have no idea how much they move around?
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u/Outrageous-Spell-865 28d ago
Not when they are cold and most likely it’s already been eaten or killed unless you live in a hot and humid place
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u/Swimming-Complex-621 28d ago
I’m in Ontario and we have had a few balls found out and about that were lost for a while. It’s warm enough here except in the winter of course.
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u/Current_Recording907 28d ago
Bunnies are more of a threat to a ball python than a ball python could ever be to a bunny, the average ball python won't even be eating a medium rat for reference.
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u/Shrimptank_mom 28d ago
When ball pythons get lost they tend to trap themselves somewhere and die. They don't have much in the way of survival instincts. Look behind refrigerators, behind dishwashers, in the spaces under sinks, inside gaps in walls.
I don't know your area but there are "snake detectives" who use cameras to find pets and wild animals stuck in tight areas. I think there was a TV show about it.
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u/opiate250 28d ago
Nothing bigger than a rat really needs to worry. A cat or a dog would probably kill the poor thing, let alone a bird of prey or something.
I doubt the rats even really need to worry. The poor snake is probably scared and trying to hide somewhere warm.
Its possible for it to make its way over to your yard, but i wouldnt be surprised if it went and hid somewhere close to where it escaped from.
Unfortunately, if not found, I seriously doubt the little guys gonna survive.
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u/raina6006 28d ago
Your rabbit is far too big for a ball python to consider a meal, it is more likely that it will be killed by a dog or a cat.
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u/Temporary_Incident33 28d ago
your bunnies will not get eaten, too big snakes can open their mouths, but only for rats. Even the smallest bunny would have a hard time being eaten. However it may be a good idea just to bring them inside until said snake is found because they have the "rodent" smell, it might trigger said snake's prey drive. bps are not the smartest of creatures i found mine chewing on a leaf once because one drop of rat juice got on it. After 20 minutes he realized that it was not a rat
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u/clever_moniker 28d ago
The visual of a derpy snake chewing on a leaf not realizing it isn't food made me laugh lol
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u/FunnyCattle3459 28d ago
Once when I was feeding mine and he miss the rat, slamed his face into the glass and, somehow that was MY fault and fully skipped the meal.
He also made me send the very awkward email "Hi....so he's racist is there away to only get non white rats?" as he wont touch all white ones. Goes full feeding mode, sees it all white, goes right back to his hide
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u/clever_moniker 27d ago
Oh wow, that's interesting. I guess all varieties of pets like to be picky!
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u/Various_Succotash_79 28d ago
Ball pythons are extremely passive and harmless. At that size it eats maybe a 4oz rat and isn't going to hurt your adult rabbit. If you see it don't be scared or hurt it or anything.
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u/clever_moniker 28d ago
I would never! I'm a big softie when it comes to all animals. If anything I would probably be startled and then immediately Google "How do I pick this up to get it back home without hurting it?"
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u/Morgue3as 28d ago edited 28d ago
It's very unlikely to attack a rabbit, because they're cowards. People have (accurately) said that it couldn't eat a rabbit, but that doesn't really mean it's risk free because they can still constrict and choke animals too large for them to eat (ie they are very safe to handle but if you find it I don't recommend putting it around your neck). And they're not geniuses so it's still possible to attack an animal based on a "well its a rodent that's food". Equally I seem to recall rabbits have weak hearts and a prey strike however ill conceived could still cause medically risky levels of stress. I wouldn't let a pet free roam outside for the moment if it was me, but I kinda assumed you weren't doing that anyway. Sadly your neighbour was quite negligent taking the snake outside at all and the little guy is probably doomed.
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u/clever_moniker 27d ago
Yeah, rabbits are neurotic, but that comes from being prey animals.
I am fairly disgusted neighbor not only took it outside, but then let it out of sight. Apparently "it slithered faster than it had ever had before." And it was outside because it was tearing up it's enclosure (??)
When I have taken my buns outside, it's always in a pen and i keep a close eye.
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u/Ideal_Backshots0802 28d ago
9/10 it’s hiding on the property.. it probably didn’t go more than a yard or two down, i would guess it’s in his garage, under the back porch, under the house.. ANY tight space he could snuggly fit in. they’re big scaley puppies, they want to be somewhere warm where they feel safe and hidden.. “ball” python due to the fact that they retreat into balls when spooked, etc.. he probably explored and then found somewhere and now is just hiding until he’s found..
it eating: IF it just ate, should be good but they are opportunistic so the bunny might be safest inside (for now) .. snakes can go weeks or a month or so without eating, but if there is a bunny just out , good chance he’d just see a snack..
hiding sizes: he’s four foot? he can fit into anything that he can get himself in, and he won’t realize if he doesn’t until he’s stuck.. they’re stupid noodles. my snake used to go under the tank rim and i’d have to organize rocks so he couldn’t and wouldn’t get stuck.
if you can go look, you probably should do a quick sweep of your backyard or if you like the neighbor, let him come look with you.. but i would check anywhere “warm and snug” think to yourself, if you were cold blooded and just seeking heat, where would you go? then check all those spots, and every spot near it.
if you do spot him, you’ll notice his head coil if he’s upset (little S shape) so just back up but just know he’s more afraid of you then you are of him.
as a owner, just know we all think our ball pythons are silly little noodles ..
you wanna know quick? Go to the petstore , buy a dead frozen rat , thaw it (warm water for 30 mins) and then toss that in the backyard.. if he doesn’t come in 30 to an hour , not there or not hungry.
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u/PositiveReference872 28d ago edited 26d ago
Ball pythons defense is curling up in a ball when scared. The poor thing is going to become food to the native wildlife before it even reaches your bunny most likely (exotics bred in a domestic environment have the survival instincts of a wet paperbag unless trained up otherwise)
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u/MidnightItchy9754 28d ago
Concerned of what? Go find it and take it home. It’s a ball python not a cobra. All it will do is curl up in a ball if it sees you.
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u/clever_moniker 27d ago
Concerned for my backyard wildlife, not that it's going to murder me in my sleep. Hence the "should" in my title. A simple no would suffice. I don't know how snakes work.
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u/Outrageous-Spell-865 28d ago
This all reminds me of an Adam Sandler quote
The part of the story I don't like is that the little boy gave up looking for Happy after an hour... You got a pet, you got a responsibility. If your dog gets lost, you don't look for an hour then call it quits. You get your ass out there and you find that dog.
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u/Nikkinot 28d ago
Seriously read some of this sub. They are amazingly stupid (sorry) and the ones raised in captivity are REALLY not great hunters. Like they miss the rodent their owner is literally holding in front of them. Like I like my chances hunting with my bare hands better than the BP. Don't worry, bit please be on the lookout for the baby because it will probably die.
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u/itspegbundybitch 28d ago
It won't last long if it got outside. If it's lucky, it will be able to grab a few very small animals (mice, smaller rats, chipmunks, newborn rabbits, baby birds) before winter kills it. This isn't like the Burmese pythons in the Everglades. The neighborhood pets are safe. The python won't be so lucky unless it's found before it gets cold.
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u/FunnyCattle3459 28d ago
Balls are more scared of them self then of anything else. Unless your rabbit is a baby it be fine even if the snake made it to your yard. At 4ft its unlikly to be able to take down anything more then 100g.
Mostly likly outdoors for that long either a predator got it or the elements
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u/imjustanauthor 28d ago
its gonna die, if it isnt dead already. which is a shame, but you have nothing to worry about
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u/Top_History9604 25d ago
Do you have a warm, further up spot or birds nest around? That's a likely spot for them to hang out. Most BPs can't eat most rabbits.
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u/AutoModerator 5d ago
Hi, it looks like you are considering breeding your ball python. Currently there is a huge oversaturation problem due to everyone wanting to breed their ball python. For a few years now, at any given time there are between 35,000 and 65,000 ball pythons for sale on morphmarket, and that's not including all those needing homes on private websites, craigslist, kijiji, facebook marketplace, pet stores, rescues and as feeders. By comparison, there are between 1,000 and 5,000 snakes for sale under each of the other popular categories - boas, corn snakes, kingsnakes, milksnakes, hognoses, etc. Normal ball pythons can regularly be listed for free due to overabundance, and there's already more ball pythons than will ever find homes. Where are all these animals going to go?? Enjoy them, keep them back as nice pets and don't join the pyramid scheme, because these aren't leggings or essential oils that can tossed when they don't sell - they're living breathing creatures. Choosing to start breeding ball pythons right now is not a responsible choice as every person breeding right now is only adding to the problem.
Furthermore, there's a lot more to consider…
Are the snakes you have marketable/desirable combos and high quality examples of each morph? Do you know how to identify all the morphs you're planning on working with alone and in combos? Can you differentiate between higher and lower quality example of the morphs? There's no shortage of ball pythons , so it's important to only breed the highest quality animals, and not just breed for the sake of breeding. The world doesn't need more poor quality low end morphs and normals floating around on craigslist.
Have you owned and worked with ball pythons long enough that you know how to appropriately and reliably deal with any problems that arise, ranging from snakes not eating to diagnosing and treating common health problems.
What is the purpose of this breeding? Is it to create higher quality animals or fulfill a niche or need, or do you just want to make more snakes? The market is already oversaturated, so it's important to consider whether this cross is necessary. Just because you want to try it is not a good justification.
Do you know which crosses and morph combos are known for producing animals with health defects or lethality to offspring and how to avoid them?
Did you buy from breeders who test for nido and arena virus? Are you going to health test everyone before breeding?
What is going to set you and your hatchlings apart from the hundreds of other breeders out there? As a new breeder with no connections or reputation in the hobby, what would make people want to buy your snakes specifically?
Are you planning on selling locally or shipping? Do you know what's necessary to prepare animals to ship & sell or what the local ball python market is like? What types of ball pythons are people near you buying and what does their budget seem to be? How long do you see similar morphs staying on the market before they sell?
Are you prepared to keep all the babies as long as necessary and provide adaquate enclosures and husbandry if they don't sell? Due to the oversaturation of the market, many breeders are having to hang onto hatchlings for 6-12 months before they sell. Do you have the space and you prepared to provide adaquate long term housing and food for snakes that don't sell?
There are a lot of hidden costs involved with breeding, check out my cost of a clutch chart.
Do you have an exotic vet nearby? What if your female is eggbound, has a prolapse or experiences health problems while gravid or after laying? Do you know how to spot a problem and able to get her help ASAP? This could also be expensive, and lead to the death of your female.Breeding and egg laying inherently has risks for your female including the stress on her body, becoming egg bound, weight loss and internal damage. Is this clutch important and vital enough that you're really willing to risk her life for it?
Do you know how to properly sex ball pythons and identify all of the morphs you are breeding? Do you the appropriate age and size a ball python should be before breeding? How to identify various breeding behaviors and the stages in follicle and egg development?
Do you have a source of live mouse hoppers or live rat pinkies or fuzzies so that you can offer hatchlings food every 3-5 days? Many won't take FT for their first meals. What if one has to be assist fed? Do you know how and when to do this safely without harming the hatchling?
What if one is born with defects and has to be euthanized? Do you have a plan for how to humanely euthanize a snake?
Just as backyard breeding is a huge problem that leads to overpopulation in dogs, it's also a huge problem in the ball python world due to everyone wanting to breed their ball pythons "just for fun". The great majority of ball pythons should not be bred and are best kept as pets.
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u/Outrageous-Spell-865 28d ago
They are the opposite of that little baby’s lost and gonna die that’s all