Ball Python

This is Montagut, my old ball python. I called him Montagut because (a) I like to name my animals after characters from classical literature, and (b) the name "Monty" was just way too obvious. Far too many python owners adopt that name for their pets, and I wanted to be different.

I gave Montagut away to some dear sweet children last year, and I hear that he has given them a lot of pleasure.

I think that ball pythons are the ideal snake for children to handle. Apart from being incredibly gentle and docile, their penchant for curling up into a ball makes them easy to hold. Children are sometimes uncertain of how to hold other snakes as they squirm around, but a curled up ball python can simply be held in their outstretched hands. (As always though, I recommend that people read up on the risks of Salmonella transmission that can occur when handling any reptile—especially when very young children are involved.)

These animals do have a reputation for being picky eaters, and Montagut was no exception. I pretty much had to feed him rats on a regular basis, and he wouldn't eat mice. Just another consideration to bear in mind, if you decide to have one of these beautiful beasts.

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Last update: 4 September 2004

Other interests: Biotech | Theraphosa blondi | ELISPOT tech