All pets / Reptiles and amphibians

What a ball python really costs

A normal ball python costs about $75–$200 (PetSmart lists one at $99.99), but morphs can run into the thousands, and the adult 4×2×2 ft enclosure with halogen heat, low-level UVB and a thermostat costs about $590–$1,110 (typically near $690). After that, frozen rats, substrate changes, a yearly UVB tube and about $98 of electricity come to roughly $490 a year before vet bills, for a snake that can live 20–30 years.

Life expectancy
20–30 years
Size
3.5–4.5 ft long
Care level
Moderate
Price
$75–$200
Setup
About $690
Insurance
Available

Estimate for: One adult normal or common-morph ball python (3–4.5 ft) kept in a 4×2×2 ft (120-gallon) enclosure, fed frozen/thawed rats. Space needed: 4×2×2 ft (120-gallon) enclosure for adults over 3 ft, with a warm hide, cool hide and humid hide.

Ball python
Lifetime cost$21,100 First year $1,650Then about $810 a year
Photo: Squamata55, CC BY 2.0

Where the money goes each year

A typical year for a ball python, with typical spending in an average-cost area, no insurance.

  • Illness and injury (average)$175
  • Full substrate change$168
  • Annual reptile-vet exam + fecal test$150
  • Frozen/thawed rats$144
  • Electricity for heat and UVB$98
  • Halogen heat bulb replacements$32
  • UVB tube replacement$26
  • Calcium/vitamin powder (occasional prey dusting)$18
  • Typical year$810

Most years land between $580 and $1,390. Items replaced on a cycle are spread across the years.

Setup and the first year

For ball pythons, the equipment usually costs far more than the animal.

Getting set up

  • Price (pet store or breeder)$138
  • 4×2×2 ft (120-gallon) front-opening enclosure$299
  • Two-bulb halogen heat cluster + dome (plus optional heat mat)$77
  • Low-strength T5 HO UVB fixture + 22 in tube$83
  • Thermostat or dimmer$50
  • Infrared temp gun + 2 digital thermometer/hygrometers$57
  • Moisture-holding substrate, about 4 in deep (initial fill)$42
  • Hides, humid-hide moss and climbing branches$53
  • Large heavy water bowl + feeding tongs$33
  • New-pet reptile-vet exam$100
  • Fecal parasite test$58
  • Upfront$990

Running costs in year one

  • Frozen/thawed rats$144
  • Calcium/vitamin powder (occasional prey dusting)$18
  • Full substrate change$168
  • UVB tube replacement$26
  • Halogen heat bulb replacements$32
  • Electricity for heat and UVB$98
  • Illness and injury (average)$175
  • Year-one running costs$660

First-year total: $1,650. Adopting instead brings it to about $1,760.

Make it your estimate

Change the choices that move the price most. Totals update as you go.

Where it comes from
Setup

4×2×2 ft (120-gallon) front-opening enclosure, Two-bulb halogen heat cluster + dome (plus optional heat mat), Low-strength T5 HO UVB fixture + 22 in tube, Thermostat or dimmer and more.

Day-to-day spending

Food, calcium/vitamin powder, full substrate change and other supplies.

Pet insurance
Where you live

Changes vet prices.

Your lifetime estimate$21,100 First year $1,650Then about $810 a yearOver 25 years

$68 a month in a typical year.

  • Illness and injury (average)$175
  • Full substrate change$168
  • Annual reptile-vet exam + fecal test$150
  • Frozen/thawed rats$144
  • Electricity for heat and UVB$98
  • Halogen heat bulb replacements$32
  • UVB tube replacement$26
  • Calcium/vitamin powder (occasional prey dusting)$18
  • Typical year$810

What to buy

The gear and supplies in this estimate, matched to a ball python. Each link searches Amazon for the right type and size.

  • 4×2×2 ft (120-gallon) front-opening enclosureSetup, typically about $299
    See on Amazon
  • Two-bulb halogen heat cluster + dome (plus optional heat mat)Setup, typically about $77
    See on Amazon
  • Low-strength T5 HO UVB fixture + 22 in tubeSetup, typically about $83
    See on Amazon
  • Thermostat or dimmerSetup, typically about $50
    See on Amazon
  • Infrared temp gun + 2 digital thermometer/hygrometersSetup, typically about $57
    See on Amazon
  • Moisture-holding substrate, about 4 in deep (initial fill)Setup, typically about $42
    See on Amazon
  • Hides, humid-hide moss and climbing branchesSetup, typically about $53
    See on Amazon
  • Large heavy water bowl + feeding tongsSetup, typically about $33
    See on Amazon
  • Calcium/vitamin powder (occasional prey dusting)Ongoing, typically about $18 a year
    See on Amazon
  • UVB tube replacementOngoing, typically about $26 a year
    See on Amazon
  • Halogen heat bulb replacementsOngoing, typically about $16 each, twice a year
    See on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, PetPriceTag earns from qualifying purchases. Buying through these links costs you nothing extra and never changes our cost figures.

Health costs to plan for

ConditionWhat it isTypical treatmentCost
Respiratory infectionVCA: usually bacterial, often alongside mouth rot; signs include mucus in the mouth, wheezing, gurgling and open-mouth breathing. ReptiFiles links ball python RIs to low temperatures, wrong humidity and poor hygiene. SourceExam, culture, bloodwork, X-rays and oral or injectable antibiotics; Furry Critter Network puts a snake workup at $300–$500 before medication and a reptile RI at $400–$800$300–$800
Snake mitesMerck: Ophionyssus natricis is a common snake parasite that causes anemia and can spread bacterial and viral disease; VCA says infestations need a reptile vet and a deep clean of the enclosure. ReptiFiles warns treatment is 'a long haul'. SourceExam ($86–$118), antiparasitic treatment ($20–$100+ per Furry Critter Network), a recheck ($77 at Gentle Vet) and replacing substrate and decor; estimate built from those fees$100–$300
Retained shed (dysecdysis)VCA: snakes kept too dry retain skin and can develop skin infections under it. ReptiFiles says healthy ball pythons shed in one piece every 4–6 weeks and warns against soaking; use a warm humidity box instead. SourceHome humidity box; vet exam and assisted removal ($86–$118 plus a $77 recheck), more if eye caps or skin infection need treatment (estimate)$80–$250
Internal parasitesVCA: worms, protozoa and coccidia are common in pet snakes and often show no signs until found on a fecal test; cryptosporidiosis may be hard or impossible to treat. SourceFecal test ($58–$61), dewormer ($20–$100+) and a recheck fecal$100–$250
Inclusion body disease (IBD)VCA: a contagious, typically fatal reptarenavirus of pythons and boas; affected snakes 'star gaze' or can't right themselves. There is no cure, so quarantine new snakes and don't house boas with pythons. SourceExam and diagnostic testing, then supportive care or euthanasia (VCA); estimate from exam, bloodwork ($100–$300) and imaging fees$150–$500

The yearly estimate includes an average of $175 for illness and injury. Insurance is available for this pet; turn it on in the calculator to compare.

What drives the cost

  • Morphs drive the purchase price: PetSmart sells a normal ball python for $99.99 and a 'juvenile fancy' for $199.99, breeder normals list around $75, and ThePricer (Sept 2026) puts most pet-grade normals and common morphs at $50–$300, with designer combinations from $500 into five figures. The range here is for a normal pet.
  • The enclosure costs more than the snake: ReptiFiles' minimum for adults over 3 ft is 48×24×24 in, and a 4×2×2 ft PVC enclosure runs $299 (Dubia.com) to $467 for Zen Habitats' taller 4×2×4 ft.
  • Food is frozen/thawed rats: about 36 meals a year at roughly $4 per medium rat (RodentPro, $39.90 per 10) is about $144; buying single rats at PetSmart ($9.99 each) can double that, while bulk orders over $99 ship free.
  • Humidity of 60–80% (ReptiFiles) means a deep, moisture-holding substrate that ReptiFiles says should be replaced monthly or at least quarterly, about $170 a year in coconut fiber at the quarterly rate.
  • Plan for decades: ReptiFiles gives a 15–30 year captive lifespan and Animal Diversity Web an average of 20 years, with records near 50; this page uses 20–30 years, so lifetime cost is driven by food, bulbs and vet visits rather than the purchase.

Is it legal where you live?

Legal without a permit in most states. Hawaii lists all snakes as prohibited animals, so a ball python cannot be brought in or kept. New Jersey requires an exotic/nongame possession permit for all pythons (family Pythonidae). Check city or HOA rules elsewhere; some cities restrict constrictors. The CDC warns reptiles often carry Salmonella.

Restricted or banned in: Hawaii, New Jersey.

Cities and counties can have their own rules. Check locally before you buy.

Pet store or breeder
$75–$200
Reptile rescue or shelter
$25–$160
Lifetime
$21,100

How this estimate is built

Every line, with the typical, thrifty and generous figures and where each comes from.

ItemTypicalRangeBasis and sources
Setup
4×2×2 ft (120-gallon) front-opening enclosure$299$299–$467ReptiFiles: adults over 3 ft need at least 48×24×24 in, front-opening, and it lists Dubia.com's 4×2×2 and Zen Habitats among recommended PVC enclosures. Dubia.com 4×2×2 (120-gallon) PVC enclosure V3 $299; Zen Habitats 4×2×2 PVC $322.15; high: Zen Habitats 4×2×4 ft PVC $466.65 (ReptiFiles says more height is preferred for males). A juvenile can start in 36×18×18 in, but buying the adult size first avoids a second purchase. Stand extra ($129+). ReptiFiles: Ball Python Terrarium Size (48×24×24 in for adults over 3 ft); ReptiFiles: Ball Python Shopping List (estimated $280–$680 before prey and snake); Dubia.com: 4x2x2 (120 Gallon) Reptile Enclosure V3 ($299); Zen Habitats: 4'x2'x2' and 4'x2'x4' PVC reptile enclosures
Two-bulb halogen heat cluster + dome (plus optional heat mat)$77$42–$135ReptiFiles: a 4 ft enclosure needs a cluster of at least two halogen bulbs, e.g. in a Zoo Med Combo Deep Dome dual fixture; a heat mat is only a thermostat-controlled backup for the warm hide. Typical: Zoo Med Combo Deep Dome $60.99 + 2 Arcadia GoldenSun 50 W halogens ($7.99 each) = $77. Low: one Zoo Med Deep Dome $30.99 + one Exo Terra 75 W basking spot $10.99 = $42. High: Combo Deep Dome + 2 Exo Terra Halogen 75 W ($24.99 each) + Exo Terra 16 W heat mat $23.99 = $135. ReptiFiles: Ball Python Lighting, Heating & Humidity; Dubia.com: Lighting collection (Zoo Med Combo Deep Dome $60.99, Deep Dome $30.99); Dubia.com: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Spot Heater 50 W ($7.99); Dubia.com: Exo Terra Daylight Basking Spot 75 W ($10.99); Dubia.com: Exo Terra Halogen Basking Spot 75 W ($24.99); Dubia.com: Exo Terra Heat Mat 16 W ($23.99)
Low-strength T5 HO UVB fixture + 22 in tube$83$78–$83ReptiFiles recommends a 22 in low-intensity T5 HO tube (Zoo Med ReptiSun 5.0 or Arcadia 6%) in an Arcadia ProT5 or Vivarium Electronics fixture, aiming for a basking UVI of 2.0–3.0. Arcadia ProT5 24 in kit with 6% tube $82.99; Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO hood with 5.0 tube, 24 in $77.99. ReptiFiles: Ball Python Lighting, Heating & Humidity; Dubia.com: Arcadia ProT5 UVB Kit 24" with 6% bulb ($82.99); Dubia.com: Lighting collection (Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO hood with 5.0 bulb, 24 in $77.99)
Thermostat or dimmer$50$33–$93ReptiFiles: heat mats must be on a thermostat with the probe in the warm hide, and recommends a proportional thermostat if room temperature swings. Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Thermostat $49.99; low: Zoo Med ReptiTemp Rheostat $32.99 (dimmer, no overheating cutoff); high: Vivarium Electronics VE-100 $93.49. ReptiFiles: Ball Python Lighting, Heating & Humidity; Dubia.com: Thermostats collection
Infrared temp gun + 2 digital thermometer/hygrometers$57$45–$104ReptiFiles: use a temp gun and at least two digital probe thermometers, plus a hygrometer to track humidity. Typical: Exo Terra infrared thermometer $31.89 + 2 Zoo Med Digital Combo thermometer/humidity gauges ($12.64 each) = $57. Low: temp gun + one combo gauge = $45. High: temp gun + 2 Exo Terra Digital Combometers ($36.29 each) = $104. ReptiFiles: Ball Python Lighting, Heating & Humidity; Dubia.com: Exo Terra Infrared Thermometer ($31.89); Dubia.com: Zoo Med Digital Combo Thermometer Humidity Gauge ($12.64); Dubia.com: Exo Terra Digital Combometer ($36.29)
Moisture-holding substrate, about 4 in deep (initial fill)$42$42–$78ReptiFiles: at least 4 in of moisture-retentive substrate to hold 60–80% humidity, plus sphagnum moss in a humid hide. A 4×2 ft floor at 4 in deep is about 80 quarts. Typical/low: 3 Exo Terra Coco Husk compressed 3-packs (8 qt bricks, $13.99 per pack, 72 qt) = $42. High: 3 bags of Zoo Med Eco Earth 24 qt at PetSmart ($25.99 each) = $78. ReptiFiles: Ball Python Lighting, Heating & Humidity; ReptiFiles: Ball Python Substrate; Dubia.com: Exo Terra Coco Husk Compressed Brick 8 qt, 3 pack ($13.99); PetSmart: Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber 24 qt ($25.99)
Hides, humid-hide moss and climbing branches$53$28–$110ReptiFiles: at least 2 hides plus a humid hide lined with damp sphagnum moss, and enrichment such as branches. Typical: 2 Exo Terra Reptile Caves, Large ($13.99 each) + Fluker's Bend-a-Branch, Large $13.49 + Galapagos green sphagnum moss 4 qt $10.99 = $53. Low: the 2 caves only. High: 2 Komodo Forest Den hides ($19.99 each) + Exo Terra Gecko Cave, Large ($35.74) + 2 branches + moss = about $110. ReptiFiles: Ball Python Shopping List (estimated $280–$680 before prey and snake); ReptiFiles: Ball Python Lighting, Heating & Humidity; Dubia.com: Exo Terra Reptile Cave, Large ($13.99); Dubia.com: Fluker's Bend-a-Branch, Large ($13.49); Dubia.com: Substrate collection (Galapagos green sphagnum moss 4 qt $10.99); Dubia.com: Komodo Forest Den Reptile Hideout ($19.99); Dubia.com: Exo Terra Gecko Cave, Large ($35.74)
Large heavy water bowl + feeding tongs$33$23–$43ReptiFiles lists a heavy water bowl big enough to soak in and feeding tongs. Exo Terra Water Dish, Large $19.99 + Exo Terra 12 in tweezers $12.99 = $33. Low: medium dish $9.99 + tweezers. High: Exo Terra Corner Water Dish, XL $29.69 + tweezers. ReptiFiles: Ball Python Shopping List (estimated $280–$680 before prey and snake); ReptiFiles: Ball Python Feeding; Dubia.com: Exo Terra Water Dish Large ($19.99); Dubia.com: Exo Terra Tweezers Straight 12" ($12.99); Dubia.com: Exo Terra Corner Water Dish XLarge ($29.69)
First year
New-pet reptile-vet exam$100$75–$150VCA says intestinal parasites are common in pet snakes and are found at a physical exam with a fecal check. Exotic exam fees: Forever Vets (FL) $86; Gentle Vet (WI) reptile wellness exam from $107.62. Furry Critter Network: a reptile-vet wellness exam runs $75–$150. VCA: Common Diseases of Pet Snakes; Forever Vets (FL): Pricing (exotic exam $86, fecal test $61); Gentle Vet Animal Hospital (Green Bay, WI): Exotics pricing, Feb 2026 (reptile wellness exam from $107.62, consultation from $118.39, recheck $77.10); Furry Critter Network: Budgeting for snake vet care
Fecal parasite test$58$30–$70Forever Vets lists a fecal test at $61; Furry Critter Network says fecal testing adds $30–$60. Forever Vets (FL): Pricing (exotic exam $86, fecal test $61); Furry Critter Network: Budgeting for snake vet care
Every year
Frozen/thawed rats$144$78–$251Adult rate. ReptiFiles: frozen/thawed prey of 10–15% of the snake's weight, bought in bulk online; VCA: larger, mature snakes eat once every week or two (26–52 meals a year). Typical: about 36 meals (every 10 days) × RodentPro medium rat $3.99 ($39.90 per 10; free shipping on $99+) = $144. Low: 26 meals of small rats at $2.99 each (20 for $59.80) = $78. High: 52 meals of PetSmart medium rats at $4.82 each (20 for $96.49) = $251; buying them one at a time at PetSmart ($9.99) costs more. Juveniles eat smaller prey more often. ReptiFiles: Ball Python Feeding; VCA: Feeding Snakes; RodentPro: Frozen rats (small rats 20 for $59.80, medium rats 10 for $39.90; free shipping on $99+); RodentPro: Shipping policy (free FedEx Ground on frozen orders of $99+); PetSmart: Arctic Mice Frozen Medium Rats, 20 ct ($96.49); PetSmart: Arctic Mice Frozen Medium Rats, 1 ct ($9.99)
Calcium/vitamin powder (occasional prey dusting)$18$0–$31ReptiFiles suggests occasionally dusting prey with an all-in-one supplement such as Repashy Calcium Plus LoD and replacing it every 6 months; VCA says pet snakes generally don't need vitamins. Typical: 2 × Repashy Calcium Plus LoD 3 oz ($8.79) = $18; high: 2 × 6 oz ($15.39); low: skip. ReptiFiles: Ball Python Feeding; VCA: Feeding Snakes; Dubia.com: Supplements collection
Full substrate change$42 4 times a year$28–$78ReptiFiles: substrate should be replaced monthly, 'or at very least once every quarter'. One change = about 72 qt of coconut husk (3 Exo Terra 3-packs, $42); low: 48 qt ($28) with a thinner layer; high: 3 bags of Zoo Med Eco Earth 24 qt ($78). Priced at the quarterly minimum (4 changes a year = $168 typical); monthly changes would cost three times as much. ReptiFiles: Ball Python Substrate; Dubia.com: Exo Terra Coco Husk Compressed Brick 8 qt, 3 pack ($13.99); PetSmart: Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber 24 qt ($25.99)
UVB tube replacement$26$25–$28ReptiFiles: 'plan on changing your UVB bulb every 12 months.' Zoo Med T5 HO ReptiSun 5.0, 22 in $25.99; Arcadia D3 6% 22 in $27.99; ShadeDweller MAX 22 in $24.99. ReptiFiles: Ball Python Lighting, Heating & Humidity; Dubia.com: Zoo Med T5 HO ReptiSun 5.0 UVB, 22" ($25.99); Dubia.com: Arcadia D3 6% UVB T5 Bulb 22" ($27.99)
Halogen heat bulb replacements$16 2 times a year$11–$50ReptiFiles says halogen and incandescent bulbs 'may need frequent replacement'. One set = 2 Arcadia GoldenSun 50 W bulbs ($7.99 each), assumed twice a year. Low: one Exo Terra 75 W basking spot ($10.99). High: 2 Exo Terra Halogen 75 W ($24.99 each). ReptiFiles: Ball Python Lighting, Heating & Humidity; Dubia.com: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Spot Heater 50 W ($7.99); Dubia.com: Exo Terra Halogen Basking Spot 75 W ($24.99)
Electricity for heat and UVB$98$66–$152ReptiFiles: 12 hours of light a day. Typical: 2 × 50 W halogens + 24 W T5 UVB = 124 W × 12 h × 365 = 543 kWh × $0.1799/kWh (EIA US residential average, 12 months to July 2026) = $98. Low: thermostat or dimmer holds the bulbs to about 60 W average, (60 + 24) W × 12 h = 368 kWh = $66. High: 2 × 75 W + 24 W for 12 h plus a 16 W heat mat for 14 h = 844 kWh = $152. A ceramic or deep-heat night heater in a cold house adds more. EIA Electric Power Monthly Table 5.3: Average price of electricity by sector (residential, rolling 12 months to July 2026 = 17.99¢/kWh); ReptiFiles: Ball Python Lighting, Heating & Humidity; Dubia.com: Arcadia ProT5 UVB Kit 24" with 6% bulb (24 W)
Annual reptile-vet exam + fecal test$150$100–$200VCA says all reptiles need an annual health exam, and that snake intestinal parasites are usually detected at the annual exam with a fecal test. Exam $86–$108 (Forever Vets, Gentle Vet) + fecal $61 = about $150; Furry Critter Network: $75–$150 exam plus $30–$60 fecal. VCA: Annual Veterinary Visit for Reptiles; VCA: Common Diseases of Pet Snakes; Forever Vets (FL): Pricing (exotic exam $86, fecal test $61); Gentle Vet Animal Hospital (Green Bay, WI): Exotics pricing, Feb 2026 (reptile wellness exam from $107.62, consultation from $118.39, recheck $77.10); Furry Critter Network: Budgeting for snake vet care
Illness and injury, per year
Unexpected vet bills (illness and injury)$175$60–$450LOW CONFIDENCE: no US claims or survey data on snake illness spending was found. Furry Critter Network says a snake respiratory infection 'easily' totals $300–$500 in exam, culture, bloodwork and imaging before medication, and suggests saving $20–$50 a month ($240–$600 a year) per snake. Assuming one $350–$500 episode every two to three years gives about $175 a year; $60 for a healthy snake with only minor issues; $450 for a snake with recurring respiratory or shedding problems. Furry Critter Network: Budgeting for snake vet care; VCA: Common Diseases of Pet Snakes
Insurance, per month
Nationwide Avian & Exotic (accident & illness)$15$12–$27Nationwide's exotic plan covers reptiles (respiratory infection, internal parasites, soft-tissue trauma) and says premiums generally start under $21/month; quotes are by phone. No published ball python quote was found; The Zebra reports $11.75/month for a 4-year-old bearded dragon (Jan 2026) and MoneyGeek puts Nationwide reptile coverage at $27/month on average. Nationwide: Pet insurance for exotic pets; The Zebra: Exotic Pet Insurance (Nationwide reptile quote, updated Jan 2026); MoneyGeek: Exotic pet insurance (reptile premium averages)

More reptiles and amphibians by yearly cost

Common questions

How much does a ball python cost?

Pet store or breeder: $75–$200; reptile rescue or shelter: $25–$160. The bigger costs come after: about $690 to set up, about $1,650 for the whole first year, then about $810 a year.

How much does a ball python cost per year?

About $810 a year ($68 a month) for a typical owner in an average-cost area, ranging from about $580 for a thrifty owner in a lower-cost area to $1,390 for a generous owner in a big city with insurance.

How much does a ball python cost over its lifetime?

About $21,100 over a 25-year life, in 2026 dollars.

Sources

  1. ReptiFiles: Ball Python Care Guide (quick facts: 15–30 year lifespan, 60–80% humidity)
  2. ReptiFiles: Ball Python Terrarium Size (48×24×24 in for adults over 3 ft)
  3. ReptiFiles: Ball Python Lighting, Heating & Humidity
  4. ReptiFiles: Ball Python Feeding
  5. VCA: Common Diseases of Pet Snakes
  6. Animal Diversity Web (Univ. of Michigan): Python regius (average captive lifespan 20 years)
  7. EIA Electric Power Monthly Table 5.3: Average price of electricity by sector (residential, rolling 12 months to July 2026 = 17.99¢/kWh)
  8. CDC: Reptiles and Amphibians (Healthy Pets)
  9. PetSmart: Ball Python ($99.99)
  10. PetSmart: Juvenile Fancy Ball Python ($199.99)
  11. ThePricer: How Much Does a Ball Python Cost? (Sept 2026)
  12. Lollypop Farm: Reptile adoption fees (ball python $25)
  13. Rescue Me!: Ball python adoption listing ($30 fee)
  14. Rescue Me!: 'Smalls' ball python adoption listing ($160 fee)
  15. Furry Critter Network: Budgeting for snake vet care
  16. Merck Veterinary Manual: Parasitic Diseases of Reptiles
  17. ReptiFiles: Ball Python Shedding
  18. ReptiFiles: Ball Python Shopping List (estimated $280–$680 before prey and snake)
  19. Dubia.com: 4x2x2 (120 Gallon) Reptile Enclosure V3 ($299)
  20. Zen Habitats: 4'x2'x2' and 4'x2'x4' PVC reptile enclosures
  21. Dubia.com: Lighting collection (Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO hood with 5.0 bulb, 24 in $77.99)
  22. Dubia.com: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Spot Heater 50 W ($7.99)
  23. Dubia.com: Exo Terra Daylight Basking Spot 75 W ($10.99)
  24. Dubia.com: Exo Terra Halogen Basking Spot 75 W ($24.99)
  25. Dubia.com: Exo Terra Heat Mat 16 W ($23.99)
  26. Dubia.com: Arcadia ProT5 UVB Kit 24" with 6% bulb (24 W)
  27. Dubia.com: Thermostats collection
  28. Dubia.com: Exo Terra Infrared Thermometer ($31.89)
  29. Dubia.com: Zoo Med Digital Combo Thermometer Humidity Gauge ($12.64)
  30. Dubia.com: Exo Terra Digital Combometer ($36.29)
  31. ReptiFiles: Ball Python Substrate
  32. Dubia.com: Exo Terra Coco Husk Compressed Brick 8 qt, 3 pack ($13.99)
  33. PetSmart: Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber 24 qt ($25.99)
  34. Dubia.com: Exo Terra Reptile Cave, Large ($13.99)
  35. Dubia.com: Fluker's Bend-a-Branch, Large ($13.49)
  36. Dubia.com: Substrate collection (Galapagos green sphagnum moss 4 qt $10.99)
  37. Dubia.com: Komodo Forest Den Reptile Hideout ($19.99)
  38. Dubia.com: Exo Terra Gecko Cave, Large ($35.74)
  39. Dubia.com: Exo Terra Water Dish Large ($19.99)
  40. Dubia.com: Exo Terra Tweezers Straight 12" ($12.99)
  41. Dubia.com: Exo Terra Corner Water Dish XLarge ($29.69)
  42. Forever Vets (FL): Pricing (exotic exam $86, fecal test $61)
  43. Gentle Vet Animal Hospital (Green Bay, WI): Exotics pricing, Feb 2026 (reptile wellness exam from $107.62, consultation from $118.39, recheck $77.10)
  44. VCA: Feeding Snakes
  45. RodentPro: Frozen rats (small rats 20 for $59.80, medium rats 10 for $39.90; free shipping on $99+)
  46. RodentPro: Shipping policy (free FedEx Ground on frozen orders of $99+)
  47. PetSmart: Arctic Mice Frozen Medium Rats, 20 ct ($96.49)
  48. PetSmart: Arctic Mice Frozen Medium Rats, 1 ct ($9.99)
  49. Dubia.com: Supplements collection
  50. Dubia.com: Zoo Med T5 HO ReptiSun 5.0 UVB, 22" ($25.99)
  51. Dubia.com: Arcadia D3 6% UVB T5 Bulb 22" ($27.99)
  52. VCA: Annual Veterinary Visit for Reptiles
  53. Nationwide: Pet insurance for exotic pets
  54. The Zebra: Exotic Pet Insurance (Nationwide reptile quote, updated Jan 2026)
  55. MoneyGeek: Exotic pet insurance (reptile premium averages)
  56. Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture: List of Prohibited Animals (all snakes, Serpentes)
  57. Hawaii Administrative Rules ch. 4-71, Non-Domestic Animal Import Rules (§4-71-6)
  58. Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture: Non-domestic animal and microorganism lists
  59. NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife: Exotic and nongame species requiring a permit (N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.3, 4.5)
  60. N.J. Admin. Code § 7:25-4.2: Permit required (Cornell LII)

Estimates in 2026 US dollars. Vet prices for this pet use the same region adjustment as the rest of the site (methodology). Updated October 14, 2026.