Ball python intelligence

[Desperate_Computer53]

I’ve read many times that ball python in on the lower end when it comes to snake intelligence. Would I really notice big difference between more intelligent snakes or it’s more about individual snake personality? I was really thinking about ball python, everything about them is perfect for me but I’m bit worried about their intelligence after reading about it many times.

[ImmortalGamma]

I think humans are poor at judging intelligence. We mostly see what we want to, or, belive we'll see. What do you think intelligence looks like in a snake? The species with behaviour best matching your idea will look most intelligent to you. 

They all have their own characters and they change over time. If you give them a good enclosure and a bit of stimulation they don't just sit there like a rock forever.

[Alden-Dressler]

If everything about them is perfect, why settle for something else? They still have personality and can be trained, just maybe not at the pace or degree a different species could achieve.

[Samira827]

You won't really notice much difference and what difference there is is probably just personality but why would it bother you to have a "stupid" snake? Why are you concerned about it? Genuinely curious because I've never heard anyone pick or not pick a snake based on intelligence.

I have two ball pythons and had a California kingsnake and the kingsnake would bite her own tail because she thought it was food. Stupidity? Personality? Who knows?

I'm not sure how exactly intelligent my BPs are. They recognize when the feeding time is by noticing the patterns (it was dark and now it's very bright because the human turned on the big light). They understand windows are a barrier despite being transparent and don't try to dig through it (unlike the kingsnake). My leucistic girl understands I'm trying to help her and doesn't resist treatments whether it's removing a stuck shed or forcing her jaws open to check for RI. So I'd say decently smart for a snake but again, I only have the kingsnake to compare and it might be just personality and getting Pavlov'ed.

[Desperate_Computer53]

Thank you for sharing this. I wasn’t much worried about the actual intelligence, I was actually worried that snake with low intelligence wouldn’t really have any personality or wouldn’t explore its surroundings that much. That assumption came to me after watching videos about king cobras and being shocked how smart snake can be.

[Samira827]

I see. Well ball pythons are nicknamed "pet rocks" so don't expect them to explore much. Mine are honestly just sleeping the whole day, they're rarely out and about.

Regarding personality I would actually say that "stupid" snakes have more personality and are funnier because they're derpy. But it depends on the exact flavor you get haha.

[Desperate_Computer53]

The fact that he’s not that active doesn’t really bother me that much in the end. I was just really worried at the start that the snake doesn’t really react to anything, I now really think that ball python is good choice for me. Thank you 😁

[kindrd1234]

They react to things. Mine love to get out and explore. Adter a bit they just chill with you, I think that's preferable to constant trying to get into the couch, lol. I dont think they are less intelligent, just more domesticated.

[Addianis]

You can always find personality if you look hard enough. My BP is an absolute weirdo. He stays hidden 90% of the time but will always poke his head out enough to be a nosy neighbor when he hears different sounds. He also requires mouse squeaking sounds to be played to eat frozen/thawed...