Tank size for ball python?

Question

Okay so i'm adopting two adult ball pythons from a shelter. I need to build the terrariums. I will have two seperate tanks, one for each snake. Its going to be a stand up terrarium with front opening doors. The dimensions will be a 2 ft by 2ft base and 6 ft tall. Is this going to be big enough???? If not can I have some good examples! Thanks

Answer 1

Hello,



If you are planning on adopting ball pythons it would be best if you started with 1. Ball pythons do not require a large enclosure. They do require the correct one though. Make sure your enclosure is capable of reaching the correct heat and humidity. Providing a smaller enclosure that is not well lit will enable your snake to be less stressed. If you are not in the market to purchase an enclosure which has been specifically designed for a Ball python, you wait until you have the cash flow. Snakes are great pets, but putting them into an enclosure which isn't made for them may cause them, and you, stress.

I am not sure where abouts you live, but it may be a good idea to attend a reptile expo in your area for ideas and advice.

Answer 2

You do not need a cage that high. Ball pythons are not arboreal snakes. They do not climb trees or any other thing for that matter. Ball pythons in particular like small tight enclosure so they feel secure. Since in their native habitat Africa they would spend their days in a rodents burrow which is a tight squeeze. I own six ball pythons. And my biggest is my adult female ball python, and my adult male ball python. They are both in the same size tub. I use sterilite 50 quart tubs to house my ball pythons in. Here is a pic of what i use. http://www.lnt.com/show_product/240997-17347/?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_term=17347. It is a 35 quart tub but i wanted to show you the type of enclosure i keep them in. The 50 quart tub has dimensions of about 24 inches wide, by 33 inches long, by 7 inches deep. All my ball pythons do fine in this type of enclosure. You can email me at [e-mail] if you have any more questions.

Answer 3

Snakes and even more so Ball Pythons are more comfortable in small enclosures.

Balls are not climbers so wide is better than tall. Check the dimensions of

a basic 10 gallon tank, Balls do great in something that size. Leave enough room

for a hide box. Balls get stressed easier than most snakes, so once you get

them give them plenty of time to acclimate. Don't freak if they don't eat right away.

The hide box will help a lot with this.

Answer 4

Why would you make it 6 feet tall? They are not iguanas. Balls are very clumsy climbers and can break their ribs if they fall from that high. Give them floor space, not height.

Answer 5

Hi! I had a 7 1/2 foot Albino Burmese Python in a 55 gallon tank with a 4 foot wire extention on top. Your idea to build up rather than out is great! You need enough room at the bottom for a water bowl large enough for him to fit in. He will enjoy his baths and room to move about. Add strong tree limb-like supports to allow him to climb (get these at reptile dealers or pet stores) as he will need the support when he gets heavier. If you can, install at least one very sturdy shelf close to the top that is large enough for your python to curl up. You can use a few artificial strands of leaves to allow him to "hide" on his shelf. Mine loved his and stayed on it most of the time. Find a pet store that keeps reptiles. They should have interesting examples.of cages. Your local zoo will also have a variety to give you more ideas. What are you building this with? If it's wood and screen paint the wood with several coats of a dark color. Make sure the screen holes are small enough he can't get his head out (I first used chicken wire for my python but found he injured himself getting his head out and couldn't get it back in). For "flooring" I used wood chips especially made for reptiles. You could also cut several pieces of astroturf to fit the bottom of your cage then when needed soak in water, mild dishwashing liquid and a few drops of bleach. Let them dry throughly before using again. Have extras so you can interchange them. Some owners will tell you not to feed them in their cage. I did because mine had a temper and wanted to remain still while digesting the rat. I always bought frozen rats and thawed them completely in hot water. Toss the rat in but get your hand back quickly or you can use a long set of outdoor grilling tongs. One other thing, many people get a reptile and have fun playing with him for the first few weeks or months. Then he is forgotten except for basic necessities. Remember, reptiles can live 20 to 30 years. As I said, my burmese was 7 1/2 feet long and was extremely heavy. He got to the size I could no longer handle him. When I took mine out of his cage I let him come to me to avoid scaring him and getting bitten. I played with him a while then let him roam the house (you might prefer keeping yours in one room but be advised, they can squeeze beneath a door). Mine climbed the bakers rack in the kitchen or just about anything. We played a little more then I let him back in his cage.Oh, just before snakes shed they get grumpy, not a good time to play. You will learn his habits. I hope I helped. I miss my little guy but it was best for both of us. Good luck!

Answer 6

you need a big bottom tank, not so much height, they're not climbers