Basic Ball Python Setup?

Question

I am very interested in purchasing a Ball Python for a pet. I have been watching many videos, many of SnakeBytesTV on youtube, and doing my research on how to properly care for my scaly friend.

I see that on SnakeBytesTV, they house all of their snakes in "drawer" like tubs. I haven't seen their techniques as far as lighting and heat using these tubs. Are these just a temporary holding place? Or can I actually house my Python in one of these sorts of tubs?

If I CAN house my snake in one of these tubs, what is the best setup for heating and humidity?

I am looking to supply my snake with a comfortable environment/home, but I also don't want to spend a fortune. What do you guys suggest as the most cost effective habitat for my snake?

Any input is much appreciated,

Thanks,

Mitch

Answer 1

Well firstly, you shouldn't house them in a tub like SnakeBytesTV does. The only reason they do is because they're a business and can't buy tanks for each individual snake, and the tubs are only temporary so it's not a big deal. Anyways, I have both a baby ball python and an adult corn snake. You should purchase a 20 gallon tank for the ball and since they love tight cramped spaces that'll be the same tank they will live in their entire life. USE CYPRUS MULCH BEDDING! Never ever use aspen bedding because it is dry and sucks the moisture from the tank, but cyprus will keep the humidity. Speaking of humidity, a good spray of water every day is really all they need, if even that. It's not mandatory, but the snake will definitely appreciate it. For a shelter, you can use a cut out mac n cheese tray or kleenex box, anything they can fit into. A water bowl, change out everyday, and nothing fancy just a place to...you know...hold water. Buy a 90 watt heat lamp for them, and I suggest using a ceramic heat emitter. They're more on the expensive side, but they last 10 times longer than reg. bulbs. A desanitized branch for them to climb on is good as well, since they are nocturnal and VERY active when you're sleeping (unfortunately). And that's basically it, if you buy bedding, a tank off craigslist and a heat lamp you should be looking at no more than $50-$70, if even that.

Hope I helped!

Answer 2

Hey!



Your bp will become your best friend. i got mine a little over 7 months ago, and he came in a very small rubermaid tub, that had no room for him to move around in.



I couldnt afford a terrarium, so i went to walmart and bought a big rubbermaid container ( about the size of a 15 gal terrarium) for $10. drilled a few rows of ventilation holes, and it was perfect. I also got a 20 ft heating cord with him when i got him, so i drilled a hole closer to the bottom of the container, put some bedding down (i use aspen), and put the cord on one side of the container, with a bit more bedding over it so when he does go on the warm side it doesnt burn him.



He loves it, because now he can lift his head up without bumping it on the top. its a very easy, inexpensive, practical, homemade terrarium that your reptile friend will love. I also got a heating lamp with him, i almost dont have enough cord, so sometimes when i check, he needs a little more heat, espically in the winter. i turn the lamp on, and place it in the container so its hanging on the side, and the cover nips the cord and keeps it in place while it heats up . but i NEVER leave it unattended because it could overheat instantly. it stays warm for a while though after i do that.



Another thing you might want to do, which will save you money in the long run is breeding your own rats. feeding your pal once a week depending on the size can add up price wise, but if you buy 2 rats, and breed them, you have an unlimited supply.



Hope i helped, and good luck. :)

Answer 3

Ball Python Videos

Answer 4

I just sold my last python last week I would do more research on the eating and also research Boas because ball pythons have eating issues Boas are great eaters. but if your sure on the snake cool!



with the environment I don't use tubs but then again I had a huge snake, I would use tubs as a starter because you need a soak dish, hide if you get a picky eater.. (you don't always need a hide, hides are like a security blanket) on the back of your tub you get something called "repti cable" you can tape it on with electric tape OR a heat pad! you don't need a lamp but if you choose to get one for his hot side I would get a red bulb. Snakes prefer the redlight over that bright white light. I really hope I helped some!

Answer 5

Hi Mitch



Contrary to what Ian has said previously, you can house your BP in a Really Useful Box (RUB) which is essentially a plastic box. Most people opt for a 33L or 50L RUB and they work very well. In the wild, ball pythons spend a lot of time in narrow rodent burrows so they enjoy tight spaces as it makes them feel secure. I used to have my BPs in vivs and they were very fussy eaters. Now, they eat every week.



Lighting is not really necessary, it's optional. Daylight would suffice.

Answer 6

Hey Mitch, welcome to the ball python world.



Most large scale breeders will keep their bp's in what is known as "rack systems". Predominantly, these tubs are heated by an external heat tape (attached at the back of the rack). If built correctly, it is completely safe to house your ball pythons this way.



Basic Rack System: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?112432-Completed-41-qt-Sterilite-Rack



Heat Tape: http://www.cornelsworld.com/accessories/heat-tape/heat-tape-faq



Keep in mind that all heat sources must be controlled by an external device. This can be with something as simple as a hardware store lamp dimmer, although rheostats specifically manufactured for reptile use are commonly more dependable/accurate.



Tubs aren't great at holding in heat. And so, your main concern using these enclosures would be how warm your home is/how dramatically temps tend to fluctuate in your home. I use PVC's for my adult ball pythons and Rubbermaid tubs for my young-adults, juveniles and hatchlings. Everything is heated with an Under Tank Heater. If your home tends to remain rather cool, however, you may want to consider radiant heat panels to keep your ambient above 70F (ideally 75F-83F).



Rubbermaids do not melt if the UTH is controlled. Otherwise, under tank heaters do have the ability to melt plastic (sounds obsurred but I've seen it), as well as fry your ball python. All my Rubbermaids have 20-some pen-to-penny sized holes drilled into them for ventilation. If you drill too many, this can allow too much ventilation-- lowering your humidity to dangerous levels (ie: below 50%). If you make this mistake, you can simply cover the holes with tape. Not fancy but it works.



Tub Set-Up: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?113879-My-Plastic-Tub-Setup-for-my-Ball-Python



I use various sized enclosures for my ball pythons as they mature, due to this species being rather shy (and intimidated/insecure if thruster into too large an environment). Tubs or Rubbermaids are therefore practical and conventional to use during these growing stages, opposed to purchasing multiple expensive enclosures you will probably never use again.



Ball pythons require a light cycle of 10-12 hours/day. That said, we tend not to use heat lamps to produce light. Heat and IR lamps tend to dry out enclosures, and direct light is incredibly stressful for this nocturnal snake species. I simply use a timed external/room lamp to provide indirect/soft light 12 hours (summer) or 10 hours (winter) during the day. Adjusting light times depending on season is not necessary, however.



Ball Python Care Sheet: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?127203-Ball-Python-(Python-regius)-Caresheet



If you have any further questions or require clarification, please ask.



Take care.