Ball python set up help

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Gobrian44

Feeder Fish
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May 25, 2009
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Hey sorry about making another thread about this topic. But i have decide to start out with a ball python instead of a lizard. i have a 40 breeder which should be good for life i have read. I was thinking about a heating pad on one side with its hiding cave and then a heat lamp on the other side for basking. with a red heat light how many watts do i need of the bulb?? and a water dish and the reptile carpet so i can interchange them and keep the cage clean. WOuld like to hear your input!!!!!!!

THANKS!!!!!
 
When I had my ball python in a 40 breeder I had 2 hides in there. One on each side and a fairly large water dish in the center. I had a heat pad on one side of the tank. The only time I used an overhead lamp for basking was when my female was gravid. I used aspen as bedding.
 
okay well i heard about putting the lamp on a timer from like 8am to 6pm. And then feeding would be a frozen mouse about twice a week. Would i need to add anything to it? like u have to with lizard food?
 
No all you have to do is thaw the prey item and feed to them, no supplementation needed. I have a pair of tongs that I use to wiggle the mouse/rat around in front of them to get them to eat. Just as a warning - some ball pythons are picky about eating. It may not feed for you the first time or so. You may also need to be prepared to feed live (only as a last resort, normally not needed). Just warning you to be prepared, just in case. When I have baby ball pythons I feed every 4-5 days, with the adults I normally just feed once a week.

There's no harm in using a light, I just never saw a reason for one, the heat pads seemed sufficient.
 
Here's a great care sheet about them
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?127203-Ball-Python-(Python-regius)-Caresheet

If you're getting a baby, its best to start it off in a small tub, as it might get stressed from being kept in such a large tank and may not eat.
The heating pad must be controlled by at least a dimmer.
In a tub, you just use one heat mat controlled by a dimmer or thermostat for heat
In a tank, you will need lamp and a heat mat on one side, and the heat mat should be on a dimmer to make sure it doesn't get too hot. Humidity is hard to control with a lamp, so you will have to attach tin foil to the screen top so the bulb doesn't dry the tank up that much.
I suggest keeping it in a tub as it is easier to maintain humidity and heat. I have a 3' male in a 90qt tub that is 31"x12"x12" about and he's doing well and eating great.
 
I really don't see the need for a lamp unless you are breeding. I agree that it is easier to keep humidity where it needs to be in a tub, but a tub isn't 'pretty' to look at and I believe he already has the 40g. I did forget to mention the thermostat - very important.
 
Whay the lamp? You want a hot spot and a cold spot, for it to thermoregulate.

Balls like heat coming off the ground, so stick with the heating pad and one hide in each side ( warm spot hide and cold spot hide ).

Also, lamps are dangerous with Balls. Being stupid snakes they may curl around the base of the lamp and get very severe ( when not outright deadly ) burns.
 
ALWAYS HAVE TWO HIDES. Don't use an overhead lamp for a bp they are noctunal. Also I have found most sucess with coco fiber bedding. Give it plenty of cover.
 
In speaking with breeders, it was frequently stated that a heat lamp is not necessary. Did not have anyone mention two hides, but I can see where that would be a good idea. I no longer use bedding and now use paper towel folded into two layers. It is much easier to keep clean, does not build up moisture when the water dish spills or splashes. A 40b is suitable for life, though 4ft would be appreciated more than 3ft. IMHO
 
My baby Ball is in a 20 long with 4 small hides, climbing branches, and a big artificial jungle plant, a small heat pad and a 60 watt heat lamp. I use aspen chips as substrate. My baby eats frozen fuzzies like a champ. Strangely enough, she refuses to eat in a bucket, so I have to feed her on the floor.
 
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