Thinking about buying a ball python, would like to know the basics, please help.

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skiptomyzoo

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 13, 2007
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San Diego, CA
I have been debating trying my hand at a ball python.
I have an empty 55 with tops, and have allready purchased a heat lamp and bedding and water dish. I was wandering what else I should get to keep it happy.
I was doing some research that humidity is important as well as hiding places, etc.
I guess what my basic question is how can I set up the tank to best suit the snake such as where to put hiding spots, and other info such as what temps for the hot and colder side, and what humidity to keep it at. Please help, as I want to do this the right way the first time, instead of running into problems down the road by not having the adequate environment.
Thanks
 
bump,
also my friend is giving me his 75 bc he got it for free since the center brace is broken. Id also be willing to upgrade to even a larger tank if necessary.
The pythons Im looking at are still small.
I dont know much about snakes, and am new to this so I would just like some general advice to get me started/set up, as well as what else to buy.
 
A 55 is too big for a ball in my opinion. My adult ball is perfectly happy in a 30 gallon tank with hides on each end. One on the hot end and one on the cool end. With a water dish right in the middle. He likes to climb on his branch and fake leaves I have set up in the enclosure as well. The picture in my avatar is of his old setup. I will post pictures of his new setup once I get home from work tonight.
 
Yeah, a 55 gallon is really too big for a ball.

Remember, giving them too much space isn't doing them any favors, they get stressed out when they can't feel secure.

Moreover, its much more difficult to regulate the proper temps and humidity in such a large cage.

92-94 on the warm end and 82-84 everywhere else. I keep mine a little warmer than most, I think you'll find that people at lower latitudes get away with cooler temps, while people up north have to keep them higher. Just something I've noticed in my experience in talking with other ball keepers.
 
Allright, I have a 20 lying around, so im guessing that should be allright for now since the snakes that are for sale are smaller.
I guess it is reverse thinking when it comes to snakes compared to fish, in terms of the less space (to a certain degree) for them the better, I never knew that. Thanks for all the replies, I truly appreciate it.
 
unannon;1238433; said:
Allright, I have a 20 lying around, so im guessing that should be allright for now since the snakes that are for sale are smaller.
I guess it is reverse thinking when it comes to snakes compared to fish, in terms of the less space (to a certain degree) for them the better, I never knew that. Thanks for all the replies, I truly appreciate it.
Click to expand...

The 20 would be a much better option. And you're right - ball pythons in particular do better in smaller spaces in captivity.
 
20Long is perfect and I use bark for substrate and keep it moist (not wet) for humidity and a small under tank heater a one side with a cork cave on other side I also have the light on a timer 30watts so it he gets enough uv. yet it does not get to hot I have had him for ten year that way with perfect health also I mist the mice with water and sprinkle calcium dust.
 
Brackishbandit;1253994; said:
20Long is perfect and I use bark for substrate and keep it moist (not wet) for humidity and a small under tank heater a one side with a cork cave on other side I also have the light on a timer 30watts so it he gets enough uv. yet it does not get to hot I have had him for ten year that way with perfect health also I mist the mice with water and sprinkle calcium dust.
Click to expand...


Are you referring to a UVB light? Ball pythons, or any other snake for that matter, don't benefit from UVB...

Or were you just referring to the bulb you use for heat?
 
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