Housing Your Ball Python



Housing and Accessories

Because they do not get very big, there is no need to go overboard when creating a home for your snake. Keep in mind that snakes rarely ever stretch themselves out when resting, and if well-fed, will not be overly active. Handling them regularly will ensure they get adequate exersize. A good size home for your snake is about 4 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 2 feet high. It would also be wise to have some sort of latching cover to keep them in there. "Balls" can be very good escape artists if you don't lock them up.

Because "Balls" are a bit shy and secretive, a hiding place is a MUST!!! Without somewhere to hide, your python can become overstressed and stop eating. Another must is a water dish. The dish should be big enough and deep enough for your snake to fit it's entire body in.

For substrate, you can use anything from carpeting to old newspapers.

I have used a lot of different substrates, including newspaper, astro turf, Care-Fresh, Caci-sand, and while each of them had thier good points, there was at least one thing about each of them that I disliked. I am now using aspen shavings, and in my opinion, this is one of the best looking and best working substrates out there...I love this stuff.

I would definately stay away from cedar chips...as they can be deadly to your snake if swallowed. Other than that you can use almost anything as long as you can keep them clean and dry. Some are harder to maintain than others so it is really dependant on what you like and how much work you are willing to put into it.





Heating and Temperature

"Balls", as with most snakes, need to be kept in a warm climate. Heating is a must. Now when it comes to heating your snakes home, there are a few ways to do it. Heat lamps, under tank heaters, and ceramic heat rocks. In my opinion, I like to go with heat lamps or under tank heaters. The drawback to heat rocks is that the temperature of the rock is significantly higher than the rest of the ground and your snake can get burned. I personally use a day-night heat lamp system. A warmer full spectrum bulb for daytime, and a cooler nightime light(similer to a blacklight).

As far as temperature control goes, during the day, the temperature should range from 80-90 degrees F. This varies according to who you talk to, but most will agree that at night, the temperature should drop to around 75-80 degrees F. The temperature should not be allowed to fall below 70 degrees F. A warm climate is essential for good digestion of food, and if it is too cold, your snake might not want to feed. In the wild, Ball Pythons don't feed when the temperature drops below 70.

Snakes are cold blooded, meaning they use the outside temperature to regulate their body temperature. The ideal heat setup is to provide a thermal gradient so your snake can regulate it�s body temperature. Daytime temperatures should be 80-85 degrees F with a basking spot with temperatures of 90-95 degrees F covering an area around one-quarter to one-third of the tank. A hide box should be provided on both the warm and cool side so the snake does not have to choose between the security of a hide and the climate it wants to be in.

However you decide to heat your snake�s enclosure, it is important to have a very reliable thermometer. If you have set up a thermal gradient, it is recommended to have two. One will measure the temperature of the ambient air on the cooler side and one to measure the temperature of the warmer basking area. I recommend purchasing a digital thermometer as they tend to be more accurate and easier to read.

Be sure not to let the temperature of the enclosure and the basking area rise too high. If you have a warm basking area set up, the snake needs to have access to a cooler area to regulate its body temperature.



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