Ball Python Setup: Help Needed!

[Muskiet]

Hi All.

I'm getting a ball python for Christmas, a present from myself to myself.

I'm currently reading 'The Ball Pythons Manual' its got loads of info.

Concerning the heating, I've read that the day temp must be between: 27 - 29 C, night temps between 23-27 and a basking area of 32-35 C.

I will be using a heatmat. I was thinking of using a infrared,sunglo or daylight bulp to increase the temp and to create the basking area.Want to place the bulp directly above the heatpad.

Then during the night using a moonlight or night bulb in the opposite side of my cage.
What do you guys think? Is there certain bulbs I need to use? I will contol the temps by using thermometers.

Then,what bedding will work best,want to create a jungle theme. Thinking of astroturf.

Thanks for all the info.

[Fooble]

The lamp is unnecessary IMO.
I normally the "hot side" should be in the 30-32 range and of course have a temperature gradient to the cool side.

Kenaf and other natural bedding is great newspaper is good too easy cleaning.

[Kev]

I agree with Fooble.
The heat pad will provide a more "natural" heat for a ball python, as in the wild they don't bask in the sun and get most of their heat from the ground.
It should also provide all the heat you need.
The light will also dry out the enclosure and you need a fair amount of humidety.
You can also use E-mulsh as a substrait as it looks more natural than astroturf IMO.

[Bundu Boy]

No bulbs required, just belly heat.

I keep my tubs at about 30/32 on the warm side with cool side at ambients, works well for me......

I use newspaper, but this is not so attractive if you intend to display. What has worked well in the past is astroturf, looks good and if you have a few pieces cut then you can just swap them out as required....

[newbe]

Hi im also considering getting my first Ball (cant wait!) and just wanted to know would the Exo-Terra Faunarium - PT2310 (460 x 300 x 170 mm) be a sufficient space for a small to medium sized Ball or is that too small? Ive seen Youtube videos of people keeping them in the PT2310 and they say its quite sufficient space-wise but ja I dont know hey just seems like a cheaper option as opposed to buying an overpriced wooden enclosure from a pet store

[Athlordian]

@ Muskiet:
Fooble, Kev and Bundu Boy are correct. The lights are redundant and a good heatpad will be sufficient. If you're fitting it in a wooden enclosure, I'd stick the heatpad between 2 ceramic or slate tiles that are about a 3rd of the length of your cage. This spreads the heat nice and evenly across the surface of the tile and will allow the area to retain some of its heat when you're using a thermostat to control your temps. Also, if you're looking for that "jungle" theme, you can use eucalyptus mulch or coconut husk chunks as a substrate. Those 2 substrates will retain humidity better than astroturf, which will help your ball python shed better.

@ Newbe:
Depending on how aggressively you feed, your ball python could out-grow that enclosure within 6 months to a year. Even though they spend most of their time curled up, it's still nice to allow them to stretch when they want to. If you're looking to save money in the long run, I'd recommend spending the money to set up one of those 900mm wooden enclosures you see in the pet shops. As long as your baby has a sufficient number of snug hiding places, it should be fine.

[Athlordian]

Sorry guys...was being a 'tard! I just noticed that Muskiet's question was posted in November and, more than likely, has been answered.

[Skyeli]

Hi Guys, I recently moved my snake in her bigger enclosure. The humidity is perfect but im only getting a reading of 18 degrees heat wise. Is the thermostat too high up in the cage?
I have a large heatpad underneath the carpet on the right side. I cant for the life of me remember the wattage now but i know its quite nice and warm.

The cage is 800x450 +-

Oh and excuse im getting some plants for her this week

[Athlordian]

Just a quick question...but, why is your thermometer all the way up there in the cage? Your ball python is on the substrate, at the bottom of the cage, so it would be best to measure the temperature on the ground. Put the thermometer on the heatpad and see what the reading is.

[Skyeli]

I thought about that... Where would be the ideal place to put the thermostat?

[Athlordian]

Please see the last sentence of my previous response...

[Skyeli]

Ok thanks i will do and Sorry i've realized my mistake!