is this enclosure acceptable?

[latazyo]

hi, I finally got this put together

substrate will either be paper towel or aspen shavings (whichever you all recommend)

the lid is held on by or 4 S Hooks

the dimensions are 22Lx16wx12h

it will be heated by 4" heat tape on the shelf that this will be going



is this an acceptable enclosure for my new ball python?

[Marla]

Hard to say without knowing the size of the ball python you will be getting. Generally, I would say yes, with a few notes:
1. You need a way to monitor temps and humidity, and none is shown. I'd suggest a digital indoor/outdoor thermometer/hygrometer from WalMart for $15.
2. Plan to clean up tipped over water frequently if you don't provide a heavier dish, like glass, pyrex, ceramic, or terra cotta, or something to keep it from tipping, like a pvc ring.
3. If it's a large ball python it will be short on room in the enclosure. If it's a hatchling/juvie, the hides are probably too big. Either way, they're too light. Yes, you can use Gladware and cardboard for hides, but I have observed a distinct preference for snug and heavy hides among my bp's. Inexpensive but suitable hides include
-- terra cotta small plant pots with a hole knocked in the lip and smoothed then turned upside down
-- small bowl-shaped baskets covered in thick mud and sun-dried
-- rocks that can be piled securely (so they don't fall)
-- any number of clay-formed bowl-shaped objects with an entrance
-- suitably shaped and sized pvc sections
-- plastic covers from 50 cd-r spindles, preferably painted opaque
-- odd items from the toy section of the dollar store that have some heft to them

It looks like you have a good start! Be sure to check and make sure the top is too difficult to lift or disengage for a bp to do it when you're not looking.

[Mike]

looks good to me. that should work until the snake is about 2 feet. then you should start thinkin about a bigger cage.
maybe a rock in the waterbowl to make it a little heavier.
what do you plan to use to monitor temps? you def. need something to stick in there for humidity. a temp. gun would also be a good idea. (tempgun.com). also, you may want to use a little something to prop the cage up so the heat tape can get some air flow. otherwise it might overheat.
good luck with you new bp! whenever you get it.

[latazyo]

yeah, I was just showing the enclosure, I have a thermostat and digi thermometer with probe and humidity

I was also concerned about the tipped water dish

the BP I am buying is 190g, not sure how long he is

[The_Godfather]

For substrate I'd use newpaper in your case. That enclosure is big enough for a juvie. Ball pythons love really tight hides, I use cereal and TV dinner boxes now. They love them.

Looks good. Oh, and good job on getting things perfected prior to buying the herp. Thats the way it should be done.