Looking to get my first Ball Python, need some advice

[ReclusiveDemon]

I'm looking into getting a Ball Python as my second snake. I understand that they need a somewhat elevated level of humidity. I don't knos if the ambient humidity in my home is sufficient, but I would imagine it is not. I live on Long Island, where it is not exactly dry, but I would imagine being in an air conditioned home goes a ways to keeping the air both cool and dry, so I would have to make sure the enclosure can hold in a fair amount of humidity, and screen top terrariums do anything but that. I was thinking about getting one of the plastic enclosures made by Animal Plastics, Boaphile, etc. and I was wondering what size model would be suitable, since the dimensions don't really parallel gallon tank sizes.

Also, as for substrate, I'm quite unsure. I don't think paper towels/newspaper really appeals to me. Since the python is just going to be my pet, I'd like a nicer looking substrate. I'm thinking of maybe orchid bark or cypress mulch, since those supposedly hold in moisture better than something aspen shavings, which is what my Corn Snake uses. I also hear that aspen is prone to getting moldy when wet. Coconut Husk is an option, but it's pretty loose and gets on everything. Does it ever irritate the extremities of the snake, like the nostrils or heat pits? Also, do bark chips substrates carry a lot of dust with them? What do you think would be a best substrate?

If I got a hatchling, I'd probably start it on paper towels and in a glass tank. Does keeping a moist towel on top help to keep in humidity in that situation? Does paper towel have the same effect?

[steve_r34]

u just gonna have to play around till u find what works .. u can go glass with a screen top just put a towel over the top to keep in humidity .. but theres always ways to make things work ..best thing to do is get ur set up 1st hook it up wait a couple of days and see how it does for u .. i use aspen in one of bins as long as u stay on top of it it dont mold .. then i use newspaper in everything else but all my bp's are in sterlite bins

[bcr229]

My BP's and boas in 40-breeder tanks are on cypress, the ones in tubs get newspaper. I tried Repti-Bark once and didn't care for it as it was quite dusty. To help regulate the humidity in tanks we made plexiglass tops for them, just drill a few ventilation holes and it works fine.

[ReclusiveDemon]

I'm still very anxious over this whole 'new reptile' ordeal. I think that I'll have humidity covered, but now my main concern has shifted to heating. My house is not very warm, especially in the winter time. Right now, it's about 75 degrees in the room I'll be keeping it in, give or take a few degrees, which, from what I've read, is a bit chilly for Balls, so I'm going to have to get the temperature up to an acceptable level. My original plan was to get a long heat mat to raise the temperature of the entire cage, and then provide some other means of raising the temperature on the other side. This would either be another heat mat mounted on the side, or some kind of overhead heat, most likely a CHE. Honestly, I don't know what I'm doing here, and I need to get a plan together. Help please.

[martin82531]

I would go with a T8 from Animal Plastics. Initially this will be too big for a baby ball but you can get a divider and put it anywhere you like. Example you could dived the cage 50/50 or 20/80 to start then increase the size of the enclosure as the ball gets bigger.

[ReclusiveDemon]

I would go with a T8 from Animal Plastics. Initially this will be too big for a baby ball but you can get a divider and put it anywhere you like. Example you could dived the cage 50/50 or 20/80 to start then increase the size of the enclosure as the ball gets bigger.

I'll consider that in the future; right now I already have something to accommodate a baby.

[ReclusiveDemon]

This is really stressing me out here, I'd really appreciate some guidance.

[MootWorm]

This is really stressing me out here, I'd really appreciate some guidance.

First off, take a deep breath. You'd be surprised how well BPs put up with bad keepers, and you're doing your homework so you can't be that bad What type of setup have you decided on for your baby? This can help decide what substrate and heating you'll need. I use aspen and coconut fiber for tank setups due to the low humidity, in addition to humid hides filled with moss. For my tubs, I use paper towels because the humidity is too high with most other substrates.

As for your heating, you'll have to play with it until you find what works. Again, this will depend on your setup. If it's a tub, a single UTH may be sufficient. If you have a tank, you might have to wrap it in foam board with an UTH and a CHE. Unfortunately, you won't really know until you have your tank/tub/whatever in place and can do a dry run on temps and humidity. Hopefully this helps!!!

[MsMissy]

Unfortunately there is going to be some trial and error in getting your new no legged pet established. I'm at 1.5 months with my first and finally have her set pretty well.-3 weeks on my second and still trying to get his home set up. Same house, same room... Almost same size set up but having humidity issues with his tank. Hoping its a faulty hygrometer, will know tomorrow when the 3 more I ordered show up. <overkill might be my middle name>

you have said you have an enclosure for a baby and need guidance but haven't told us what that enclosure is. The guys here can't provide the info you are asking for without first knowing what you are working with.

Try not to stress it too much... Get it started and start measuring temps and humidity levels. Then adjust as you go along with guidance from the guys here... True life savers they are.

[Puck]

Don't worry big time. As long as you have a way to measure the temp and humidity accurately, your snake will be okay while you fiddle. If you're using a glass tank with a screen top, start off with heat lamp and small UTH or a more powerful UTH with no lamp (better for humidity) and a wet towel on top to hold in humidity. Measure what the temps and humidity are. if it's too hot on the hot size, go down in wattage on the bulb or get a lamp dimmer for it. If it's too cool, increase. Your baby will be okay if the temps and humidity aren't exactly perfect right away. They are animals, and nature is not a perfect keeper--there are times in their natural habitats when humidity would be a little low or temps would be away from the ideal. As long as it's not too cold to freeze or too hot to burn, just fiddle with it and don't worry. Snakes are quite hardy. Heck, many ball pythons live as pets in housing not suitable for them at all and, while this is bad for the snake's long term health, it doesn't kill them. Your guy will be okay for a few days while you mess with getting everything perfect. No big worries.