Help me plan for my first Ball Python

[TBone79]

I am planning on buying my first ball python in about a month. Right now I am trying to get everything together that I need, plan out my enclosure, and learn everything I can. I would like to see different enclosures that people have for just 1 snake. Equipment lists and anything else I would need would be extremely helpful. I was also wondering if any of the color morphs are harder to care for than just a regular ball? Thanks in advance everybody. I have been lurking around for a few days and it seems like a nice helpful community here.

Tyler

[TBone79]

I am planning on buying my first ball python in about a month. Right now I am trying to get everything together that I need, plan out my enclosure, and learn everything I can. I would like to see different enclosures that people have for just 1 snake. Equipment lists and anything else I would need would be extremely helpful. I was also wondering if any of the color morphs are harder to care for than just a regular ball? Thanks in advance everybody. I have been lurking around for a few days and it seems like a nice helpful community here.


Tyler

[The Serpent Merchant]

Welcome to the site!

A ball python is a ball python. Care is the same no matter what the color/pattern.

I suggest you check out these 2 threads if you haven't already, they cover the basics on care and cage heating:

Care: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

Cage Heating: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...t-Thermometers

I use professionally made reptile cages made by a company called Animal plastics. They aren't cheap, but you get what you pay for and the cage will last the entire life of the snake. I would recommend their T8 enclosure. The T8 can house 1 or 2 snakes (2 using an optional divider)

http://www.apcages.com

More info on these cages (list of everything needed to set one up): http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...With-Pictures!

[TheSnakeGuy]

All ball pythons regardless of color/pattern require the same care. The only exception would be a snake with a medical condition requiring special care. A supply list can be very simple or be very complex it just depends on what type of housing you want. Glass display cage? Single plastic tub? Rack system? It all depends on what you like, how many more snakes you think you might get, and the temps and humidity of your home.

[I-KandyReptiles]

TANK:

Any type of heat source, whether it's a lamp or heat pad MUST be regulated. Heat pads will reach unsafe temperatures in a matter of minutes. You MUST have a thermostat.

The best you can buy are herpstats.
http://www.spyderrobotics.com

The cheaper option:
http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...ords=Hydrofarm

When you get your thermoSTAT, you plug your heat pad into it. You take your probe and secure it OVER the heat pad on the OUTSIDE of your tank.

Do NOT have the thermoSTAT probe inside the tank, as your snake can move it, pee on it, and will ultimately screw up your probe reading.

If you use a lamp, which most will suggest against, buy a light dimmer. They're about $10 from home depot and allow you to adjust how much heat is coming from the lamp.

Lamps will kill your humidity. Many will suggest covering half your lid with tinfoil/plexiglass/wet cloth. Misting will also help. Also, do not get white bulbs.

After your thermostat, a temp gun will be a wise investment. Or you can purchase a digital thermometer with probe. Many will suggest an Accurite, while others disagree. If you get an Accurite, you place the entire unit in the cage. The probed bit will be secured on top of the glass over your heat pad so you are able to monitor and be sure your thermostat is working properly. The unit goes on your "cool" side to monitor ambient temperatures.

You are aiming for:

Hot spot: 88-91 degrees
Cool side: 78-80 degrees
Humidity: 50%

When your snake goes into shed, you will need to boost your humidity up to 60-70%.

Inside your tank you will need:

-two identical hides. Find ones that are small enough to wrap your ball python around all sides and only have one entrance. Those log hides at the pet stores are terrible. One goes on the warm side, the other on the cool side.

-Water dish. If you get a large water dish, you can place it somewhat over your heat pad to help even more with humidity.

-Proper substrate. If you are using a tank, id suggest Eco earth or coco fibre as they help hold in humidity.

TUBS:

If you are able to keep your room at a stable 80 degrees, you will be able to keep your ball python in a tub set up.

Tub set ups may not be the prettiest, but are much easier to maintain humidity than a tank.

Find a large Rubbermaid container with a locking lid. Depending on your room humidity, drill holes along the sides using a soldering drill. The amount of holes will vary. Be careful as you can add more, but can't cover them up if you drill too many.

Just like a tank, you will place the heat pad on one side of the tub, with the thermoSTAT probe over the heat tape. With a thermostat, you will not have to worry about the tub melting as it should never get over 92 degrees.

Set your tub up like a tank. Add your substrate, water dish, hides and thermometers. You can also add fake leaves and branches.

FEEDING:

You'd be surprised to learn that hatchling ball pythons can eat hopper sized mice right out of the egg.

I'd suggest going to Walmart and picking up a cheap kitchen scale to monitor your baby's weight.

Babies can generally eat 10-15% of their weight every 5-7 days.

I feed my mouse eaters and babies on a 5 day schedule. My rat eaters are fed every 7 days.

As your snake gets older, try to match their food with the thickest part of their body.

Once you get your set up done, leave your snake alone for a week. The only time you are in the cage is to change water and clean poo. No touching him/her. Once the week is over, offer your mouse. I'm sure they'll take it.

[TBone79]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I really like the look and function of those Animal Plastics cages Aaron. They look functional and are more of what I am looking for - an all in one solution (more or less). I have looked over your other thread and I really like how clean everything looks. What heat mats/belly heat do you recommend?

[The Serpent Merchant]

The flexwatt sold by AP as an add on for the cage is great. You can also use 2 feet of 12" THG heat tape from reptile basics.

[Eric Alan]

Aaron's thread was priceless in the planning process for my setup as well. Here's my current configuration:



If you'd like my supply list, feel free to PM me. I keep links for everything!

Eric

EDIT: If you are planning on getting your BP in a month, I'd get to ordering the T8 now. They're usually pretty backed-up and it can take at least that long to receive your order with them. The good news is that Ali is incredible to work with - you'll get nothing but phenomenal customer service from API.

[Jazz]

Aaron and Eric,
Just wanted to say how awesome those set ups are