My new cage

[auhsojnacnud]

Here are some pictures of my new 40 gallon cage for my Ball Python. thoughts, comments, criticism?


^^^ Over view of the cage. Hide in both cool and warm area. Water bowl nearly in middle.
\/\/\/ Cool area at close up.




^^^ My snake in its warm hide
\/\/\/ Full tank shot. awesome skull in warm side. Thinking of adding more leaves to the walls.

[URL=http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/auhsojnacnud/media/DSC00052_zps4275be7c.jpg.html][/URL

^^^ My snake exploring its new home after first being put in.

What do you guys think? Humidity is at 60. Warm side is 80. Cool side is 24. Im going to get a light dimmer for a lamp to warm up the cool side a bit.

[Cowtipper]

Warm side could be warmer still. IMO, I think the cage is too busy, too much stuff in there, that's a lot of things for the snake to poop on, and makes cleaning that much more work, just my opinion though. You may want to wrap the screen top in tinfoil to help keep heat and humidity in better. Nice looking snake though!

[JPR]

Warm side is 80 and cool side is 24??? I hope one of those is faranheit and the other is celcius.... in faranheit, warm si me should be 90, cool side 80.

[auhsojnacnud]

Could the temps be slightly inaccurate due to probe placement? I have one BEHIND each of the hides. Should they be in the hides, or further from the glass? I have added a lamp to the cool side.

As for the amount of stuff, I will probably add more leaves. I'm not one of those guys who takes they easiest way possible. Every place I go to says they are natural hiders so I don't want him to feel too uncomfortable to come out. I am willing to go the extra mile in cleaning. #DBB

Thanks to cowtipper for actually including a solution to the problem. You rock cowtipper. And I did say I was going to warm up the other side, so JPR theres no need for your reply making me sound like an idiot.

[JPR]

I don't see how my reply made you sound like an idiot.

Are you measuring in celcius or faranheit?

Probe placement should be at ground level on either end of the hide.

[auhsojnacnud]

Nice looking snake though!

Thanks, the other one at the pet shop has spots that looked like hearts but the staff said it was too aggressive for someone who was buying their first snake.

[auhsojnacnud]

Are you measuring in celcius or faranheit?

Its in Fahrenheit. and it has warmed up to 75 now. Its good enough until I get foil tape tomorrow.

[JPR]

I'm thinking there was a typo in your original post. You said cool side was 24. Which is below freezing. Hence my reaction.

[KMG]

Warm side could be warmer still. IMO, I think the cage is too busy, too much stuff in there, that's a lot of things for the snake to poop on, and makes cleaning that much more work, just my opinion though. You may want to wrap the screen top in tinfoil to help keep heat and humidity in better. Nice looking snake though!

Your snake needs to learn manners. I don't have an issue keeping things clean. My ball leaves it in its hide every time. I have real plants and all.

[The Golem]

Looks pretty good so far!
I'd suggest having the water bowl at the front so it's easier to remove and return with fresh water every day.

More leaves or a vine would be okay. A cork flat is another good way to add more cover for the snake, another texture for it to rub against and crawl on, and it can be misted to add more humidity if needed. For instance you could lean it up against the back wall or on a piece of wood to create a bit of a 'cave' for the BP to go under.

For the lid, I was looking for materials to make something to keep the heat in and then saw a roll of Reflectix at the hardware store. 1 roll is enough for 3 or more enclosures but I've come up other uses for it so it was a good find. It's like aluminum foil bubble wrap.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Reflectix...6025/100012574

Made a duct tape flap along the edges for a better seal to keep in heat & humidity.