Housing Question

So, I'm trying to figure out what cage would be best for an adult male ball python, and I'm hoping you guys can give me some opinions on these and tell me which you prefer:

http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...ass-terrarium/ - Exo-Terra Glass Terrarium - Large Tall (36"l x 18"w x 24"t)
http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...ass-terrarium/ - Exo-Terra Glass Terrarium - Large X-Tall (36"l x 18"w x 36"t)

-or-

Basic Aquarium with screen top. If so, what size would you recommend?

Also, I'm curious on whether I should get one of those burrows you bury under the substrate or would that be wasted on a ball python? I've heard of a few who enjoy it? My female corn absolutely loves the underground burrows while my male corn never touched it so I know it varies by snake but I'm still curious on whether you think a ball python would even be interested? This is what I'm talking about: http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...-burrow-large/

And finally, what is your opinion on using a live plant/tree in the cage? Is that a good idea or not? Why or why not?? Thanks! I'll probably add more questions later since I'm planning the cage for my first ball python rather than one of my corn snakes

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Originally Posted by MisssMariee

So, I'm trying to figure out what cage would be best for an adult male ball python, and I'm hoping you guys can give me some opinions on these and tell me which you prefer:

http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...ass-terrarium/ - Exo-Terra Glass Terrarium - Large Tall (36"l x 18"w x 24"t)
http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...ass-terrarium/ - Exo-Terra Glass Terrarium - Large X-Tall (36"l x 18"w x 36"t)

-or-

Basic Aquarium with screen top. If so, what size would you recommend?

Also, I'm curious on whether I should get one of those burrows you bury under the substrate or would that be wasted on a ball python? I've heard of a few who enjoy it? My female corn absolutely loves the underground burrows while my male corn never touched it so I know it varies by snake but I'm still curious on whether you think a ball python would even be interested? This is what I'm talking about: http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...-burrow-large/

And finally, what is your opinion on using a live plant/tree in the cage? Is that a good idea or not? Why or why not?? Thanks! I'll probably add more questions later since I'm planning the cage for my first ball python rather than one of my corn snakes

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I'm a big fan of tanks that allow side access rather than only top access. Maybe it's me, but I'm uncomfortable (and I'm sure the snake is too) having a giant hand swoop down from the sky. We currently have 2 exoterras, they're excellent. You could always go with a tub as well, wayyyy cheaper, but it sounds like you want a naturalistic display.

My balls don't really burrow. Closest I'll get is wedging behind the water dish lol. But yours might be different, so it doesn't hurt to try. Worst case, your corn gets an extra burrow out of the deal :)

The live plant is more for your benefit than the snake. Balls are kinda chunky, so unless you have a sturdy tree or a stunted snake, everything will most likely get crushed. We had a little on in there for awhile, but my boy likes to redecorate his tank A LOT and it didn't last long lol.

The cages shown are not geared toward BP, with a BP what is important is the floor space not the height.

As far as the hide it will be too small for an adult.

In term of glass enclosures this is the style and size that would work for an adult http://www.zilla-rules.com/products/critter-cages.htm (30 or 40 gallons)

For hide this will work for a male http://www.zilla-rules.com/products/dcor/rock-den.htm (larger one)

As far as live plant, BP are heavy body and the plants will be crushed and die.

If you get your BP as an hatchling I would recommend a smaller enclosure with appropriate size hides and upgrade as your BP grows.

Well, I think I'll be saving the live plants for my crested gecko terrarium I'm planning after the ball python!

I am getting a hatchling, but I currently have an assortment of old fish tanks lying around I intend to use for now - I used to breed bettas but doing 10 water changes every week got highly boring. I'd rather deal with snakes and cleaning their cages, besides, I can handle snakes rather than just look at them! I have a 10 gallon, a 20 gallon and a 15 gallon lying around. I figure between those three, they should work well before he's ready for an adult tank, no? If not, I can trade them for others as he outgrows.

Do you think I'll need a mister/fogger humidity wise? Or should misting daily be okay?

I thought ball pythons preferred height? I'm probably wrong - I'm going off of what a few people have said based upon their snakes but, every snake is an individual!

Adding: I got burned out on fish so fast because I purchased 8 at once and went from 0 fish to 8 fish and then at my high point had up to 18 at once while underestmating the care they needed. That's why I'm growing my snake collection one by one so I can make sure that doesn't happen again. I don't want anyone thinking I'm going to grow bored and get rid of them. Also, I've wanted more snakes ever since I was 9 and we got rid of our red tailed boa (my family apparantly didn't realize she'd grow so big and with her... feisty temperament, it wasn't a safe thing for our family). So, just don't want anyone thinking I'll grow bored of them

Just FYI, if you use a standard fish tank, you may have problems regulating humidity and temps. I know I do, but I'm too stubborn to switch because I made it myself and it looks darn good!! Lol I had to modify a humidifier and pipe it in, it's on a timer to go for 5 minutes every 2 hours. But then again, I live in the desert and it's wayyy hard to get decent humidity unless you go with a tub,
P

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MisssMariee

I thought ball pythons preferred height? I'm probably wrong - I'm going off of what a few people have said based upon their snakes but, every snake is an individual!

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No, floor space is far more important.

Alright! Well, the two Exo terra cages I linked to, with their floor space if it was only 12" high it would be 33.7 gallons so I wasn't sure because everyone says 30-40 gallons for the proper size, so I figured 33 gallon plus all that height would be a good choice? I guess I'll keep looking for cages, thanks! I did quite like the idea of the front/side door thing rather than reaching in from above as I know that affected my female corn's behavior majorly.

Editing to add: Either that or the calculator I've been using to figure out the gallon size I've been using is wrong

I use a 36x18x18 exo terra for my biggest and most social ball python. He's 4.5 feet, 1800-1900g. The tank is huge for him. I have two really thick branches gorilla glued to the tank that he uses at night, but I think any more height would be completely useless.

The exo terra did need some modding to work for him though. I have the whole top screen covered to keep in humidity except for a square where my ceramic heat emitter is. I also have the sides half way blacked out for security.

All my other snakes are in tubs and do equally fine. I don't think a full grown ball python is going to make it to the top of a 36" tank without a loud and painful sounding thud immediately after.

I'm kinda surprised this hasn't been said... I would avoid glass. It's such a pain the in rear to regulate heat and humidity. We had HDPE enclosures made by Ed at constrictors northwest. I love his Prolines. There are also PVC enclosures by Animal plastics and boaphiles that a lot of people love. These aren't the only ones... Vison cages, Boamaster, etc. 36x24x12-18 is a great size. Our 4' BP is in 48x24x14.