Cheapest set-up

Also, don't forget to drill holes in the tub if thats what you get. I'd say 4-6 holes in each corner about 2-3 inches from the bottom is perfect.

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Originally Posted by HockeyFan2kx

Just wanted to add that a secondary heat source is probably not needed so don't worry about that. Unless your keeping your cage in the freezer or outside then between the room temp it's in and the UTH you should be just fine.

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Maybe the enclosure will be close to a window, or under an air vent, or in a closet.....sometimes secondary heat sources are needed. Like I said before....

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Originally Posted by daniel1983

That is why the best way to setup for any snake is setup the enclosure before you acutually buy the snake. Work on buying the proper enclosure equipment, then set everything up and work on getting the temperatures right. After your temperatures are correct, then purchase the snake.

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Originally Posted by HockeyFan2kx

Also, don't forget to drill holes in the tub if thats what you get. I'd say 4-6 holes in each corner about 2-3 inches from the bottom is perfect.

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I have found that soldering irons work 10x better than drilling. That way you have less chance of cracking the tub.

I have got 6 snakes and have no thermostat not only due to budget but because I keep a good eye on temps. I live in an area with relatively stable temps and It doesn't get very cold or too hot and if it does I switch the UTH off. If you are unable to provide a thermostat atleast provide a thermometer(digital best) in order to monitor temps so that your snake does not end up with a RI or stop eating cos of bad husbandry.

If I'm not mistaken a Rheostat simply is like a volume button with temp. If you have a good themometer it could work.

However a thermostat is best not only for you but for your herp. I will soon be upgrading to a rack and tank setup which will include a reptile computer, monitoring temp and humidity and adjusting both when needed.

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Originally Posted by daniel1983

I have found that soldering irons work 10x better than drilling. That way you have less chance of cracking the tub.

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I only said drill because more people own drills as aposed to soldering irons. But even if you had both, I have used both and find drills work just find.

there is no need to get huffy about my post...all I am saying is that cheap is not necessarily good. Sure people can spend little and keep snakes, I guess its how much you want to put into keeping them and what risks you are willing to take. There are cheap methods that do work, but usually come with more risks. Nothing personal was was put on you it was a generalized statement, I just have this thing about responcibility and hearing/seeing to many people wanting an animal, buying it but then wanting to spend as little as possible to maintain it...


Also as I said some things that are cheap work as good or better...such as the tubs, to me they are not only cheap but more efficient in maintaining an environment the animals need. You don't necesarily HAVE to spend alot to properly keep animals but personally cringe when cheap is one of the first words that comes out when preparing for a new animal.

Nothing personal...if I read it wrong...I appologize and hope you can understand I only mean to look out for the well being of animals.

The only thing that sucks about drilling holes in the tubs (aside from the crack aspect, which I learned about the hard way) is the circles of plastic that get stuck on the drillbit. They can be such a pain in the @@@ to get off. Mucking with those damn things made my hole-drilling experience twice as long as it should have been, but maybe there's a lesson to be learned from all this...

Keeping mouth shut

Sorry it's been so long since I replied, I've been very busy.
Anyway......

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there is no need to get huffy about my post...

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I in no way intended to sound huffy and I apologize if I did. I just got a little agrivated with some of your tones making sound like I was some kind of cheap-wad who won't spend a few bucks on an animal. I have 2 dogs, 5 cats, a 'teil, 3 dwarf hamster, 15 fish and I just recenly lost a dwarf hamster and my beloved ferret, I've hand many pets of every sort and they get great care and are happy and healthy. I'm working on getting a career as a zookeeper, I've worked in a zoo and I work in a humane society, in other words I an not a newbie to pets and animals, exotic or otherwise. I have to admit I felt looked down on by you guys and might have gotten a bit touchy and I'm sorry. I have not gotten anything for the BP yet because I'm still researching and learning like I do with all my pets.

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You don't necesarily HAVE to spend alot to properly keep animals but personally cringe when cheap is one of the first words that comes out when preparing for a new animal.

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I'm sorry, but this gets to me. If I had originaly said affordable there probably would not be a problem aand I'm sorry I said the word cheap, but it means the same thing. I have large betta aquariums and I pride myself with my betta care but all they really need in a 1 gallon tank at room tempurature and a thermometer. If I were to be asked for the cheapest set-up that would be what i"d tell them rather than them having a 20 gallon. In other word, I know you guys have great set-up of which I could never afford and I wanted to know what I needed. Just because I might not get all the very best, most expensive things doesn't mean I'd care for the animal less it is just a matter-of-fact of what the NEED and what they don't. I'm not trying to agrue and be snippy, I just wanted you to understand that.

no harm done and no one was looking down on you. You have to understand that while those where have been here a while or have kept animals a while see way to many people focusing their money or lack thereof on the animal soley and not its upkeep. I'm not saying this is your situation but there are also many times people boast about all their current animals while that's all well and good some are not ready for another animal and sometimes probably shouldn't if they already have their hands full. Under proper conditions BP's don't have to be "work" though so there should be no issue.

It is a common misconception that it costs alot of money to keep reptiles...BUT...that doesn't mean you shouldn't be prepared to spend a decent ammount in unforseen events or equipment.

Good luck.

Perhaps cheap was the key word that set a few things off...so let's go with most cost effective or budget friendly LOL.

Shadow, even if you disregarded costs a nice appropriately sized sterlite or rubbermaid tub from WalMart or such like is very reasonable setup as it's so easy to get it ready and steady for a new snake coming in. A baby BP doesn't need or want a huge enclosure anyways so you'd likely be looking at less than $10.00 for one. Add in a soldering wand for around $6.00 (so easy to melt in the ventilation holes). A couple of hides and a water dish from any dollar store/WalMart type place will run around $5.00 total (lots of ideas for these just ask or forum search). Paper towels or newspaper for substrate to start off a new snake, maybe free or $1.00. Under belly heating, depending on choice say $20.00. A small tub in a decently warm room shouldn't need two different heat sources as far as I'm concerned. I think that's it (did I forget anything folks?)

So that total is about $42.00 for a simple, easy to maintain enclosure for a ball python. I didn't add in a rhenostat, tstat, dimmer, whatever as that's a wide range of choices with a wide range of costs.

Glass tanks will give you more of a "showcase" effect but if you are looking for something easy to regulate as far as heat and humidity, easy to clean and easy on your budget that's the way to go in my opinion.

Do make sure if you go with a plastic tub that it has very good lock down type clips plus add to your budget something to make sure the snake can't get out....some folks use bungie cords, suitcase straps, big clips, weight of some sort...whatever works to make sure a determined snake can't get out.

Hope this helped somewhat.


~~Jo~~