Re: New Ball Python Owner
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JLC
I just want to step in for a moment. After quickly reading through this thread, it brought some things to mind that I'd like to remind people...
Most of the issues being pushed for in this thread are OPTIONS and not necessities. There's nothing wrong with overhead heat for a ball python...if the keeper can get the right temps and humidity, the snake really doesn't care of the heat is overhead or underneath. Or even from the side, such as a radiant heat panel or flexwatt down the back of a rack.
There's also nothing wrong with UTH heat. It's all just a matter of preference and what works best for the keeper. But when folks INSIST that their way is the only proper way to do it we create confusion and misunderstanding.
Water bowls....they only NEED a small bowl to drink from. However, there is nothing wrong with providing a larger bowl. Some people like to give their snake the option to soak. Some people need the extra boost of humidity a large bowl gives. Some people don't like to mess with the trouble of large heavy bowls. Again, it is a matter of OPINION and keeper preference. There's no sense in insisting that someone change their way of doing things just because you prefer it differently.
My only real concern about the OP's set up is the temperature extremes. A range of 70 to 105 is far outside of any parameters I've ever seen or heard of for keeping ball pythons healthy. A range of 80 to 90 or even up to 95 would be far more ideal and reduce the chances of your snake getting sick or going off its food.
Seriously folks....let's try to remember that there is no exact way to keep these beauties. Tubs or tanks....UTH or lamps.....feeding outside or inside the cage....big bowls or little bowls.....
Share your opinion....state WHY you prefer what you do....but don't make it sound like your way is the only right way. :please:
Thank you so much for this information!
I'm working on getting the temp gradient under control (the 105 was 1/2 way up the tank on top of a log - typical range on the floor is 85-90 on the warm side, and about 75 on the cool end which I'm working on bringing up) as I type...I'm thinking I might need some insulation on the sides and back of the enclosure because my house is freezing on a regular basis.
I will be using the UTH this fall and will be looking for recommendations on thermostats to regulate it if anyone has any favorites that are affordable.
Again, thanks for all of the information everyone.
Re: New Ball Python Owner
You still should be controlling your heat sources (even the lamps). A lamp dimmer will due until you want to get a thermostat.
If you are using two lamps, I kind of doubt that your actual lowest temp is 75*. Lamps usually heat very efficiently. Try to get one of those accu-rite units. They look like this: http://www.songbirdgarden.com/store/...URITE00891.jpg
Re: New Ball Python Owner
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bella
Yes, I know...but the enclosure is more what I meant. I don't know if that makes sense, but people with one snake that I know, want the enclosure to be a part of the household even if the snake is reclusive. My enclosure is on display, but to respect his temperament, his enclosure is tucked in a low traffic corner, three sides are blacked out, he has multiple hides, and much of his tank is covered in greenery he can hide in as well.
It sounds like he will be very happy in his enclosure then once his temps and humidity are in proper levels. Good luck with him.
