Critter keeper for baby ball pythons?

Hello everyone, this is my first post here. I am thinking about getting a ball python, and am researching different housing opitions. I am leaning toward a plastic rubbermaid bin as I like how lightweight they are, it would make it easier to clean and move around if I need to. But I'm a little unsure about how to make them escape proof, as it seems the lids could be pushed off pretty easily. Bungy cords maybe?

Anyway, I got to thinking about critter keepers like I use for my tarantulas. The lids are quite difficult to get off, even I have trouble sometimes. Would one of these work for a young/baby ball python? And would a heat pad at one end be sufficient if the room temp isn't super high? (I'm pregnant, so I can't handle too warm of a room right now) I'm pretty sure a heat light wouldn't work with a plastic bin or kritter keeper.
http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...den-flat-home/

Thoughts?

Plenty of plastic tubs have locking tops that can't just be pushed off.

I haven't found any with locking lids that would be big enough. What is the minimum size for a baby ball? I know there are lock and lock, but those are way too small. Could someone show me an example of a locking lid type bin so I know what to look for? I'm very new to this.:)

http://www.target.com/Sterilite-18-q...&searchSize=30
http://www.target.com/Sterilite-15-q...&searchSize=30

This one would be good for an adult: http://www.target.com/Sterilite-32-q...&searchSize=30

Go to walmart, or target, or any store that carries storage bins.

You want around a 15 qt tub for a baby up to 500grams.

Thank you so much! I was having trouble picturing it, now that I know what to look for I shouldn't have too much trouble finding something like that.

Is a heating pad on one end on the bottom enough? I would use a thermostat of course to make sure the heat was constant.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lorgakor

Thank you so much! I was having trouble picturing it, now that I know what to look for I shouldn't have too much trouble finding something like that.

Is a heating pad on one end on the bottom enough? I would use a thermostat of course to make sure the heat was constant.

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It really depends on your house temperatures. An ambient temp of 75* and below is not really a good idea. If your house doesn't get hotter than 72*, you might need a second UTH which you can use with the thermostat and a dimmer.

Dimmers huh? Something else to look up lol!
Could I just use two different heat mats and two different thermostats, one for the hot side and one for the lower side? Or is a dimmer actually needed? I'm not really sure how those work.:oops:

Would two of these work okay? I was planning on using Ultratherm undertank heating pads.
http://www.beanfarm.com /store/agora...id=22028&xm=on

I wouldn't use a critter keeper, thats my preference though. Only time I use the critter keeper I have is when I feed my girl, and shes to big for the keeper now, so I need to figure something else out.

Home Depot sells a great 25Qt Sterilite tub that is great for little guys up to about 300 grams. It measures 19 3/4" x 15 3/8" x 7 3/4". I like these over almost any other tub. They do have a locking top and are secure enough to hold a 300 gram BP, I think the model number is 1936.

Good Luck!
Jim Smith

I use sterilite tubs. The lids can be easily pushed through, but not off. I use big black paper clips to make them escape proof.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by j_h_smith

Home Depot sells a great 25Qt Sterilite tub that is great for little guys up to about 300 grams. It measures 19 3/4" x 15 3/8" x 7 3/4". I like these over almost any other tub. They do have a locking top and are secure enough to hold a 300 gram BP, I think the model number is 1936.

Good Luck!
Jim Smith

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I wouldn't put a ball python that is under 300 grams in a 25qt tub, that is just oo big IMO.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

I wouldn't put a ball python that is under 300 grams in a 25qt tub, that is just oo big IMO.

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Did you read the demension of the tub. It is much smaller than the 28 qt, just about perfect.

Jim Smith

Quote:

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Originally Posted by j_h_smith

Did you read the demension of the tub. It is much smaller than the 28 qt, just about perfect.

Jim Smith

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Yes I read the dimentions. I keep my snakes under 300g in 15qt tubs, which are half the size of those in floor area.

I bought this today, I figure it is about 14ish quarts. It had an incorrect lable on it so I'm not sure exactly. Will this be good for a while?
I already tried it out with my current exotic.;)
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/4456/dsc05881g.jpg

Oops, not escape proof!
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4003/dsc05882u.jpg

The latches
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/8302/dsc05884z.jpg

That will be fine although it is a bit large for a hatchling. Just make sure to clutter it up with fake plants or something!

You can use bungee cords, luggage straps, or binder clips to help keeep the lid on. Personally, I like the luggage straps...