Housing

Hi guys,Im new to the forum and just got me a ball python today.
Should I buy Artifical Plants,Logs,Sticks for her,I have already made her a hide.

It's not a requirement to have plants,logs and sticks for ball pythons,but your snake might enjoy it.


P.S:Welcome to the site!

Thanks for info 8)

Welcome to the site!

A hide is really the only MUST HAVE that I would recommend. A good STRONG stick (make sure that it is strong enough to hold your snake) can be a nice "jungle gym" for your BP to stretch and utilize there muscles. Have fun with your new BP!

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Originally Posted by striker

Thanks for info 8)

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anytime

It's better if you have two hides rather than just one btw. Then your snake has a hide on the hot side and a hide on the cool side. so it can feel safe and still be at a comfortable temperature.

listen to schlyne

Thanks for all the info guys my snake is getting setteled in his new home :)

maybe look at a water dish

and as a none esential go to walmart and buy a digital thermometer/ hydgrometer combo for acurate temp readings

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and as a none esential go to walmart and buy a digital thermometer/ hydgrometer combo for acurate temp readings

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Non-essential?? I would have to disagree and say it is the most essential part of keeping any snake. You have to make sure you are freezing or cooking your snake, and those analog thermos/hygros aren't going to cut it. They are usually off and some have found them to be more than 20 degrees off of what the actual temps or humidity is. WalMart will probably be your best friend, unless you find some good stuff at the dollar store. I know I have.
It will save you alot of trouble just going to Wally World and getting the Accurite Digital Thermometer/Hygrometer. It costs ~$15. Hope that cleared some things up :)

Just remember, the more decorative items you put into the cage, the more cleaning and sanitizing you'll have to do!
You have to have your basics; heat source that creates a hot side of the cage (undertank heater is best; the ones from walmart without the auto shutoff are fine.); secure fitting lid; water dish that cannot be tipped over; warm hide and cool hide (one on each side of tank.) Not to mention a good hygrometer and thermometer (digital.)
For a beginner, I would suggest using newspaper as a substrate. It is a cinch to clean, and it is helpful with a new snake too since you can easily see any mites or ticks that may be present. As well as monitor the appearance of feces. Newspaper is also one of the best subs for feeding on, since it cannot be ingested like wood chips.

Good advice there on the cleaning and sanitizing - "as elaborate as you are willing to maintain" is key there not only in terms of cleaning but if you have a very active snake you may find the setup creatively rearranged "Snake Eye for the Sapien Guy" style. One of the main motives I had for simplifying is the setup would get regularly trashed during the nocturnal forays.

Funny side note on analog thermometers - we were at my parents (waaay out in the boonies) for the holiday and they have this huge analog thermometer outside on the deck that hovered at 40 wile snow fell and icecicles formed - had to chuckle to myself and give the nod once again to digital.

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Artifical Plants,Logs,Sticks

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These would be more for you than your ball python. They certainly won't hurt though (unless there's sharp edges), so as long as you're willing to do the extra cleaning.

well my cage is pretty heavy,so I will just stick to a log or stick and hides