Quick Advice Needed!

So I have an interesting situation that I would like some advice on.

Earlier today I picked up 2 new ball pythons that were given to me in containers. There is air holes and bedding in these containers. Here is where things get tricky.

I was supposed to receive my new rack today, HOWEVER, it has been delayed and will now only arrive tomorrow.

So for one single night I have to make sure these new little guys are happy- and I have a plan, but I need to know if it's a good idea or not.

Background: I don't have a temperature controlled room, I use individual heating units per terrarium/rack. I have a juvenile Ball Python in a very nice glass terrarium, she is my only Ball Python with a terrarium. It is 100% possible to fit the delivery containers inside the terrarium so they will be kept at the correct humidity and temperature throughout the night. They do not need to be quarantined as I have know both breeders for years.

Is it a good idea to put the containers inside the terrarium with my other ball python? At no point will either of the 3 snakes have direct contact, but I was wondering if this could stress all 3 of them out and do more harm than good or if it's better to do this rather than let them get cold tonight.

Thank you in advance! I would never normally pick up new snakes without the space to provide them with, but the delay was extremely unexpected and now I just want what is best for the animals.

I have to honest it could work, I’d personally have to see pictures, not mention you gave no size of any of the containers or the tank. But almost everyone on here is going to recommend a quarantine period. Just being honest, best of luck. You need to quarantine. It’s possible for one night to warm them with warm/hot water bottles, but sticking them all in the same rack in a day or two “not quarantine”. Peace, hope this helped.

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Originally Posted by Sonny1318

I have to honest it could work, I’d personally have to see pictures, not mention you gave no size of any of the containers or the tank. But almost everyone on here is going to recommend a quarantine period. Just being honest, best of luck. You need to quarantine.

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I don't have exact measurements but the containers would fit with more than enough space for the owner of the terrarium to roam around freely tonight and both snakes are good fits for the containers. They are not cramped or uncomfortable and have a make-shift hide in with them.

I know why quarantining is the best option but in my current situation is really not possible, luckily both breeders are at the top of their class in my country and both house hundreds of extremely well looked after snakes. I know it's always best to make sure but in this situation the odds are definitely in my favor.

My main concern is will they be aware of each other and stressed out by one another? Since it's only a single night and temperatures are around 26 degree Celsius here I am able to leave them out without them cooling down too much. But, if I can house them in a correct temp and humidity tonight with little to no risk then I feel it could be a better option for them.

Do you have an extra thermostat and some kind of heater? You could just put them in a box (while in the containers) and heat the box.

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Originally Posted by SquirmyPug

Do you have an extra thermostat and some kind of heater? You could just put them in a box (while in the containers) and heat the box.

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Normally I would but tonight I am unfortunately only left with the two options above. Usually I am a lot more prepared as the animals are my top priority but this delay really came out of nowhere.

Go to Walmart and get some cheap rubber containers to keep them in. Since it’s only temporary as long as your house is in the 70’s you should be fine as far as temperature.


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I wouldn't do it. I just wouldn't risk not following proper quarantine procedures, regardless how long I knew the breeder.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I wouldn't do it. I just wouldn't risk not following proper quarantine procedures, regardless how long I knew the breeder.

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That's fair, but in my current situation the only other option is to then leave the 2 new ladies out in a container with no heating pad the entire night. Is that then the better option?

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I wouldn't do it. I just wouldn't risk not following proper quarantine procedures, regardless how long I knew the breeder.

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Me neither...it's asking for trouble times three.

Put them in a cooler or some kind of insulated box and use bottles of warm water to keep ambient air temp up. The more warm water you have and the less air space you have the longer it will stay warm. Re- heat as necessary.

So much for being ready and set up at least a couple of days in advance.

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Originally Posted by Stealth

That's fair, but in my current situation the only other option is to then leave the 2 new ladies out in a container with no heating pad the entire night. Is that then the better option?

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No, that's not an option at all.

If they cannot escape their temporary containers, then put them (in containers) into a box or suitcase big enough for both, fill some jars with hot water & put them in
too. You'll need to change the water when it cools down...how long that takes depends on how cold your room is & how insulated you can make the box or suitcase.

Ice chests are even better! I had to use them for an ice storm that left me without power or heat back in '09...I bagged my snakes, put several in each large ice chest
with 2 jars of hot water and they were fine -about 80*- for 8-9 hours, at which point I refilled the hot water in the jars.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

No, that's not an option at all.

If they cannot escape their temporary containers, then put them (in containers) into a box or suitcase big enough for both, fill some jars with hot water & put them in
too. You'll need to change the water when it cools down...how long that takes depends on how cold your room is & how insulated you can make the box or suitcase.

Ice chests are even better! I had to use them for an ice storm that left me without power or heat back in '09...I bagged my snakes, put several in each large ice chest
with 2 jars of hot water and they were fine -about 80*- for 8-9 hours, at which point I refilled the hot water in the jars.

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Thanks for the advice! I'll give this a go and check on them as needed.

For the record for anyone judging, I was supposed to get the rack 2 weeks ago and arranged pickup today as I am moving houses throughout this week and am moving extremely far away from the breeders. The rack was delayed and I could not postpone the pick-up today, I care about my animals deeply and due to circumstances out of my control I am simply seeking advice on how to do right by them until the rack arrives tomorrow. If I could go buy a rack right now at 11 pm at night believe me I would.

Nothing like an emergency, eh? ;) You'll be busy tomorrow but they should be fine...I've moved halfway across country with bagged snakes in ice chests too,
& they actually travel quite well. Incidentally, that ice storm here in '09 resulted in many losing their snakes, either outright or illness afterwards. All of mine
were fine. (my power was out for 4 days, but some were out for weeks, since trees were down & blocking access to repair power lines)

Okay I think I managed to somewhat save the day. It's 1am and I have work in 4 hours... but I put them in an insulated box with a hotwater bottle wrapped in some towels. I have a thermostat leading from the box to right next to my bed, with an alarm set to go off every hour so I can quickly check temps and make adjustments if needed. If this rack doesn't arrive tomorrow someone is going to need a massive shoe removed from a very specific "hide"...

Thanks for all the assistance guys!

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Originally Posted by Stealth

Okay I think I managed to somewhat save the day. It's 1am and I have work in 4 hours... but I put them in an insulated box with a hotwater bottle wrapped in some towels. I have a thermostat leading from the box to right next to my bed, with an alarm set to go off every hour so I can quickly check temps and make adjustments if needed. If this rack doesn't arrive tomorrow someone is going to need a massive shoe removed from a very specific "hide"...

Thanks for all the assistance guys!

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Seems like major overkill to me. I’ve been keeping reptiles a very long time and have found that often people over complicate things. My place stays mid 70’s at night so I don’t use additional heating for my bp or sand boa and they’re perfectly healthy. I use additional heating for my BCI but ball pythons don’t require additional heat at night imo and all you’re doing is leaving them for a day right? Just put them in secure containers with a hide and relax :) They will be fine.


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