day/night cycle??

I placed my ball in the dark and has been for the last few days. I did it because he wasn't eating. He ate 2 rat pups and now I'm wondering if he needs a day and night cycle? He's in a dresser drawer in a clear container. should I open the drawer during the day ?

Yes, Ball pythons are nocturnal they need a day\night cycle.

Why not just cover the tub with a blanket? Seems kinda odd to have him in a drawer...

I also figured the dresser would be the safest because I was afraid my cats would knock the container off my dresser as it isn't able to fit on my shelf away from them. I didn't want him put him on the floor.

Because ball pythons are nocturnal, they do not need a light cycle. Can you give them one? yes, by all means. It can't hurt.

I would for sure not leave him IN the drawer though. What about some air flow?

I have it cracked open just not all the way LOL!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kaorte

Because ball pythons are nocturnal, they do not need a light cycle. Can you give them one? yes, by all means. It can't hurt.

I would for sure not leave him IN the drawer though. What about some air flow?

---

every animal needs some sort of light cycle to tell them when its time to hunt and when its time to rest

I agree with the light cycle crowd. Yes, they are nocturnal, but that doesn't mean they don't need a light cycle. And for all those who are going to say that too much light will stress them out, yes, I know that. I said light cycle, not constant daylight. They should have a hide to get away from the "sun" if they want to.

I understand the need for a day/night cycle as far as lights go, but what about the cage heat? I am planning on having two uth's in my cage -- one set at 90, and the other at 80 -- I've heard mixed opinions -- some say leave them on all the time, or some say turn the hot side one off at night.

What do you folks think?

Thanks!

Constant temps are the most desirable. So yeah, keep the hot side on all the time.

I'm not disagreeing-- but why is that? Doesn't it get cooler at night in Africa where they are from? Wouldn't that make sense to try to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by chapskis1

I'm not disagreeing-- but why is that? Doesn't it get cooler at night in Africa where they are from? Wouldn't that make sense to try to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible?

---

Ball pythons normally live in termite mounds and animal burrows which hold a constant temperature very well.