Ball Python Enclosure idea
Looking for thoughts, pros, cons or advise
So I'm going to purchase 2 Ball Pythons at a reptile expo on March 31 and I would like to have my enclosure complete, setup, tested and proven good by then. I have come down to 2 ideas. First off I enjoy building things so I will be making my own. I am happy to look at commercial stuff for ideas but I will be building it even if it cost more. Both ideas are to be made from waterproofed sanded 3/4" plywood or 1x? lumber. I'm not a fan of Melamine. thermostats will be used to control all heating devices.
Idea #1 is a rack with interior dimensions of 36 wide X 24 deep by 6.8 tall per shelf to fit the Hefty storage totes which come in a fairly good size range. My thoughts are to close all sides, top, back and have a front Plexiglas door. My home can get down to 65F during the winter so I need to retain heat as much as possible. I know some ventilation holes will have to be made in the tubs and the outside of the rack to allow air flow. I plan on using larger sized heat tape like 12" on the shelves but as it won't help much with ambient temps I don't know how feasible this approach is (though i figure any source of heat should help some in an enclosed area).
Idea #2 is to do 2 separate single snake enclosures that can stack on top of each other. Interior dimensions of 36 wide x 20 deep x 16 tall. Inside each I would place an 80 watt RHP on the ceiling off to one side. The front would hinge down with a Plexiglas window in it. I was thinking to still use tubs with lids inside of these enclosures till the snakes were large enough to be in enclosure itself. The tubs inside the enclosure should help with the temp regulation since its a concern for me. I can still use heat tape if needed to add a temp gradient for the tubs but this will allow a controllable ambient temp.
I am leaning more towards Idea #2 but not sure about the tubs inside it. Also not sure what size snakes I will be getting. Most likely juvenile or hatchling so it seems common theory is that the enclosure would be too big to start with. I can't come up with a negative so was hoping someone could chime in and catch something I'm missing. Also I have an enclosure I built a few years back for our bearded dragon that measures 4'X2'X2' and uses a combination of CHE, UVB basking light and spot light (all thermostat and timer controlled) with Plexiglas doors that I need to do very little to and it maintains temps great for our Beardy. I know BP's are a bit more picky about husbandry.
Thanks for your time and advice. I will be adding pictures and 3D cad drawings once I've actually started to build.
Gunkle
Re: Ball Python Enclosure idea
I agree with redshepherd. I also think that #2 will look a ton better aesthetically, like displays. Which may not be a huge priority to you, but its what I’d like to see my snakes in, over just tubs in a rack.
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Re: Ball Python Enclosure idea
I personally like idea #2. I know a lot of folks say to use smaller enclosures to start, but most of my 2018 hatchlings went into 32”x30”x12” cages. I just provide extra hides and clutter so they feel more secure. With the height you’re planning, you could also add some cool limbs for climbing.
Re: Ball Python Enclosure idea
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bogertophis
I'm not a rack fan, but even if I were, the size 36 x 24 x 6.8" hi makes no sense...hatchlings might be O.K. in that height but 24 x 36 is generally thought to
be too big for them; the opposite is true if using for larger snakes...6.8" tall is too short. So my vote is #2
Thank you for your feedback. I was using that size as it fits a bunch of different tubs that could be put in that shelf of different sizes. 6QT, 15QT, 34QT .... so l would be able to use tubs properly sized for hatchling/juvenile. It was mentioned a few times in different peoples setups and I liked the consistancy in height so I only had to build once and just use larger tubs as they grow. As far as the height most places I've read on here state that they don't need a lot of height and a V70 which seems to be a popular tub is only 5.3 inches tall according to the site I found it on so I figured an extra 1.5 inches would be good. What would you recommend for a minimum height? Just curious as I will most likely go with #2 anyways.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Dianne
I personally like idea #2. I know a lot of folks say to use smaller enclosures to start, but most of my 2018 hatchlings went into 32”x30”x12” cages. I just provide extra hides and clutter so they feel more secure. With the height you’re planning, you could also add some cool limbs for climbing.
I was hoping that I could start in a small bin and make sure they are feeding and no issues for a few months then transfer them to the enclosures but am planning on it taking longer so I'm ready. Yeah I like the idea of some branches or something for looks if not for them to climb. I know some will climb a bit and some won't
Re: Ball Python Enclosure idea
This is what I've come up with. Interior dimensions 34.5 wide X 24 deep X 16 height. Exterior dimensions 36 X 25.5 X 17.5. inserted the RHP inside on ceiling at actual dimensions listed. Planning on using Reptile prime for the substrate. Placed rough hides and water bowl just for show in the 3D CAD file. I will be putting locks on top of door but figured I'd just walk around the hardware store and see what I find. Will be drilling holes in it for air circulation. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...1b5ff439c2.jpg
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Re: Ball Python Enclosure idea
1 sheet of plywood, 1- 1X2x8 and a piece of plexiglass plus hinge and locks.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...67a4e38c98.jpg
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Re: Ball Python Enclosure idea
Quote:
Originally Posted by
gunkle
What would you recommend for a minimum height? Just curious as I will most likely go with #2 anyways....
12" minimum, IMO.
