2 questions - new to ball pythons

[Basquet Ball Python]

Hello everyone,

I have a couple of questions as I am a new snake owner. My first question is regarding temperature. Where exactly should the temperature probe be placed for the heating mat? inside the tank or outside on the mat? I currently have it placed inside the tank and about a half inch underneath the substrate and its reading about 89 degrees. Also should I get a thermostat to regulate the temperature even if the temp has been consistently at about 89-90? And will a snake stay on the heat pad if its too hot or will move?

My second question is regarding taking my ball python places in the future. Not anytime soon, but when he is older and more comfortable is it ok to take him on short trips or in a tub take him over to my parents house for an hour to show them?

All advice is welcomed so please let me know. Thanks!

[Craiga 01453]

First off, welcome to the forum and wonderful world of snake keeping.

Also, extremely important...your heat sources should DEFINITELY be regulated by a THERMOSTAT????
Tstat probe placement is far more important than heat mat probe placement.

Heat mats can spike to dangerous temps that can result in horrible burns, neurological issues or even death.
And no, they won't always move. Sometimes they will sacrifice thermoregulation for security. So it's important to have at least two, properly fitting hides. Two identical hides us preferred.


Snakes don't do well as traveling, social pets. However, a short trip here and there won't be too bad. But I'd advise waiting until you're experienced enough to read their behavior and signs of stress.

[bcr229]

Yes a thermostat is required. No a ball python will not move from an overheating heat source. While this was caused by a heat rock, the same will happen with a heat mat.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...cks-Just-don-t!

Your thermometer probe should go under the substrate on the floor of the enclosure because ball pythons will burrow to the heat.

Your thermostat probe should go between the heat mat and the underside of the enclosure so the snake can't move it off of the heat mat or pee on it, which could cause a false low reading to the thermostat.

[Basquet Ball Python]

Thank you!

[Basquet Ball Python]

Thank you very much, I will get a thermostat on there right away.

[Craiga 01453]

Happy to help!!! We're always around and happy to help if you have future questions.

My advice, read, read and read some more. The more we know about our pets the better we can care for them.

And choose carefully who you learn from, the internet is full of bull plop.

[Basquet Ball Python]

Update - got a thermostat to control the heating pad. Have temp probs inside the cage and outside the cage between the heating pad and the glass. Thanks for the help everyone!

[Craiga 01453]

Update - got a thermostat to control the heating pad. Have temp probs inside the cage and outside the cage between the heating pad and the glass. Thanks for the help everyone!

Awesome!!! Keep us updated and share pics once settled in.

[Zincubus]

Happy to help!!! We're always around and happy to help if you have future questions.

My advice, read, read and read some more. The more we know about our pets the better we can care for them.

And choose carefully who you learn from, the internet is full of bull plop.

This ^^

Plus get a digital temp gun off eBay / Amazon for less than ten dollars .. amazingly useful for testing all the floor area temps


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