My bp enclosure.

[snake_lady83]

I have a fairly large enclosure that my snake is in currently (she is a baby)...almost everyone has said that in their opinion I need to go with something smaller. I currently have a divider in it. She's been perched on top of the divider (which is maybe an inch from the lid) since I put it in there, I guess she feels comfortable up there. I'm unsure of whether to leave things as they are or put her in something smaller. Some people have said that they keep their baby bp in a shoe box (or tupperware box of the same size).

If a shoe box is really best how can I heat one side (safely)? At the moment all I have available is a regular shoe box (not tupperware). Also, what do I put in it? Strictly hide boxes and a water dish? I can't observe how she's doing without disturbing her if I choose this route...how do I know if she is settled in? It seems that she would be awfully cramped in there when she is awake. But I will do whatever is in her best interest.
As always any advice will be a help.

Thanks,
Hannah

[snake_lady83]

I really need some advice here because I don't want my snake to get stressed, because that can take a toll on her health.

[daniel1983]

I keep all my younger ball pythons in shoebox size semi-clear plastic containers heated with flexwatt driven by a herpstat thermostat. Only thing in the enclosure is a hide, substrate, and a water bowl.

Provide the proper conditions and your snake will be fine. Here is a caresheet to read and an article on Do-it-yourself enclosures:

Ball python caresheet:
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=59

Do-it-yourself enclosure:
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=40

[Freakie_frog]

Yea I agree with Daniel Totaly

[snake_lady83]

The only tupperware container I have available at the moment is 11inches long, 6 inches wide and a little under 4 inches tall...I that too small? I can hold off on moving her if she needs something a little bigger.

[jcaustralia]

that should be fine for a little bit

[JLC]

That sounds pretty tiny to me. I think it won't hurt to leave the little guy in the big tank for another day or two until you can get to a Walmart or whatever and find a proper sized rubbermaid or sterelite tub. You'll also need to get the right sized UTH and either a t-stat or dimmerswitch to control the heat.

[snake_lady83]

The type of heating device I have right now is a under tank heating pad intended for reptiles. Do you think that I can safely use that with a plastic container? I don't want to try anything silly or dangerous. If that sounds like a bad idea what can I use?

Thanks for your advice.

-Hannah

[jcaustralia]

i have used them with no problems just make shure you can control the temps so it does not get to hot, and make shure you have air holes in it.

[snake_lady83]

are air holes in the bottom necessary? or just on the top and all sides?