Terrarium Branches...

[ralphdp21]

Okay, I am trying to find a nice set of branches so that I can put into my 20 gallon long cage. I am having difficulty looking for good quality branches that won't break my wallet. I found http://www.blackjungle.com/Merchant2...tegory_Code=GW but I am not sure if that can handle humidity levels of 35 - 70.

I was even thinking of just going out and looking for branches then obviously cleaning them then baking it, but I'm not sure what type of wood is safe for my ball python, and I am not familiar with the types of trees in Florida.

I would rather have these branches match with the terrarium layout so please don't recommend me using pvc or anything of that sort, I am looking for a type of wood or material that looks aesthetically pleasing and that can be used for climbing.

I know that ball pythons don't tend to climb but trust me my little guy climbs a lot.

If there is anyone that can point me in the right direction that would be great.

Thank You.

[mrshawt]

Does he climb during the day? Most petstores sell branches that would probably be easier and cheaper than ordering online.

[Kaorte]

Ball pythons don't really climb :/

[ralphdp21]

She moves a lot at night. She is on a normal schedule where she chills during the day and moves at night. She's been like that since I got her.

I tried going to pet stores but here in Gainesville, Fl but there is not much to choose from. I usually go to Pangea Pets (very well known reptile shop in Gainesville) and they have crappy branches. Ive also tried pet smart and petco but there stuff is garbage and over priced.

Her current setup can be seen below. She currently has a branch but the bark is starting to peel off. There is NO mold, mites, or anything that can cause harm to the snake on the branch I just want to get something a little different. I also thought of maybe pressure sanding the current branch but I dont know where I can do that.

[ralphdp21]

Ball pythons don't really climb :/

You trying to boost your posts or something... I clearly stated that in my first post.

[mrshawt]

No, she is one of the most helpful members here. What I think she is trying to allude to, is climbing is not normal bp behavior. And while you say she's always done that, by seeing your enclosure I would say it's because of stress.

My recommendations, take them how you will, are:

get rid of the analog thermometers and get probed digital ones (the Accurite comes to mind)
ditch the heat lamp and get a UTH and thermostat to regulate it
get rid of the two log hides and get her two identical snug hides with one hole large enough for her to crawl in and out
clutter up the open space with fake plants so she feels more secure
Put an opaque material on the sides and back of the tank for added security and to help maintain ambient temps

Also, check out the caresheet for any specific husbandry details, as well as the glass tank sticky in this forum.

If all that is done, you'll find she won't even use the stick except maybe to help her shed. I have a similar one in my tank

[Kaorte]

Your ball python is over active because his hides are not adequate. I do not believe that half log hides are beneficial to BPs as they usually result in a stressed snake.

The rock cave hides are a better option and you will probably notice your snake become calmer.

Ball pythons are terrestrial snakes and don't climb. Some of the younger ones might, but usually the only reason they climb is too look for a way out.

[mrshawt]

Here's an example: this is my 20 L tank.

[ralphdp21]

Okay, great guys. Thank you for your feedback.
After a little research this is what I found:

Fluker`s Digital Thermo-Hygrometer (I'm not sure which digital thermometer/hydrometer is good, suggestions would be nice)
The Accurite thermometers seem a little large.

http://ebay.f3images.com/IMD/feeds/FK34134_50.jpg

Zilla Reptile Basking Stump Den (Medium) x2

http://ebay.f3images.com/IMD/feeds/ES68502_50.jpg

Zilla Terrarium Treasure Vine Var Pothos x2

http://ebay.f3images.com/IMD/feeds/ES65034_50.jpg


I have a UTH currently installed under the hide on the left. So I guess I won't need the lamp right? I don't seem to understand how I can regulate the UTH.

As far as the opaque liner is concerned what do you recommend?

Let me know if there is something better than what I found. I want to make my snake as happy as possible.

[mrshawt]

All the stuff you linked looks good. To regulate the UTH, you'll need either a rheostat (lamp dimmer) or a thermostat. I recommend using a dimmer as a backup to any thermostat. Look up the Lutron 300W at lowes.com. The cheapest (but hey, it works) thermostat is the Reptitemp 500R, which can be found at reptilesupply.com.
To black out the sides and back, I use black foam board from walmart. I glued a terrarium background to the inside of each panel to give the tank a jungle look. You can atach the boards to the tank using blue tack so it can be removed easily.

On a side note, if you've been using that UTH unregulated you could be burning your snake as they get way too hot. I would turn it off immediately until you get a thermostat or a rheostat.

As I won't be on the forum until tomorrow afternoon, if you need any help feel free to ask any other member, or do a search in the forums for keywords.