Is this a good setup for a baby ball python?

[Sethian]

Hi everyone! I'm completely new here, so i hope this is the right place to post this

i am planning on getting my first ball python, and i have this "zilla snake kit" that my friend got me as a present...

http://www.reptiledepot.com/New%20Fo...laSnakeKit.jpg

i am wondering though if this is a good setup for a ball python. this will be my first snake ever, and i have been reading about keeping them as much as possible because i want to do this right and take care of this snake properly. so i'd like to know what you guys think and any other suggestions you mgiht have.
thanks!

[lillyorchid]

Welcome!

You came to the right place. I personally would not use that kind of set up. It may be a bit difficult to keep the temps and humidity correct. Some people here use those storage tubs that you can get at Walmart, Home depot, etc. They are decent (not the prettiest set up's) but they do hold temps and humidity very well)You will want to stay away from those little plastic thermometers and humidity gauges. They aren't correct at all on their readings. You can go to Lowes and get a small digital thermometer that will be accurate on it's reading.

Also using the search feature up above will lead you to many great post that are loaded with very helpful information!

Once again welcome aboard to BP.net! We are here to help everyone out with the love of your animals in mind.

ETA:
Here are a few links
http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=30763

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=56846

[Kaorte]

Its okay, really the only things that you will be keeping are the substrate, hide, and maybe one light.

I would recommend getting another hide identical to that one if you can. If you are getting a hatching, you will want smaller hides (not the half log ones though!).

You will also want a under tank heating pad with a THERMOSTAT. I don't recommend dimmers anymore because they usually lead to a frustrated keeper and more money dished out for one. The reptitemp 500R will suit your needs just fine.

Quality digital thermometers and hygrometers are a must. You can find these at most pet stores but they have quite the price tag. You can get an Accurite weather station from home depot or lowes for about $12. This has everything you need to measure temps and humidity. Yay!

Oh and WELCOME!!

[Sethian]

this is really great guys, thanks for all the help! i've set up this kit and it has two lights... one is the heat light and one is a night light it says. the heat light is a dark black/purple bulb... does this have to be kept on at all time? and the other light is a bright light... is this just to illuminate the terrarium at night if i want to watch my snake or does it serve some sort of other neccesary function?
i would like to get a heat pad... i hear these are best... so it's something i will save up for and hopefully get as soon as possible

[Patricia]

Hello, and welcome! I'm only a week or so ahead of you and so am still finding my way around tank set-up.

This board pointed me in the direction of the Acu-Rite with the long probe, $12 at WalMart (hardware/lighting section, not gardening). It accurately measures both high and low temp AND humidity level, yet is the same price as the thermometer/hygrometer packs sold at Petco and PetSmart. The Petco hygrometer that came with our tank is about 20% to 30% off!

I read Zilla's description for that particular kit, and it says the 2 dome lights provide the proper amount of light and heat. Perhaps so, for snakes that need warm air. But since BPs need belly heat and hide all the time anyway, they need that under tank heating pad. Our snake's prior owner didn't have a UTH, just one lamp, and the poor guy was cold first time I saw it.

Apparently, a UTH shouldn't be used without something to control its heat output, and the gadget recommended here is the ReptiTemp 500R. Our local pet stores don't carry it, so I ordered one from Amazon and it only just came in this morning's mail. After a week of worrying that our new snake would burn, this thing will be worth its weight in gold, LOL!

So, where are you getting your BP from? I got mine via a CraigsList ad. I see Petco has them for only $30 this week, too. Is this your first snake ever? A hard thing for us is getting used to looking at an empty tank, since BPs hide all the time, and holding it only a tiny fraction as much as we'd like. Pre- and post-feeding hands off encompasses 3 or 4 days right there. Ack!

Enjoy your new BP. This forum is an absolute wealth of info, and the Search function (especially Advanced) is very good too.

[Sethian]

I live in New York City, and I'm planning on going out to the Reptile Expo that is upstate in White Plains this Sunday the 12th of July. I am planning on getting a captive born ball python from a breeder since the consensus seems to be that imported ones arent good as starter snakes, and the ones from pet stores like petco come with all sorts of problems.

However, if as most of you seem to be saying, this setup i have isn't good for the snake, i may hold off this weekend, and not get a ball python yet. i want to make sure i am doing everything right and i don't want to hurt the poor baby

[Vypyrz]

Apparently, a UTH shouldn't be used without something to control its heat output, and the gadget recommended here is the ReptiTemp 500R. Our local pet stores don't carry it, so I ordered one from Amazon and it only just came in this morning's mail. After a week of worrying that our new snake would burn, this thing will be worth its weight in gold, LOL

Wrong, Patricia. It's worth it's weight in Peace of Mind.

Welcome to the forum. I wouldn't recommend getting the snake until you have the tank up and running. Your first investment should be in controlling the heat and humidity. There are a variety of things that you can use for hides that are pretty cheap. So what, if the tank is ugly. You can "pretty" it up later. An ugly tank won't kill your snake, but bad heat and humidity can cause your snake to get sick, burned, or die. Then that $300.00 vet bill could have been prevented by an initial investment in a Under Tank Heater and thermostat. Besides, snakes can't tell the difference between a plastic bowl and a rock hide, but they do know "warm, dark, and comfortable..."

[CoolioTiffany]

Welcome to the site!

I'm looking at the picture, and it seems like that isn't everything the BP will need. Make sure you use a good substrate/bedding. I'm not clear with the substrate in the picture, but here are some good substrates to use: Cypress Mulch, Eco Earth, Aspen Bedding, Newspaper, and Paper towels. I don't see any thermometer, so that is very important to get when you have your BP. Your temps should be around 88F-94F on the warm side (the end where the light will be at) and on the cool side it should be between 80F-85F (the side where the water dish is supposed to be at) and the humidity level should be between 50%-60%. You won't need the two lights, but at least you have a spare lol. The bulb can be either a 60-75 watt basking or sunglow bulb. You can use an infer red heat bulb too, so either bulbs will be fine. You won't need the light on at night, but if it gets cool at night purchase a heat pad which should cover 1/3 of the under side of the enclosure (on the warm side, under the hide but outside of the tank). Get a large water dish that the snake can fit it's entire body into which will be used for soaking and drinking. The water can be changed everyday to every other day. If you have any questions you can PM me and I will be glad to answer(:

[Patricia]

I live in New York City, and I'm planning on going out to the Reptile Expo that is upstate in White Plains this Sunday the 12th of July.

Hello again! Did you end up getting anything yesterday?

Heck, I'd just be happy to see a reptile/snake expo!

[DustinB]

I started with this kit myself, but I wish I had gone with a proper enclosure from the start, like the one I'm building now. Seeing as you already have it and it was free make the best of it. I got mine to where it will function properly.

First off, besides the kit you will need:
2 Hides - The one that comes with it is too large for a small BP.
Thermostat
Under Tank Heater
2 Digital Thermometers with Probes
Humidity Gauge - Preferably Digital
Large Strip of Carboard
Aluminum Foil
Duct Tape

Place the Under Tank Heater under one side with the thermostat probe between the UTH and the glass, I use the right side of the tank. Place on of the thermometer probes on the inside of the tank above the thermostat probe. Place the other thermometer probe on the inside of the tank on the opposite side from the other. Cover the probes with the substrate, keep the substrate 1" thick or less, you don't want to block the heat too much.

I don't use the heat lamp that came with the kit anymore, I only use the night heat bulb. The UTH works during the day to keep it at the right temps and at night when it gets colder I turn on the night lamp, then turn it off in the morning. Keeps the temps just right 24 hours/day.

Now for this to work properly you need to do 2 things. Cover 3 sides of the tank in cardboard for insulation and to help your BP feel more secure. You can even find an aquarium background to go between the tank and the cardboard to give you scenery. The second thing you need to do this mod to further help control the heat and to regulate the humidity properly. http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=90187

This isn't the only way to do it, but this should get you going on a good start, read the directions for the UTH and thermostat.

Here's how my setup ended up.



P.S. : Welcome to the site. Pay attention to the advice you are given, there are alot of people here that will save you some headaches and help you keep your BP happy and healthy.