Enclosure

[RestlessRobie]

Ok so here it goes I am just getting back into Herps and did some research and asked a lot of questions before purchasing a very young (158 grams ATM) normal Ball. He is currently in a 20 long with UTH and small heat lamp with a plexiglass cover over the screen lid. My temps look great 80 cold side 94.1 hot he has 2 hides and a water dish with some Driftwood for appearance. The plan is to eventually get a couple more with the possibilty of breading in the distant future but not for a while. I will be building a custom enclosure as I did with my Veiled's but am unsure of what the Balls really like. I will be getting a t-stat in the near future and possibly making a humidifier system. So the question is what size enclosure will a full grown Ball Python do the best in and does anyone have picks with some good ideas. I would like to be able to stack them when we do get more snakes. Thanks for all the help already guys and hope to hear from you soon. Peek a Boo is eating well and has grown a bit since we have had him he isnt nearly as shy as when we first got him and we arent handeling a lot yet but try for 30-60 min 3-5 days a week. He is left alone the day before and after a feed and well seem healthy and happy with his current set up. I just want to get him out of the aquarium in the future and into something longer and not as tall with a front opening so let me know what you think.

Robie

0.0.1 Normal

[wolfy-hound]

First, I would advise taking those dial thermometers/humidity dials off and getting a digital thermometer/humidity sensor(they sell them at Walmart in the outdoor thermometer area really cheap). The dials are known to be very "off" in the readouts and I wouldn't want your little guy to be too hot or cold and you not find out. Without a T-stat, I might consider not using that UTH just in case it does get too hot. I'm sure the lamps would be able to heat it sufficiently until you get a T-stat to control the heat mat. I would also suggest you get a enclosed hide for the one end without a hide. That way he has a secure hide in both the cold end and the hot end.

It's obvious you've spent some time checking into things for him. That's awesome because a lot of folks just jump in without researching. It looks like you're one of the really good pet owners.

They make commercially available sliding front door enclosures(several different companies), I'm not sure if I can post links to the different companies or not. Those would stack and can be bought with heat and thermostats already installed, are made from heavy plastics that are easy to clean, etc etc.

He looks like a bright colored little guy, congrats on your new pet. I hope we get to see more posts and especially more pictures of your little guy!

[RestlessRobie]

The dial guages are there just as a referance I use a thermal gun 2-3 times a day and UTH is on a Rheostat until I get the Tstat I will post more picks but right now I am letting him aclimated and trying not to change things to much. The wood logs have some small driftwood inside that the kiddo made and it works good as a hide and I dont want to hurt feelings hehe. With the way he seems to be growing I may need to move up a lot sooner than I expected Here are a couple more shots more to come I am sure

Robie

[wolfy-hound]

Ahhh very cool then. You seem to have most everything covered.

Very cute pics. He's quite a looker.

[Inknsteel]

I'd recommend dialing down the temp on the hot side by a few degrees. It should be 90-92 ideally. 94 isn't TOO bad, but still a couple degrees on the warm side.

Which pic of the enclosure is newer? I noticed the different substrates and the background on the tank in the second pic. Looks like you've taken quite a bit of time and care in the setup. Nice job so far!

And since this is my first reply to one of your posts, welcome to bp.net!

[RestlessRobie]

The Second pic with the Eco earth is the newer setup the Breeder and store had him on aspen but that proved to casue an allergy issue with a family member so we changed to Eco earth which also helps with humidity. Besides Peek a Boo (kid named him) loves it. I realize it takes a little time to get everything right and I didnt want to change to much at once for the poor guy. But he is eating regularly and puting on the grams so he must be happy with what we are doing so far.
Robie

[DellaF]

If you are going to be adding to your collection you might want to consider a rack system. Tubs are so much easier to clean, keep humidity and definately take up less space. There are a some websites that sell them or you could make your own. ReptileBasics, Boamaster, some more that I forget the name. Pretty little Bp you have.