Ball Python Enclosure

[jayveson]

Hi, I'm still on my first reptile. Bowser is a ball python that just turned 1 in July. Currently he's in a 10 gal. viv which he is just slightly starting to outgrow. I asked my brother in law if he would help me build a new enclosure for him sometime in the near future, and being the handyman that he is, he's coming up with all sorts of ideas for it. Before we get into too much planning I was just wanting to make sure that nothing we build this out of can hurt Bowser in any way. We've planned a 4x2x2 wooden enclosure with two plexiglass front frames and 2 lifting lids with a latch on each one and a mesh screen on it. We're going to put a hole in each side of the enclosure from the back just big enough to fit a heating fixture through. And sections so that I can change the size of his side of the enclosure so that it's not too big until he grows some more. My questions are; 1. should i put a safety screen around the ceramic heaters that i put through so that he can't get to them? And 2. What sort of materials should i stick to so that it will keep him safely inside, but not hurt him in any way (I've heard many people say materials that snakes shouldn't be kept around for allergic/safety reasons, but never a definitive list of what I can or can't use). Also if you have any suggestions I'm open to anything. I just want Bowser to be safe and happy in his new home once it's finished.

[Daybreaker]

I cannot help in regards to building an enclosure, but want to offer a suggestion that might be a easier and cheaper route for you:

Have you looking into tubs?

Not only are they cheap (I get 28qt ones for $6 at Walmart, and they sell 32qts and 41 qts as well - perfect sizes for adult balls) but they are perfect for maintaining perfect temps and humidity. I would image that the 4x2x2 that you want to build might have temp and humidity issues while it takes no time to set up a tub to be perfect for your ball. The only downside is that tubs arn't the most attractive set up ever, but my slightly opaque ones still make it so I can see into the tub and see my snakes.

If you're set on the 4x2x2 then hopefully someone can give you better insight than me! For the CHEs I would definalty put something around them to where Bowser can't get to them and get burned or even ideally put the CHEs outside the enclosure. I'm not familiar with items that snakes can be allergic too (avoid sharp edged objects of course).

Hope this helps! Perhaps you can use the 4x2x2 for a "display" snake: one that would enjoy being out in the enclosure for your viewing pleasure over a ball that would probably perfer to be curled up alone in a dark hide somewhere? I would recommend a boa or a corn/king personally.

[jayveson]

Thank you for the quick reply. The reason that I wanted the 4x2x2 was because we can get most of the materials for next to nothing and the small mesh screens would allow for minimal heat/humidity release. I'll keep in mind about the tubs though. I've seen people use them before, I just never thought of them as too appealing from his pov. The only other downside is i've already gotten him accustomed to having a tub as his feeding box. More recently he's gotten a little more eager when i feed him and strikes at my shadow as i walk by. I just don't know how well he'd adjust to having one be his new permanent home. But again, thank you for the insight and I'll definitely look into it.