Ball python possibly dying

[The Serpent Merchant]

well it depends if you intend on keeping the ball python in the garage or not, it will require a lot more to do so in a garage.

[Homegrownscales]

I personally think you should figure out your situation there before getting anything else.
It sounds like you have some fixing to do on your beardy enclosure. I would fix that first bc they are presently living. As well as concentrate on bringing the animals
In the house. Let's face it Garages are not the right place for exotics. You already had one escape that lead to the animals death. Luckily you found him but what would have happened if he had happened to make it outside or into a neighbors house? We've already got a ton of bad press, laws trying to be passed etc. do we need anymore? I'm not trying to be a jerk. But if you have beardies in the garage that have to have lamps on 24/7 (they need a day/night cycle) so they don't get too cold. I firmly beleive their welfare should come first at this point. Spend the money on cold proofing their enclosure and make sure they are getting the very very very best before you look into customizing a ball enclosure and getting a new ball. Both won't be cheap and at the present the beardies are living and sadly the ball isn't. Priorities!


Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com

[ball python 22]

I have had escapes but of you cant keep it in the house you really shouldnt get another one.

[satomi325]

I'm sorry for your loss.
But at least you're coming for help and asking for advice. Better late than never, right?

It's an owners responsibility to take care of their animals. They can't care for themselves or ask for help.
If you can't care for them properly now, then it may be in your best interest and the animal's to wait until you can. I'm not going to say you shouldn't own another animal ever, but you may not be in the best position to own one currently. I've wanted to own snakes since I was 6 years old. I waited until I was out of my parents' house and in college before I got my first snake. My parents were against owning snakes as well.

Is there anyway you could move your dragon into the house? Your room perhaps? Even a closet would be better than a garage. Perhaps you could convince your parents that they could save energy and money by moving the dragon inside. Less electricity running the two bulbs 24/7 and having to modify your enclosure to suit the garage etc, etc.

Good luck.

[SquamishSerpents]

do cars go in your garage?

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

No the bearded dragon tank is setup with two heat lamps one 150w and the other is 75w those stay on 24hrs. I have the uv ceramic light which I keep on at night and cut the 75w heat lamp off.

How much do you think it will cost to get everything for the tank for the new ball python setup, not including any lighting equipment or anything?

Honestly it would be very cheap to build a decently insulated cage out of wood. Do you have any friends with wood working tools and a bit of experience? You don't have to be a novice to make a decent cage. Maybe less than $100 dollars.

Flexwatt is cheap when bought by the inch/foot. It's very easy to attach the cord. Just do a google search to see the best prices on the flexwatt and cord.

For a wood cage, I'd recommend putting a length of flexwatt on the inside (since the heat will not travel up through wood very well) affixed to the back wall, along the entire back.

This would be no different than a rack with back heat instead of belly heat. The enclosed wood cage would ensure that more heat and humidity is contained.

You just make sure you paint the entire thing with a non toxic, water proof, oil based paint long before you get your new ball python. Give it plenty of time to soak the wood and dry. Then finish adding your heat and whatever else you want.

Latches for the door are a few cents each.

I'd say well under $200 total for a good cage with everything you need.

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

Here.. Look at these to get some good ideas...

http://www.customwoodreptilecages.com/gallery.html

[SidReptiles]

I personally think you should figure out your situation there before getting anything else.
It sounds like you have some fixing to do on your beardy enclosure. I would fix that first bc they are presently living. As well as concentrate on bringing the animals
In the house. Let's face it Garages are not the right place for exotics. You already had one escape that lead to the animals death. Luckily you found him but what would have happened if he had happened to make it outside or into a neighbors house? We've already got a ton of bad press, laws trying to be passed etc. do we need anymore? I'm not trying to be a jerk. But if you have beardies in the garage that have to have lamps on 24/7 (they need a day/night cycle) so they don't get too cold. I firmly beleive their welfare should come first at this point. Spend the money on cold proofing their enclosure and make sure they are getting the very very very best before you look into customizing a ball enclosure and getting a new ball. Both won't be cheap and at the present the beardies are living and sadly the ball isn't. Priorities!


Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com

I totally agree with what you're saying. I'll take your advice before anything else like this happens just focus on the bearded dragon for now.

[SidReptiles]

Honestly it would be very cheap to build a decently insulated cage out of wood. Do you have any friends with wood working tools and a bit of experience? You don't have to be a novice to make a decent cage. Maybe less than $100 dollars.

Flexwatt is cheap when bought by the inch/foot. It's very easy to attach the cord. Just do a google search to see the best prices on the flexwatt and cord.

For a wood cage, I'd recommend putting a length of flexwatt on the inside (since the heat will not travel up through wood very well) affixed to the back wall, along the entire back.

This would be no different than a rack with back heat instead of belly heat. The enclosed wood cage would ensure that more heat and humidity is contained.

You just make sure you paint the entire thing with a non toxic, water proof, oil based paint long before you get your new ball python. Give it plenty of time to soak the wood and dry. Then finish adding your heat and whatever else you want.

Latches for the door are a few cents each.

I'd say well under $200 total for a good cage with everything you need.

Yeah my dad actually is an contractor so I'm good on that part I have all of the equipment I need now I just need to get the building supplies.

[Homegrownscales]

Sid I think that's smart and very responsible of you.


Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com