Complete enclosure kits

[Seanjackmc]

Hey all,
planning to get my first ball for my kid in about two months. Has anyone had any luck buying complete enclosure kits? Something that comes with everything you need to get started? I'm a bit overwhelmed with all the options out there and think a complete kit may be easier and more idiot proof.
thanks
stm

[Stewart_Reptiles]

There is nothing as such on the market, the kit you found in pet stores are useless (items included are not reliable, thermoether for exemple and some of the things you need are not included) and a waste of money IMO, the best is to refer to the care sheet on this forum and make a shopping list.

You need an adequate enclosure (not too big)
Tight identical hides
Heat pad
Thermostat
Digital thermometer/hygrometer
Water dish
Bedding

[NormanSnake]

You can also use a sterilite tub from walmart. They're not very visually pleasing but they hold heat and humidity much better than glass aquariums. They're really cheap, and it's easy and cheap to advance the size of the tub as the snake grows.

EDIT: Just make sure to put air holes in the tub if you decide to go that route.

[I-KandyReptiles]

Cage:
http://www.animalplastics.com/terrestrial/T8/T8.htm
A t8 can last a ball python it's entire life. If you get a baby, be sure to order the divider so you can section the cage and slowly move the divider as it gets bigger.

I'd suggest sliding glass doors, as the swing down doors are made of acrylic and scratch easily.

Depending on your room temperature, you may need more than just heat tape.

If you use heat tape, you MUST have a thermostat.

High end:
http://www.spyderrobotics.com/home/products.html

Cheaper:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NZZG3S

It's a great idea to get an infrared temperature gun. Or you can get an Accurite thermometer with probe from Walmart.

They look like these (perhaps a different model)

Place the probe over the hot spot, and place the unit on the cool side.

Also, you will need two identical hides. Do not get the typical half log hides found it pet stores. Ball pythons need snug fitting hides.

This is a great place to ask questions! Welcome to the site!

[Seanjackmc]

Thanks Bob,
those t8s look perfect. Stills allows viewing but seems to be enclosed enough to make a snake feel comfortable, which from what I've read so far seems critical. My room temp is between 68-70, so I'm guessing I might need additional heat outside of the uth. From what I've read on hear a thermometer seems most critical. Are the high end ones much of an upgrade over the Walmart version which seem popular on here?
Thanks to everyone for being patient with me.
stm

[MrLang]

bob

heh


EDIT: Felt I had to contribute something... the Walmart thermometer is fine as long as it's digital.

[I-KandyReptiles]

Thanks Bob,
those t8s look perfect. Stills allows viewing but seems to be enclosed enough to make a snake feel comfortable, which from what I've read so far seems critical. My room temp is between 68-70, so I'm guessing I might need additional heat outside of the uth. From what I've read on hear a thermometer seems most critical. Are the high end ones much of an upgrade over the Walmart version which seem popular on here?
Thanks to everyone for being patient with me.
stm

You need to get a thermostat and a thermometer.

I use herpstat products for my thermostats. I have never used a hydrofarm, so I'm not much help for thermostats.

Accurites are used by a lot of people for thermometers. As long as the thermometer is digital and has a probe. Those circular thermometers you find in pet stores are a big waste of money and don't monitor temps properly.