Lighting

[Neal]

I was just wondering, is it okay to leave ball pythons in the dark most of the time, or do they need time in the light as well? Does leaving them in the dark most of the time give the snakes any issues?

No they don't need any light and yes it's okay to leave them in the dark. They're nocturnal after all and no it won't give them any issue.

A light bulb is not required, but they do need daylight. Thats my understanding. All of my snakes do not have a light bulb on them, just the natural sunlight through the windows during the day.

No they do not need daylight. Wherever you read this was incorrect or you misunderstood it.

Found this in the BP Husbandry FAQ's

7. Do I need a day/night cycle for my BP?

Ambient light is adequate for the average BP. If you are trying to induce breeding, then a more specific light cycle should be utilized.

When they say day/night cycle it's not referring to light. It's referring to temperature drop. Day = hotter than night so that's what it means. BP's would do fine without ever having light. The light cycle is only meant to help them with knowing when it's actual day or night and with proper temperature drops you can put them on a different breeding cycle.