Do ball pythons need dark environment?

[tkdlover123]

I heard that ball pythons need dark environment 24/7 so should I block all of the sides of my terrarium or should I leave it all open so I can have light going in naturally? Thank you.

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[Tsanford]

You don't need to block anything off from the light. Your Snake will be just fine

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[Lizardlicks]

As long as they have adequate hides and maybe some cover from branches or fake plants they should feel plenty secure.

[rlditmars]

I imagine they need light and dark cycles like most animals that aren't blind just for circadian rhythm. But I don't see any reason why it would need to be dark all the time.

[tkdlover123]

Oh ok thank you!

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[Mysnakeislong]

So it sounds like you are saying they should have a day and night cycle then?

[Lizardlicks]

Ball pythons are borrow dwelling and nocturnal, so they don't need sunlight/UV the same way a diurnal species like a corn snake would. You don't have to worry about setting up a strict lighting cycle with artificial lighting, just the natural light that comes in through a window is fine. Your snake will do its thing on its own, so really the only lighting you have to worry about is what ever you want to use so that you can actually see your snake in its enclosure when it's not in its hide.

[Tsanford]

So it sounds like you are saying they should have a day and night cycle then?

You don't need to provide them with artificial light, but if they are in a bright room, you don't need to darken anything, they will be fine.

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[The Golem]

I've read that covering the sides will help the snake feel more secure.
If you want the terrarium to have a more 'natural' look covering the sides with vinyl background can help. It will also provide more control over the amount of light entering the cage.

[Tsanford]

I've read that covering the sides will help the snake feel more secure.
If you want the terrarium to have a more 'natural' look covering the sides with vinyl background can help. It will also provide more control over the amount of light entering the cage.

I've had racks wired with LEDs, I've had natural light, and I've blocked off the sides.

I have not noticed any big changes in behavior between them all. They Still stay in their hides in the day and come out at night. No aggressive changes, and no flight mode.

Yes they may burrow in the wild, but there is also sun in the wild. Providing hides satisfies the burrow / hide / sit and wait instincts and makes it feel secure.

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