Pet Owner vs Breeding

[redshepherd]

Like most people said, there isn't ONE CORRECT ENCLOSURE to care for a ball python. If you live in Thailand, your setup will have to be different from if you live in Arizona. If you want to keep your ball python in a basic tub setup, fine, and if you want to keep your ball python in a larger enclosure, a bioactive terrarium, a fancy tub setup, a fancy glass setup, fine. You see a lot of different opinions on setup details, because there's no one right answer.

Really it all comes down to a few certain things- humidity higher than 50%, correct ambient temps, correct hot spot temps, a thermostat, and accurate equipment to measure these things. And enough hides for each individual ball python to feel secure enough to eat consistently (unless they're already adults and fasting). And sometimes, things in the enclosure will need to be tinkered around with to get these specs for an individual happy ball python. That's really all there is to it. Some balls are shy, some balls are more comfortable with their surroundings, some are young and scared, some are older, and that affects what the "right" enclosure should be for each one.

You mentioned getting bashed for using aspen- that would make sense if you were having humidity problems.. I use aspen, because where I live, humidity is on the higher end, so I don't need to worry about it. But if I were using aspen and my humidity was at 40% and I refused to switch to a different substrate, of course I'd get bashed.

There ARE some groups out there (not sure if you're in any of those, but just leave them) that would bash you for using a glass tank/aspen/heat lamp even when nothing's going wrong, but this isn't one of them. I've been in a few snake groups, and this is one of the most open-minded and easygoing I've ever seen, which is why I stick around.