I keep all my younger ball pythons in shoebox size semi-clear plastic containers heated with flexwatt driven by a herpstat thermostat. Only thing in the enclosure is a hide, substrate, and a water bowl.

Provide the proper conditions and your snake will be fine. Here is a caresheet to read and an article on Do-it-yourself enclosures:

Ball python caresheet:
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=59

Do-it-yourself enclosure:
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=40