Complete Ball Python Setup & Care Guide | UPDATED VERSION
Like 5 Dislike 0 Published on 24 Aug 2017
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
0:38 - Intro to Ball Pythons
1:05 - Enclosure Sizes
2:58 - Substrate
5:10 - More on Enclosures
5:42 - Back to Substrate
7:05 - Hiding Places
8:11 - Water
9:58 - Temperature
14:33 - Lighting
17:00 - Humidity
18:58 - Feeding
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INTRODUCTION
Ball pythons, potentially the cutest and friendliest snakes out there, are no doubt a great option for anyone's first pet. At the same time, they're still interesting enough for expert reptile keepers to add to their reptile collections. Ball pythons are generally considered the largest snake a beginner can pick from, without too much of a challenge. Even younger kids will do great with these docile snakes, however, they may need some assistance with managing feedings and handling.
Because they're so commonly bred, thousands of morphs exist. A normal ball python generally starts at around 25 to 50 dollars, while more rare morphs go for more money--the most expensive being tens of thousands of dollars. But don't worry, you can just about always find something that will catch your eye for under a few hundred dollars.
ENCLOSURE
Although the opinions on the enclosure size varies greatly, GoHerping suggests a 30-40+ gallon enclosure for males, while females grow larger and should have a 40-55+ gallon enclosure. If you decide to use an aquarium, make sure the top to this enclosure is latch-able, as ball pythons are strong enough to push off lightweight lids. Bigger enclosures can often be better! But keep in mind, snakes love small areas so supplying them with as many little spaces to hide, the better.lightweight lids.
SUBSTRATE
You have many options when it comes to substrate. Products made from cypress or coconut often work wonderfully. "Forest Floor" and "Eco Earth" made by ZooMed are two of the best. If you want an even easier clean up, you can use paper towel or newspaper. The downsides to these inexpensive options is they're less aesthetically pleasing, are less naturalistic, and can't hold humidity as well. I suggest you avoid aspen with ball pythons, as it cannot hold humidity and often molds when wet.
WATER
Tap water can contain harmful chemicals, such as chlorine and chloramine, so water from a tap should be avoided. However, if it all you have access to, leaving a container of it out, without a lid will allow the chlorine to dissipate and evaporate (chlorine does not evaporate as easily). Certain reptile companies make solutions that you add to the water that neutralize the chemicals. "ReptiSafe" water drops made by ZooMed to remove these chemicals and is the product GoHerping uses and recommends.
TEMP & HUMIDITY
Although ball pythons originated in Africa which is known to be mostly very arid climates, they require about 50% to 60% humidity. Simply adding a good substrate choice and a large water bowl in addition to the heating already in the enclosure (covered below) generally creates enough evaporation and moisture in the air, bringing the humidity up to the correct level if your house's level is too low. However, humidity cannot be too high either, as this can cause problems with their skin and scales (i.e. scale rot) and respiratory infections. You will want a hot spot in your tank to be right around 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2 Celsius) and the coolest side is best at about 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (23.8-25 Celcius) which allows your ball python to thermoregulate (control it's own temperature) because it is a cold blooded animal. Stick or slide a heat pad to the outside bottom of your tank below the hide to allow your snake to stay warm through belly heat if needed.
The easiest way to ensure your enclosure is heated correctly is by purchasing a thermostat made for reptiles. GoHerping uses the reptile thermostat made by "Zilla" and the thermostat made by "JumpStart".
SEE THE COMPLETE GUIDE AT http://goherping.com/ballpythons
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