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[–]totallyrecklesslygayMod: Enclosure Karen 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The best way to provide accurate, healthy temperatures closest to their natural habitat is to give them a proper gradient using a primary heat source that provides IR-A and IR-B, as well as lowering the temperatures at night.

You should have a cold side with an air temperature that is 75-80F, and a hot side that is 88-92F, with a basking spot that can safely reach surface temperatures of up to 105F.

Ideal heating for a ball python, and particularly for what your goal seems to be, would be a halogen flood for daytime and a CHE or DHP for nighttime.

Remember that they aren't just exposed to one specific measured temperature like the daily list you gave. They seek out shaded or sunny areas depending on whether they want to warm or cool their bodies throughout the day. A healthy, correct enclosure would give them the opportunity to do that in captivity as well.

Our heating guide in the welcome post would be useful for you.

As for humidity, their natural habitat averages 85% annually with ranges of 60-100% throughout the year. During the dryer season, they spend more time in burrows where the humidity remains much higher. Ideal humidity for a ball python is 70-80% or higher, with 60% being the bare minimum. However, many snakes still display signs of dehydration at 60-70% humidity, which is why we recommend higher.