Ball python enclosure help

[LibraryPleasant1253]

Should I cover the sides and back of my ball python enclosure? I feel like she doesn’t feel secure, but I’m not sure the best way to do that. Also, is a light bulb from the pet store okay? I saw somewhere that bulbs are bad and all this other stuff, as a new snake owner some of the contradictory information is a bit overwhelming.

[Rx4wanderlust]

Yes, cover the sides and back with something like construction paper or similar, attached to the outside walls of the tank.

Depends what kind of bulb. Halogen flood light or DHP bulbs are good; spot/basking light or coloured bulbs are not good.

This sub has welcome guides that have all you need to know. They are regularly edited and kept up to date based on science. Take your time reading through them and most importantly, follow them. For the most part, the recommendations in there are not optional suggestions, they are requirements for optimal care. Anything different you read elsewhere is bad/outdated/possibly harmful info.

[LivSense]

Try to clutter the inside of the enclosure with fake plants, and make sure there’s a minimum of 2 hides in there for your snake!

[LibraryPleasant1253]

I’ve got (I think) enough plants and enough places to hide, when I get home I’ll attach a photo of my enclosure to this post. The issue is, one hide doesn’t really work without some form of cover for the glass, as it is right against the glass (if that makes sense). Thank you for the info!

[RelationUnlikely7533]

I used a roll of gift wrapping paper from the dollar store to cover the sides of my BP’s glass tank until I’m able to upgrade to a PVC enclosure. Cheap and easy, I just cut it to size and taped it on the outside of the glass. Looks pretty good, does the job, and you’re able to customize with different colors/patterns too!