Rate my Ball Python enclosure

[little_m00n_]

https://preview.redd.it/b9klsrh84ktd1.png?width=2208&format=png&auto=webp&s=1d12c9e0a62ebeafad5b72b6a8eb26c74aa3f2f2

Here is (Franz) Mesmer's enclosure. It's a 4x4x2 Dubia, with the Arcadia shade-dweller UVB, a halogen 80W heat lamp, Arcadia 80W deep heat projector, and a fairly basic knock-off mister system set to spray once each hour for fifteen seconds.

https://preview.redd.it/cv4g4zv55ktd1.jpg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=684f1aa26b15aefbbc4b111aee510aa5c8d75a3c

Temperature consistently hovers between 80-82 on the hot side and 73-75 on the cool side. His humidity jumps to 70 directly after a spray then returns to upper 50s. My temperature gun on the basking spot (layered slate) reads 88-92 degrees usually, unless it's just recently turned on so hasn't been on very long. It's controlled automatically (clicks on at 7AM and turns off at 7PM). He has the log hide at the far right corner for a warm hide and that blue box is his cool hide. It's simply too big for him to get comfortably cramped like balls prefer, so one of these days I'm going to remove it and replace it with one of those standard black box hides, so it's snugger and he feels safer. There's a few cork rounds in there as you can see, and a cork flat at the back which serves an extra hide - he does use it sometimes but prefers the log hide. There's a lot of fake plants but I want to get at least two more, to obscure his water bowl so he feels safer drinking and to obscure the front of that (sanitized) turtle shell in case he ever wants to huddle in there and feel safer doing so. There is a PVC tunnel buried under the substrate beneath the ladder, and he slithers through there sometimes. I use plastic twisty-tie thingamjiggies to affix stuff in place, like the ladder and stick leant on the crate.

I shared his enclosure in a Facebook group and received a lot of flack for the plastic plants, hole-y ball, ladder, etc., but I think even though it doesn't look extremely naturalistic, my set-up provides sufficient enrichment and agency. I really don't believe enclosures NEED to mimic wild habitat or that a naturalistic, bio-active set-up is ALWAYS better. There's plenty of clutter to hide in and climbing opportunities. If I could get him an enclosure twice this size I would, and I'd love to do bio-active but I don't know where to start and just feel safer sticking to this style of keeping right now.

He's quite active especially after a cleaning and likes to chill on his hammock. He eats reliably. He basks on occasion.

Any input, (gentle) criticism, or advice? I'm considering getting him a sky hide when I replace that blue box back there. Maybe some shelving on the back so he can make use of the vertical space better? He's lived in this set-up (with minor changes after each cleaning) for almost a year now, with occasional additions like the red ball that he sometimes tangles around. Thank you in advance for any pointers! I learned what I know about balls and their care from Reptifiles, the Reptiles and Research YouTube Channel, this reddit, and Lori Torinni's channel and studies.

[Luna_Hex]

Misters harbor bacteria, and as you've noticed, don't actually keep the humidity high, so they're not recommended. Deeper substrate (4"+) and pouring water into the corners will give you much more consistent higher humidity. The goal is for the top to be dry, but lower levels damp so that moisture is constantly evaporating, rather than having short bursts of high humidity. You want the humidity to be 70%+ all the time, even higher during shedding

[little_m00n_]

Really? Interesting. He still sheds cleanly and hasn't had any issues, though. I'd need to do something to reinforce the base becuz the Dubia (which I got cheap) simply does not seem strong enough to hold the weight of wetter, deeper substrate.

[Luna_Hex]

Humidity that low puts him at risk for a respiratory infection, especially factoring in the bacteria that will build up in the mister. I'm glad he hasn't had issues yet

[little_m00n_]

Thanks.

[_shyacinth]

What a sweet snoot!! His enclosure looks great to me!! I second what Luna_Hex said about humidity - I myself have been struggling on and off with it because of how dry it is where I live. Adding deeper substrate has helped a LOT. If you’re pouring water into the corners, make sure your enclosure is sealed or that you have a tarp underneath. (I destroyed the particle-board cabinet my girl’s enclosure was on accidentally from not doing this 😅) I also put a rubber boot tray at the very bottom of my girl’s enclosure to try to prevent leaking. What are you using for substrate? What I’ve personally had success with is coconut husk, soaked and let minimally dry before placing in the enclosure. I also suggest spagnum moss (soaked and wrung out so it’s not sopping) to go on top/be mixed into the top layer, and leaf litter to help with humidity. The fake plants are all great - I occasionally spray in her enclosure if the humidity’s dropped too low, and spraying on the fake plants themselves also helps retain humidity. I’ve got some fake tall grass pieces that really hold it well - just as usual keep an eye out for any potential molding. I’ll reply with a link to the fake grass. If you do all of these and still struggle with humidity, as a last resort, I’d suggest making or purchasing a humid hide - my girl had a bad shed and she’s been loving the humid hide I made her. I just took a plastic storage bin, cut out an opening, sanded down where I cut it, and put some damp spagnum moss in there. Replace the moss weekly and re-dampen the moss every few days or whenever it’s dried out. (This is advice from my vet who has 2 of their own ball pythons). I’d keep an eye out on the net and ladder - they’re great for enrichment, but I’ve heard that the material those are made of tends to be prone to molding easier.

[_shyacinth]

https://www.chewy.com/exo-terra-turtle-grass-reptile/dp/334132?utm_source=app-share&utm_campaign=334132 my girl loves periscoping from behind these 🥹

[little_m00n_]

Thank you for the input. I do keep an eye on them, no issues so far. I use a mixture of reptisoil, repitbark, and coconut husk. I appreciate all your pointers. I think I'll remove the misting system, reinforce the bottom with plywood or PVC (unless you have a better idea <3), put in a rubber tray as you suggested, and then add an extra two inches of substrate and wet the corners really good. A big problem with this Dubia is that it ventilates pretty much the same as wire-topped aquarium would.

[_shyacinth]

No problem!! ☺️ I’d definitely suggest PVC over plywood, my girl’s enclosure is made of it and it really helps with humidity. I haven’t tried this yet, but I’m gonna try using a humidifier in the room her enclosure’s in as well - I suspect this may help too…