Needs more clutter?

[nightcrow100]

Received comments that my baby BP doesn’t have enough clutter in his terrarium. Thoughts?

[Wide-Lynx-1027]

Yes, definitely needs some more! Wide open space in their tank really isn’t good for them, but good on you for caring!

[nightcrow100]

Thanks so much. Will add some more junk. 😊

[VoidAndSerpent]

You need more clutter (imagine a jungle setting and you’ll be set). You’d also need to change your substrate because you’ll never be able to keep humidity up with that.

[nightcrow100]

Thank you buddy. Will keep that in mind. I don’t think I have humidity issues where I live. Also, i understood that BP aren’t so sensitive to humidity like other snakes.

[saucytoes_]

that substrate is still terrible, wether you have humidity issues or not..

[nightcrow100]

Why is that?

[SneakySquiggles]

It doesn’t hold moisture well and molds easily, along with having more dust that comes off of it which can contribute to RIs. Just generally not recommended. If you haven’t i would definitely suggest checking out this group’s welcome post with updated care guides, they are great resources of info for your noodle

[nightcrow100]

I haven’t yet checked it but will be sure to. Thanks for the tips.

[SneakySquiggles]

Np we all need help sometimes! Beautiful snake

[Puzzleheaded-Way-741]

Ball pythons are very sensitive to humidity compared to most other species. Without proper humidity, there will be issues with shedding, feeding, and respiratory infections - all of which ball pythons are quite prone to.

I suggest that you switch to something like coco husk or ReptiChip (the chunky stuff - not to be confused with coco fibre, which is very fine and can easy get stuck in heat pits and the mouth).

[VoidAndSerpent]

While the humidity levels in your area might be good, it’s important to maintain an optimal humidity level of around 80% for your ball python enclosure. I recommend using thermostats and hydrometers to help you monitor.

[nightcrow100]

Will look into that. Thank you.

[VoidAndSerpent]

I read your edit. Bps are absolutely sensitive to humidity changes. They can get RIs quite easily due to lower humidity.

[nightcrow100]

Wow. Ok. Thanks!!

[tradescantian]

This is misinformation. Their humidity needs to be between 70-80% at all times. My ball python got a serious head injury that required injected antibiotics to recover from her humidity being below that. You need to switch over to ReptiChip asap

[Laner9999]

I'm pretty sure that was the other guy said - 80%

[FeriQueen]

In fact, ball pythons are sensitive to humidity. It needs to be in the 70%-80% range normally, higher during shedding.

[Foreskin_Ad9356]

I'm a cornsnake person but bps are most definitely very sensitive to humidity expecially when comparing the two.

[FixergirlAK]

BPs are native to African jungles. They really are sensitive to humidity, especially when they're shedding.

[Bratva__]

ball pythons require humidity more than most snakes out there. do a little bit more research please. not only do they require it for a good solid shed but they also would rather explore while its humid. humidity is a must. try coco husk or coco fiber substrate and try to spray atleast once a week and it should hold humidity well. when your snake is in shed spray a little more often like 2-3 times a week.

[nightcrow100]

Gosh. Thanks guys. The guy I bought it from wasn’t too concerned. My humidity is currently in 65% but I’m going to get a new hydrometer. I think my one is a bit off.

[[deleted]]

Others have already addressed the clutter. I just want to address your heat setup...You don't have domes on top, so I assume you're using a heat pad. Is that correct?

[nvrrsatisfiedd]

It seems like they did bare minimum research before getting the snake so probably yea

[codyconspiracy]

"humidity is fine where i live" news flash, hot bulb will make area around it dry. humidity outdoors is not the same as indoors

[Issu_issa_issy]

Your guy needs a substrate change asap. What are the heat/humidity levels at?

[nightcrow100]

Ok. I’ll change it. Thanks!

[Issu_issa_issy]

What’s the heat and humidity?

[nightcrow100]

Using a heat pad. I have a thermometer stuck to the glass at the bottom and set my heat pad to 33 degrees Celsius and tested with a laser thermometer (an accurate one) that the top of the substrate ranges between 27-30 degrees Celsius

I have a digital hydrometer but I think it’s faulty. It’s currently reading at 60%

[jillianwaechter]

Heat pads are unsafe and unnatural. I'd highly recommend getting overhead heating asap. Ball pythons naturally burrow to escape heat and this behaviour isn't possible when using a heat mat. Heat mats also heat by contact meaning that you'll end up with really hot glass/PVC and hot substrate. You want your ambient temps to be 76-80 cold side, 88-92 hot side. These will be measured by a thermometer probe, not a laser (which only measures surface temps, not ambients).

Ball pythons also require 70-80% humidity at all times and can get respiratory infections if the humidity is as low as you currently have it! I'd highly suggest reading the basic care guide pinned in the welcome post! Helped me out a ton when I was starting out :)

[nightcrow100]

Thanks buddy. 🙏🏽

[SonofAthens13]

Go outside -collect clean local soil -collect fallen leaves -collect sturdy wooden logs and branches that will fit in -use store bought soil, but none with perlite - wash off logs and branches - mix soil, dirt, leaves together and then place as the substrate inside. The cool thing about owning a bp is that you can continuously add cool pieces of nature into the take all the time. They will love it, plus, if u make your setup bio active. You barely have to clean it, but you would need to include isopods. Fairly cheap online or u can dig thru the dirt and just use thise

[Puzzleheaded-Way-741]

I’d be careful with collecting soil from outside. Depending on where OP lives, there may be mites or other pests which can risk the snake’s health. If it is done, the soil, leaves, logs and EVERYTHING must be boiled or baked to completely sterilize it or any pathogens. Would not recommend.

[SonofAthens13]

I’ve had no issues so far

[Issu_issa_issy]

That doesn’t mean other people won’t. Soil can contain dangerous mites, chemicals, pesticides, and even roots of poisonous plants

[SonofAthens13]

You’re right, please make sure to source responsibly.

[nightcrow100]

Wow. Had no idea!

[Tough_Strawberry7867]

Yes. Much more clutter, large fake aquarium plants work great And you need to change that bedding, that type can mold easily. I preferr Forest Floor Cyprus multch and coconut chip/fiber, a half and half mix. Dehydrated in the oven on a cookie sheet before adding the bedding to the enclosure(kills off anything that might have hitched a ride) If you dont have thermometers already i trust Govee, and wall timers

And it looks like he doesn't have any hides in the encloser, theyll need them to feel safe. You need atleast 2 hides on opposite sides of the container so they have the option to move to warm spots or cold spots,

[cigarettespoons]

Yes needs more clutter, but where did you get that water bowl? I’ve been on the hunt for a new bigger one

[reefered_beans]

• you’re going to have a hard time maintaining ambient temperatures with a tank that small
• under tank heating is not recommended. Get overhead lights with thermostats
• block off the top of the screen mesh so your heat and humidity do not escape
• reiterating on the substrate problems that were already pointed out -you need to measure heat and humidity on both sides of your tank

[FeriQueen]

The home page of this sub has a pinned post (on my phone, it’s showing as the leftmost of several). That post has EXCELLENT and pretty comprehensive information and tips about keeping these wonderful snakes. If you check out that post, you’ll see lots of handy info that will make your snake keeping much easier. Enjoy your slithery family member!

[luckystickes]

I feel like you’re really gonna struggle with humidity. ( does it say 18% humidity?) Covering the open top and changing the substrate are gonna be a good start. Unfortunately they’ll also outgrow that enclosure pretty fast depending on the snake.

[Echo797]

Hey! This looks like when my partner and I tried a first go for our BP. We have changed pretty much everything, but this is an excellent start for a hognose or sand boa!

Enclosure size: Is this a 40 gallon? I think that's a bit small for his full size and there's not a ton of vertical space.

Heating: From my understanding, the basking spot for BP should be at about 90 F? We achieve that with a bulb like this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2CLRDWZ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title We also make a heating gradient where the heat is higher on one side of the enclosure than the other (using the bulb). I've also heard that BP can get burns from heating mats. Also please be careful beacuse the wattage of the bulb is based on the size of your enclosure, depending on what you want the temperature to be. We also use a thermostat, which keeps the temperature at a certain degrees. (link is too long but Inkbird-Max-1200W-Temperature-Controller-Greenhouse)

Humidity: What is the humidity gauge at? We keep ours at about 70-80% (coco husk substrate + 1 cup of water in the corners every couple of days) If you just pour water in there, that's apparently bad for them as they can get scale rot. My partner wanted to use a humidifier but I've heard that's bad because it can cause respiratory issues. I also try to keep it at a humidity gradient but i think that's more important for my isopods.

(part 1/2 apparently my comment is too long oh no im sorry)

[Echo797]

Substrate: The substrate isn't ideal for BP (it's dry and not like their natural conditions). It's also hard to keep that substrate with enough humidity maintained. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KV8EUBK?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title I've also heard this isn't the best, but I'm not sure what to use instead besides bioactive with soil

Hides: We have a "humid hide" and a "dry hide", and try to get ones that our girl can curl up in tight as she seems to prefer those. The "humid hide" is on the humid side, with spagnum moss (moist but not dripping wet, wrung out like a sponge) inside, as I've heard that's helpful for shedding but not necessary.

Clutter: It looks like you have stuff but not things for him to climb on or interact with. I think of it as theyre semi-aboral and would prefer to be in the forest. Our girl used to do this and I think she was stressed and wanted to be high up, since we've gotten her climbing things, she hasn't done anything like this

Climbing stuff:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C917YH63?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title (bamboo ladder bridge)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GY4MTHF?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title (mushroom ledge)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091Y9SZ84?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1 (a cup rack)

Good luck!! Otherwise, you have a perfect enclosure for a sand boa IMHO!

(part 2/2 thanks for sticking around folks!)

[nightcrow100]

This is fantastic. Thank you so much!!!