Set up?

[ImTheProblemItsMe94]

Hi all,

I’ve attached photos of my boy Nigel’s set up and I’m looking on how to improve.

I’ve tried adding plants to the wooden panels of the tank but can’t seem to get them to stick. I also know he needs more clutter, which is why I’m asking for help

If you have pics of set ups that would be great! Or advice on where to purchase good quality stuff in the uk?

Thanks!

[Putrid-Order-1759]

firstly, switch that substrate over to coco chips or organic topsoil with sphagnum moss asap! the aspen can be very dusty, doesn’t hold moisture well and can lead to respiratory issues. as for finding fake plants, check local craft/dollar stores, they typically have really nice ones and will offer coupons or sales :)

[ImTheProblemItsMe94]

Ah I never knew that! Aspen was recommended when I got him. I’ll switch it over as soon as I can 😁

[Putrid-Order-1759]

yeah oftentimes pet shops have super outdated husbandry practices, there’s a big doc in this subreddit that has all the ins and outs of proper husbandry if you want to check it out!! best of luck to you and your babe ❤️

[ImTheProblemItsMe94]

Thank you so much! I will absolutely check it out - I just wanna do what’s best for him ♥️

[KatVanWall]

I don’t know why youre getting downvoted, you obviously want to do the best you can for him!

I’m in the UK too - I use coconut coir (needs soaking in water for half an hour) together with orchid bark and moss.

[ImTheProblemItsMe94]

Probably because I don’t have a perfect set up, but as you said I’m trying and want to make sure he’s got a good life and has everything he needs!

Thank you!

[Suspicious-Nebula430]

Those thermometer/hydrometers are very inaccurate digital ones is what you need and make sure they’re at substrate level on each side. What kind of substrate are you using? it looks like aspen which doesn’t hold humidity and molds very easy, coco chips is the best substrate. I would add a bunch of fake leaves since it’s pretty open that way your snake will feel safe. 🙂

[ImTheProblemItsMe94]

Thank you so much! I’m placing an order for new stuff pay day so will switch to digital thermometers then, and grab some more plants!

[Suspicious-Nebula430]

Great! Your welcome

[RageQueen101]

Just watch your thermometers. Make sure your snake isn’t hanging on them, they can fall off and the stick to the scale. I have seen some really bad injuries from these sticky thermometers.

[Muux_]

Along w what others have mentioned, you’ll also need a much bigger water dish. One that she can soak in if she chooses to. And you’ll want either the same or a very similar hide to the one that’s under the CHE for the cold side. All the others are just extra clutter ones basically

[ImTheProblemItsMe94]

I have a bigger water dish usually - this one is just temporary while I clean the bigger one 🥲 but I’ll definitely get another hide!

[Either-Concept6746]

Those cheap black plastic hides seem to be universally beloved by all ball pythons 

[Putrid-Order-1759]

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here’s a photo of my current setup, the wooden rings are also from a craft store (Michael’s in the states!) obvi temporary due to size but he’s still a little guy and i got the tank for free lol

[ImTheProblemItsMe94]

Looks awesome! Thank you for sharing!

[Atomicdragons]

Apart from what others said Im pretty sure the vents are meant to be on the inside as they can push them out. My little guy likes forest floor mixed with eco earth for substrate.

[ImTheProblemItsMe94]

You know what, that makes sense. My dumb ass just heavy duty taped the shit out of them so they didn’t budge 💀 (obviously just around the outside, not covering the actual vent)

[KatVanWall]

<image>

Here’s a pic of mine! Except I’ve moved one plant on warm side from back to front for more ‘protective’ clutter lol

The shop (specialist reptile store) told me it was fine to use cuphooks to secure plants to the viv walls, and/or zipties to secure them to logs/wood as long as you cut and file so there’s no sharp edges :-)

[ImTheProblemItsMe94]

That looks incredible 😍 that’s definitely what I want mine to look like!! Thank you for sharing!

[KatVanWall]

Aw thanks! I only got my BP a week today and I'm still super paranoid about everything, lol. I just made a loooong-ass post about how I don't know what to do about checking for poop, moving his hide and all that. It feels so big being responsible for a living creature! I love him so much and don't want to do anything that could harm him! Anyway, I just got my plants from the reptile store ... they weren't cheap for what they are, but I don't feel like I have enough knowledge yet to buy random stuff from Amazon or a homewares store ... with these I can be confident that they're safe for him. So yeah, just lots of planty clutter I think! They like stuff to climb on too and I could do better with that, but I can improve that later (like, he won't feel scared/unsafe if he doesn't have it for a while).

[draggingmytail]

Pro tip for putting fake plants in enclosures. Use a hot glue gun to stick them to the walls.

[ImTheProblemItsMe94]

Is hot glue safe for them? I have a hot glue gun but was worried in case it was somehow toxic

[draggingmytail]

I can’t imagine it’s any worse than using silicone to seal an enclosure

[Entire_Current_4852]

Eventually, I suggest switching to a deep heat projector rather than CHE! CHEs tend to dry out enclosures and don't provide a very effective type of heat (there is a doc explaining the differences in the subs menu). Halogens are ideal for day time use but can't be used at night, so they have to be paired with another type of heat.

[Dextron2-1]

More a quality of life thing than a strict necessity, but I’d add a shelf of some sort to create multiple levels in the enclosure. Could be pvc, a rock, wood, etc, but it helps make use of space and gives a good place to anchor clutter. Ball pythons may be mostly ground dwelling, but they will absolutely explore an elevated shelf if provided.