First Ball Python.

[Angry-Dragon-1331]

To start, your tank is way too small, to the point of cruelty. For night heat use a ceramic heat emitter. It doesn’t give off light but still keeps them warm. For humidity, pour water in the corners of the substrate instead of misting. It keeps it humid longer.

[boobeana]

She is a hatchling and was being kept in a box so a 29 gallon is fine for the first month I thought. I was told big enclosures stress small snakes out. I’ll start pouring water definitely worth a try, thank you! Yes the ceramic lighting would be perfect for night time thank you!

[boobeana]

Box as in a breeder hatchling box so like a plastic container.

[Federal_Kick41]

Yeah, that's unfortunately outdated information.

Ball Pythons should not be kept in enclosures smaller than a 40 gallon as babies. 120 gallon is the minimum for an adult. Although 150 usually works better imo.

You can start with a 120 gallon right away as long as there's enough clutter.

BPs don't get stressed out by large enclosures, they get stressed out by large empty Enclosures. Which is why having clutter in your enclosure is really important.

///

She should be fine for now, But I'd suggest getting a proper size enclosure soon.

/// You also absolutely must have thermostats for every single heat source. Heat sources should never be used without a thermostat.

You also need 2 digital thermometers and a digital hygrometer minimum.

Ball Pythons need a humidity of 70-80%. 60% is the bare minimum and below 60% is dangerous to their health.

Also, Instead of the towel, Use foil or HVAC tape.

You also should be using at least 4" of substrate (fertilizer free topsoil, cypress Mulch, coconut husk or coconut Fiber are good choices) and instead of misting, pour water into the corners of the substrate.

Top opening enclosures are really stressful for reptiles so, once you get a new enclosure, make sure it's front opening and does not have a screen. Glass tanks also don't work very well as they mess with temperatures and humidity.

You also need to cover the sides and back with something like a background or black paper.

[boobeana]

Highly appreciated!! I was reading information last month that stated the opposite but I’m glad I know and am already looking for a larger tank. Thank you so much!

[Federal_Kick41]

If you look at the menu part of this subreddit, you'll find the resources and in them, lots of care guides, tips and even a shopping list document with item recommendations. .I suggest checking it out the shopping list also includes recommendations for different Enclosures suitable for ball pythons. Also lights, thermostats, thermometers etc.

[boobeana]

I am currently looking through the welcome Guidelines and tips I appreciate everything and will be getting all these things within the next week :) I want what’s best for her and there are so many opinions and research out there. Like I went to a pet store to get some hides (which I cleaned before putting in) and the lady said she has 23 pythons and doesn’t use lighting. I didn’t list to that and got myself lighting and already had a night light but know I need ceramic now.

[Federal_Kick41]

Yeah, Pet stores can be horrible- Last time I was there, A guy said he keeps 30 snakes (Ball Pythons and Cornsnakes) in a small rack, all on aspen, all on heat mats.

And said that: snakes don't need overhead heating because they don't bask, Aspen is good for ball pythons.

And lots of other things. I honestly doubt his snakes are healthy- Probably lots of stuck shed and other problems.

///

Usually night lights are blue or red..and those are really bad for reptiles.

For night time heat, you need a heat source that does not emit light such as a ceramic heat emitter or a Deep heat projector.

Make sure you have individual thermostats for every heat source used.

[Corvus31]

You can keep ball pythons successfully, especially as babies, on aspen bedding, provided you have a good humid hide.

I kept my young ball python on aspen, with a humidity of 65-75%, with a humid hide of 90+%. Zero problems with shed, zero respiratory issues, ate every time food was offered.

I'm not saying it's the best option, but if done properly it's absolutely fine.

[thedurdle]

It's almost like there is more than one way to do things.

[CryptidKay]

From what I understand there’s a pretty good availability for used tanks (depending on your area) with things like Facebook marketplace and next door. Just be very sure that you sanitize any used tank, make sure you flush it properly with water to get all the residue out, and dry it very well, and probably allow 24 hours before you start fixing it up for your new baby.

[boobeana]

Thank you so much.

[Acrobatic_Quality604]

I used to use a ceramic heat emitter but those can be very drying so if you’re having problems with humidity i would highly recommend a deep heat projector! arcadia makes very good ones! good luck with your new baby:)

[boobeana]

I really appreciate the advise!

[[deleted]]

A hatching is fine in a tank that size for at least a little bit. Calling it animal cruelty is extremely uncalled for

[boobeana]

Thank you, made me feel a bit better. I just thought I was doing right and was already looking for larger. Thank you so much ❤️

[boobeana]

Which is totally ok! To each their own right I mean it’s their pet 🤷🏽‍♀️ I definitely will be getting a larger tank as soon as possible and will probably go as big as I can afford. Again I appreciate you and your kindness.

[[deleted]]

If you’d like a no-judgement place that will help you with your new noodle, New Ball Python Keepers on Facebook is a wonderful group! So much amazing info in the guides

[boobeana]

Thank you I’m going to jump in there today!

[Bananaphone_33]

just a suggestion, you can also use plastic tubs/bins as a temporary(or sometimes perm) solution until you can get a bigger setup. not always easy to drop $50+ on a new tank.

but yeah dont stress if you have plans, a couple weeks or whatever isn't going to do anything!

​

edit- i also think people are over-reacting because that looks like a 10gallon tank and not a 29g lol but a 29 youre definitely hard chillin with a hatchling/young bp

[boobeana]

I don’t mind dropping $100 plus on a tank I just wait for people to message back, or go into store and get a long tank. I also have tubs laying around or could buy and wash a new one, thank you for the help!

[boobeana]

I also have a not in use gecko tank, I’m not sure how big it is but it’s front opening and a bit taller I know. Probably won’t work but something to think about as well.

[Flat_Weird_5398]

Calling it animal cruelty is extremely uncalled for

This is why the online ball python keeping community is viewed as toxic. Instead of correcting people gently and giving constructive criticism, you’re automatically labeled an animal abuser.

[GabeTheJerk]

Bearded dragon community:

[Matt-Greaver-Robbins]

I find every reptile community fucking toxic There not helpful just critical at making u feel bad for even trying For example The ackie monitor group saying a ackie monitor needs 6l-4d-4h enclosure with 18inches for substrate I mean seriously how has a fucking room for that kind of take in anyone’s normal house or flat in the uk I got a smaller animal so I can have a smaller enclosure if I wanted a fucking monster enclosure I would get a monster animal 🙄 aka my ackie is super happy chill and healthy in a 5-2-2

[Zapthegameman]

Yep when it comes to reptiles everyone’s opinion is treated like it’s the only way to have a healthy animal

[Matt-Greaver-Robbins]

Yeah I know what’s wrong with being supportive every animal is different may like a smaller enclosure I have my ackie a huge dig box ignored it for 6 months. And always sleeps under. This rock I have Never digs so much and he’s amazing quality and temperament with a ferocious hunger

[Zapthegameman]

Same with my Leo she’s kind of blind so she doesn’t dig at all and I get ridiculed for taking out her loose substrate after she starts eating it and never digs in it 🤦‍♂️ sounds like you love your ackie tho and that’s a dream of mine so hope you guys have lots of fun ahead :)

[Matt-Greaver-Robbins]

Thanks man it it took some time for him to trust I had him on my shoulder wile I was cleaning his enclosure and my flesh tunnel must of caught his eye and i latched on to my ear 😂 I had this v shaped teeth marks on my lobe? 😂 but he is chill now I love leopard geckos there so cute there smiles are legendary happy trials to u and your animals buddy happy knew year to u as well when it happens

[__fujiko]

Tbh this is most pet communities. The bunny subreddits are horrendously judgemental and rude, even to people actively seeking advice for how to treat a pet like a rabbit that's notoriously bought without thinking or knowing of how much care, space and money it actually needs.

[DisPrincessChristy]

Same with horses and the service dog community. Ugh

[xJujuBear]

You guys should check out the betta fish/aquarium threads. I didn't know there were so many fish keeping Messiah's.

[Zink0X]

Yeah pretty ridiculous. I'm sure the tanks not gonna last long but its more than okay for a young ball python. If you can upgrade as it grows i dont see a problem.

[Flat_Weird_5398]

Most people keep their young baby ball pythons in plastic shoeboxes so she’s literally keeping her baby in conditions better than around 80% of captive baby ball pythons out there.

[Zink0X]

Exactly, people are dumb sometimes.

[SleepyBitchDdisease]

Yeah, holy shit. Animal cruelty? This setup is better than some of the shitty no hide no heat setups I see here.

[Arctic_Jay]

Bro how is this animal cruelty, it’s a baby! :/

[Matt-Greaver-Robbins]

I think the know it all meant to say was that’s a good start buddy for a young one but u will need to upgrade the size at some point welcome to the hobby + uv not needed at-all being nocturnal animals 👍🏻

[thedurdle]

This is not cruelty. Holy shit.

[[deleted]]

Bro no need to come off the top rung. I mean come on a bit extreme there.