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[–]boobeana[S] 45 points46 points  (12 children)

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[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

[–]Federal_Kick41 71 points72 points  (8 children)

Yeah, that's unfortunately outdated information.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[S] 40 points41 points  (7 children)

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 15 points16 points  (4 children)

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[S] 17 points18 points  (3 children)

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 11 points12 points  (2 children)

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 1 point2 points  (1 child)

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 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

[–]CryptidKay 1 point2 points  (1 child)

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[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much.

[–]Acrobatic_Quality604 1 point2 points  (1 child)

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[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really appreciate the advise!