Ball Python Tip: These are SOLITARY animals, they do not get lonely.  Only ONE animal per enclosure.  Ball Pythons CAN brumate so don’t be worried if they start to slow down on eating through colder months.

Enclosure Assembly

When the enclosure changes, the heating, lighting, and UVB/A requirements change.

Enclosure Type 1 48” wide 4x2x2 PVC: 

Housing:

Approved 76-120 gallon pvc style enclosures:

UVB Fixture/Bulb: 

(Lighting Option 1)

Approved 36” T5 Fixtures that include the bulb:

OR fixture/lights purchased separately:

Approved 36” T5 Fixtures that require an additional bulb

Approved 34” T5 bulbs for 36” Fixtures

(Lighting Option 2)

Approved 48” T5 Fixtures that require an additional bulb

Approved 46” T5 bulbs for 48” Fixtures

Heat Fixture:

            Zoo Med Combo Mini Double Dome - https://amzn.to/42pzlkY (Amazon)

            With a Dimmer Switch - https://amzn.to/3SHX4K6 (Amazon

Heat Daytime:

            Arcadia Halogen Heat Lamp 75 Watt - https://rb.gy/oidi60 (PetSmart)

Heat Nighttime:

Arcadia Deep Heat Emitter 80watt for Reptile Enclosures - https://amzn.to/47WLIWU (Amazon)

Enclosure Type 2 44” wide 76 Gallon PCV: 

Housing:

Approved 76-120 gallon pvc style enclosures:

UVB Fixture/Bulb: 

Approved 36” T5 Fixtures that include the bulb:

OR fixture/lights purchased separately:

Approved 36” T5 Fixtures that require an additional bulb

Approved 34” T5 bulbs for 36” Fixtures

Heat Fixture:

            Zoo Med Combo Mini Double Dome - https://amzn.to/42pzlkY (Amazon)

            With a Dimmer Switch - https://amzn.to/3SHX4K6 (Amazon

Heat Daytime:

            Arcadia Halogen Heat Lamp 75 Watt - https://rb.gy/oidi60 (PetSmart)

Heat Nighttime:

Arcadia Deep Heat Emitter 80watt for Reptile Enclosures - https://amzn.to/47WLIWU (Amazon)

Enclosure Type 3 36” wide 50 gallon Glass: 

Housing:

Approved 50-gallon glass-style enclosures:

UVB Fixture/Bulb: 

(Lighting Option 1)

Approved 36” T5 Fixtures that include the bulb:

OR fixture/lights purchased separately:

Approved 36” T5 Fixtures that require an additional bulb

Approved 34” T5 bulbs for 36” Fixtures

Heat Daytime:

                        Arcadia Halogen Heat Lamp 75 Watt - https://rb.gy/oidi60 (PetSmart)

Heat Nighttime:

(Option 1 – Top)

Arcadia Deep Heat Emitter 80watt for Reptile Enclosures - https://amzn.to/47WLIWU (Amazon)

Zoo Med Combo Mini Double Dome - https://amzn.to/42pzlkY (Amazon) with a Dinner Switch - https://amzn.to/3SHX4K6 (Amazon) to house both the deep heat emitter and the halogen

(Option 2 – Under):

Fluker's Premium Heat Mat for All Reptiles and Amphibians, Large 17"x11", Black - https://amzn.to/3vX3fkm (Amazon)

If this option is selected you will need a Zoo Med Mini Single Dome - https://amzn.to/3umhGhA (Amazon) for the halogen

Heating, Lighting, & UVB Set-up & Management

Ideal temperatures for a Ball Python range from 72-78°F on the cool side, and 80-86°F on the warm side. Provide an 95-104°F basking area on the warm side.  Humidity should be between 70-90%.  Night temps should be between 70-80°F.  The UVB Ferguson Zone is 2-3.

The UVB and top daytime heat fixtures are plugged into the timer and set to be on for 12 hours and off for 12 hours.

Timer: 24-Hour Mechanical Timer Outlet with multiple Grounded Outlets. Daytime units will plug into the timer side, night time units will plug into the continuous side - https://amzn.to/3w0aBnk (Amazon)

Thermostat: ReptiZoo dimmable thermostatic controller - https://amzn.to/3UcgWGq (Amazon) - the nighttime heat source will be plugged into this unit.

If you chose top heat the sensor for the controller will be secured either at ground level in the projected heat path of the deep heat projector with zip ties or screws immovable objects - https://amzn.to/47JZ2Of (Amazon)

If you chose bottom heat the heat mat will be affixed to the underside of the tank under the hot side. Clear packing tape has proven to be the most secure adhesive that can be removed without damage or a huge gooey mess when affixing an under-tank heat pad.

You will tape the thermostat sensor to the center of the OUTSIDE of the heating mat (not between the heat mat and glass) in the center of the mat where it is dark in color. If there is a suction cup on the sensor, remove and discard it. Tape the sensor and the wire all the way to the edge to make sure it cannot fall off. If unsure – ask your adoption counselor for help before you do this to avoid hassle.

It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to get a Solarmeter Model 6.5 UV Index Meter - https://amzn.to/3S7qvUd (Amazon).  This is to not only measure the Ferguson Zone for the UVB but it tells you when the UVB has been burned off from the bulb.

While the bulbs that we recommend generally need to be replaced every 10 - 11 months, some can be defective and burn out sooner.  UVB lights can stop emitting UVB but still illuminate.  Always save the bulb box and receipt if you need to exchange it due to this.  The meter can help to prove your case.

Alternatively, many of these bulbs live longer than expected.  If you check the health of your UVB bulb once a month, you may find that it is viable for many months longer than expected, thus saving you money in the long run.

Remember, the Ferguson Zone you want for your ball python to be in is between 2 and 3.  The meter will help you to learn where that is in your enclosure.   It needs to reach the highest point that your snake can climb to.  This will remain an unknown without the meter.  Be Aware!  Cheaper means unreliable or measures the wrong thing.

TIP!!! - Never throw away your UVB light box or receipt in case you need to return it for burning out too soon.

To manage your gradient temperatures, you need the Etekcity Infrared Thermometer Laser Temperature Gun - https://amzn.to/42pQawp (Amazon).  Knowing the temps is helpful if your animal is not acting or behaving in a normal way. You can even use it to test your animal's temp as well as the water for your animal’s bath!

Décor, Hints & Tips:

We do not recommend using anything that has suction cups because they become weak over time and can cause a hazard for your dragon. 

Everything needs to be reptile safe so when looking for things like wood or rocks it is recommended you purchase these items new from a reptile retailer. 

If possible, it’s preferred to use items that are not porous or made of wood for a healthy and easy-to-clean environment.

If you want to use items from outside you MUST scrub them with Dawn Wildlife Safe Dish Soap - https://amzn.to/428GOoo (Amazon) followed by a wipe down or spray of 99% Isopropyl Alcohol - https://amzn.to/3Hv2txG (Amazon). 

If it is wood that is from either outside or is second hand you MUST do the above THEN bake it in an oven at 250 degrees for 2 hours – set your timer to check on it every 15 minutes to make sure it does not catch on fire.

Substrate – The best choice of substrate for your ball python is one that can hold moisture and provide an elevated humidity and will not mold. 

Coco Chips

ReptiChip Reptile Substrate Coconut Chip Bedding 72 Quart Compressed Organic Coco Husk Block for Snake Habitat - https://amzn.to/3vJerRS - (Amazon)

Hides and Climbs – Ball pythons like to explore so some clutter along the back and sides of the enclosure would be good while leaving open space in the center and front for you to see and interact with your ball python for easy accessibility.   This also gives them enrichment. 

Here are the Climbs/Hides we use and highly recommend:

·         Large corner simulated rock hide: https://amzn.to/3P4ONgR (Amazon)

·         Cork Bark: https://amzn.to/3wy9GdY (Amazon)

·         Grapewood Branch: https://amzn.to/49YjTie (Amazon)

·         Greens and vines: https://amzn.to/3V1z85K (Amazon)

Dishes and Suppliants:

Water Bowl: this will be placed on the cool side and should be big enough for your snake to get in to soak.  We use this one for our adult snakes: https://amzn.to/48MtMik (Amazon)

Chlorine remover: Tap water is healthy for your animals because of the minerals in it but you will need to remove the chlorine from it with Zoomed ReptiSafe Water Conditioner for Reptiles - https://amzn.to/480MCBM  (Amazon).  This is to be used in drinking water, soaking water, and the water to spray the substrate for humidity.

*Please Note - bottled water is not recommended and distilled is dangerous for reptiles.

Feeding Tongs:  Zoo Med Soft Tip Angled Stainless Steel Feeding Tongs, 10" - https://amzn.to/4b67OJk (Amazon)

Snake hook – This is just in case you need to handle your snake when they are not in a good mood or if they are in a hard-to-get-at location: https://amzn.to/3STkSti (Amazon)

Travel Kit – There are 3 pieces needed to safely transport a snake.

·         The snake will first be in the bag.  You can use a pillowcase for this.

·         The bag will need to be closed securely with a clip – they can work through a knot: https://amzn.to/4a0G7jT (Amazon

·         The last piece is a secured carrier with handles that the closed bag will be placed in.  Here are some carrier options:

o   1^st Carrier: https://amzn.to/3wKTJkI (Amazon)

o   2^nd Carrier: https://amzn.to/3T2Uk8Z (Amazon)

o   3^rd Carrier: https://amzn.to/3IkNTcn (Amazon)

o   4^th Carrier: https://amzn.to/3IsuHcF (Amazon)

Snake Feeding: Most snakes should be fed a size of prey that is about the same size around as the snake's body at its widest point. This means that as a snake grows, you will have to adjust the size of the prey fed to the snake to accommodate the snake's increasing size.

Your snake only eats thawed frozen food. Live prey should not be fed to snakes, as the prey will not only suffer psychological stress while being hunted by the snake but also threaten to harm the snake by biting it before they are eaten. This can also lead to increased prey drive in your snake which can lead to difficulty in handling.

When your snake is a juvenile, you’ll need to feed every week. As they get older, you can pull back on frequent feedings. Juveniles eat once every other week and adults eat once every 2-3 weeks. Your adoption counselor will tell you the current schedule and food size of your pet when you get closer to your adoption date