Please forgive me if this is a redundant post, but I’m looking for ball python care on a budget. I recently inherited care of a ball python, and I am brand new to the reptile care world. He came with the job, so not only do I have no real knowledge of how to care for him properly but I’m also missing most background info on him. I’m hoping this community can help out! I’ll share all of the information I can think of, but please feel free to ask questions!
He’s in a pretty large tank with a wire mesh “lid”. Inside his tank there are a few logs, a water dish large enough for him to soak in, and a couple of hides. One hide is a little more open, but the other is large enough for him to comfortably wrap his whole self up inside. The larger hide is on the “warm” end of the tank, with a heat lamp above and a heat pad below - both are located outside of the tank itself. The substrate looks like it’s possibly aspen. He does have a stuck shed, which has led me to believe the humidity is too low in the enclosure.
What else does he need in the enclosure to be healthy? Any advice on increasing humidity? How can I safely help him shed in the meantime? Anything else I need to know as a first timer?
Please keep in mind that I’m on a small budget. I want him to have everything he needs to be healthy, but need to be able to do so on the funds I am given.
It sounds like you have most of the basics, but posting a picture would definitely help so we can see if anything is missing.
A thermostat for any/all heat sources is vital, I’ve seen way too many burnt snakes from out of control heat sources.
Type of bedding/substrate is important in providing humidity as well as enrichment for them to burrow in. I personally use a mix of eco-earth coconut husk, coconut chunks and sphagnum moss, but there are multiple options and they’re usually all pretty affordable. I would not reccomend aspen, as it’s not great at maintaining humidity and tends to be pretty dusty. You can also cover up ~2/3-3/4 of the mesh tank lid with either HVAC tape or taped down foil which will help trap humidity substantially. You can experiment around and see how much coverage you need.
I’d recommend sticking a few branches or plants or vines or something in there to provide cover and give him something to climb on.
I found this floating somewhere around the internet ages ago and really like it as a good visual representation of how to set up an enclosure
I would use repti-chip as it is easy and holds humidity well. you can just break off chunks until you get to 3-4 inches deep. it should last 2-3 months before each substrate change if you spot clean well
It needs to have an external thermostat which can be found for cheap on Amazon.
I would find a replacement top (preferably one made for that tank size) ASAP as the snake being able to rub up against the hardware cloth can cause injuries and being able to get that close to the light is extremely risky. it also needs a lot more decor. Go to a craft store and buy a whole bunch of face plants to make it feel safe and happy. I would also get 3 more hides to place around the enclosure.
Could you get the measurements of the enclosure? it looks plenty big, I just may be able to help find an appropriate top with them.
So I have been looking for the past 45 minutes and I can’t find anything. If you would like to take a look I believe your tank is an 85 gallon. This probably isn’t the answer you are looking for but getting a new enclosure such as this one may be the best option. I have a couple of them and absolutely love them.
So pros to getting the new enclosure:
it is front opening which makes cleaning, feeding, refilling water and more stuff easier
You don’t have to move the lights every time you open the enclosure
Getting the snake out to handle is much less stressful
The sides are already covered on 3/4 sides
They are very light weight
the top is safer
Cons to getting a new enclosure:
it adds even more onto your list of new stuff
You can most likely get $100-$200 out of the current tank if you sell it so that will offset some of the cost.
