What do you put in the bottom of a ball python cage?

The most popular substrates for ball pythons are newspaper, aspen wood shavings, cypress mulch, and a paper-based product called Carefresh bedding. There are many other types of substrate as well, but I recommend you choose one of those I just listed.

What is the best setup for a baby ball python?

Housing Requirements

• You should start off with a 10 gallon container for your hatchlings, anything much larger will cause stress.
• Juveniles can be housed in 20 gallon enclosures.
• An adult ball python should have a 30-40 gallon enclosure.

What substrate should I use for my ball python?

Coconut husk, also referred to as “coco husk,” is made from roughly chopped chunks of coconut shell. It’s widely considered the BEST substrate choice for ball pythons and other tropical reptile and amphibian species.

Do ball pythons need mental stimulation?

So, some keepers strive to provide plenty of stimulation and novel experiences to their pet. It is possible – perhaps even likely – that most such stimulation is unnecessary, but as long as the stimulation and enrichment we provide don’t have any negative effects, there’s little harm in trying.

What is the best heat source for a ball python?

Many snake keepers use a heat pad as their primary heat source of choice, covering about 1/3 of the terrarium’s floor space. However, I prefer and recommend using heat pads as a secondary heat source to help make sure the warm hide is staying at an optimal temperature.

Do ball pythons need decor?

Ball Python Décor For your ball python tank décor, choose from natural-looking reptile log hides or treat them to a reptile cave hideaway. These natural-looking accents can help make your snake feel like they’re living in a natural habitat.

Should I cover my ball python cage?

With a screen lid covering the top of the glass cage, there is nothing to keep the warm air from rising up and out of the snake’s enclosure. Goodbye ideal temperatures.

Do ball pythons need a basking light?

Heat Lights and Ball Pythons Ball pythons need a basking spot of about 90 degrees and an ambient temperature of about 80 degrees. You should have a thermometer on each end of the tank so that you can properly monitor the thermal gradient.

What size tank does a full grown ball python need?

Habitat/Housing A baby ball python can be housed in a 10-20 gallon tank, but an adult will need an enclosure that is a minimum of 3 or 4-feet long, such as a 55-gallon tank.

Is 70 humidity too high for ball python?

Ball pythons are native to Central and West Africa, they are used to high heat and humidity levels. Humidity in their native range is between 55% to 70%, but it can spike to over 80% in the morning. For pet ball pythons you will want to keep humidity somewhere between 55% and 60%.

What size enclosure does a ball python need?

Despite their modest length, ball pythons are heavy bodied snakes, and should be provided with an enclosure large enough for comfortable movement. Hatchlings up to one year of age can be housed in a standard 10 or 20 gallon terrariums, with a footprint of 12″x20″ and 12″ x 30″ respectively.

Why do ball pythons coil into a tight ball?

As per their vernacular name, “ball” pythons have a fascinating habit of coiling into a tight ball if they feel threatened. In captivity this behavior is most common among babies, or recently imported adults that are unaccustomed to human contact. Ball pythons are among the smaller species of pythons commonly available to hobbyists.

What is the natural history of a ball python?

Ball Python. Natural History. Ball pythons, or royal pythons as they are sometimes referred, are endemic to tropical western Africa, with the majority originating in the countries of Ghana and Togo. These snakes are secretive by nature, spending much time in underground burrows or abandoned termite mounds.

How big do ball python snakes get?

Ball pythons are among the smaller species of pythons commonly available to hobbyists. They typically measure 10 to 15 inches as hatchlings, and adults may reach lengths of 3.5 to 6 feet with just over 4 feet being average. Females are usually longer and more heavy bodied than males.