What do you think is the best type of cage for a baby to juvenile ball python? Also, what is your prefered cage substrate?
Thanks
2006-09-05 16:53:46 · 10 answers · asked by beagleboy8 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Fish Tanks or something like that usually work best for snakes.
2006-09-05 17:20:48 · answer #1 · answered by living2die_0110 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What I keep my Ball Python in is a 20 Gallon long Aquarium, with a locking lid. For substrate I am a huge fan of newspaper, while it may not be decorative, it is very easy to dispose of and if something is wrong with your Python it will be easier to see for the most part. Definitely stay away from heat rocks as they are bad news for both snakes and lizards. If you have one, cut the cord and use it as a decorative rock. For heating you can use a heat lamp or an under-tank heater. Make sure that the tank has a cool side and a hot side. This way the snake can choose where it wants to be rather then being in a hot area at all times. You'll want to include a place for the snake to hide out in and it will cut down on the stress of the Python. You will also want to add a water dish large enough to allow the snake to soak in if it chooses too.
A good place to check out would be Kingsnake.com!
2006-09-06 11:47:53 · answer #2 · answered by nanookadenord 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Any cage will work fine as long as you consider the following:
the snake must be able to stretch all the way out, lengthwise
the snake must be able to coil comfortably loose, widthwise
the cage must be secure enough to keep the snake in and little
kids out. Try cage locks/latches.
the cage needs some sort of ventilation; a screened top works
well.
the snake may want to climb or explore, so have the cage be a
foot, at least, tall.
a heat light and/or heating pad needs to be safely incorporated
in the plan. No meltable lids!
As for the substrate, I use this stuff called carefresh bedding (they don't make it in any other name). It is basically recycled
newspaper made for substrate purposes. It dosen't smell.
2006-09-08 15:06:19 · answer #3 · answered by Amy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NEVER USE HEAT ROCKS!! They cause thermal burns. For my snakes i use over head heating and undertank heat pads hooked up to rheostats.
For a juvenile ball python i think a 30 gallon aquarium would be fine, i have an adult in a homemade cage that is equivalent to a 90 gallon tank. For substrate i use Coconut Fiber. Its digestible if ingested, holes moisture for tropical species, is good dry for desert species, it doesnt get stinky like the other substrates do.
Never use gravel, cage liner, walnut shells, calci sand, reptisand, lizard litter.
2006-09-05 19:03:26 · answer #4 · answered by lady_crotalus 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The type of cage you use is down to personal preference. I'm personally not very fond of aquariums. Preferring melamine case with sliding glass fronts. Size for ball pythons should be 40" x 16" x 16". I've learned that keeping snakes from the beginning in the same enclosure helps them relax more. A nice size water dish should be provided and the humidity kept rather low since they are used to arid climates in Africa. Just be careful when using sliding glass panels. My one female has found out that she can slide the panel open herself, so I always keep the enclosure locked up.
2006-09-05 21:25:31 · answer #5 · answered by Caveman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have mine in a 10 gallon right now but my year and a half ball is in a 20. If I could I would have put them in a 30 long so he can grow to fit it.
As for substrate I use ecoearth and orchid bark. It holds humidity and the bark helps during the shed. I keep live plants in it also to keep things real. Anything else just ask, I'll be glad to help!
2006-09-08 18:36:35 · answer #6 · answered by Gray Wanderer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
aquariums work the best the bigger the better for the substrate you want something that dont hold moisture and you will need a heat rock snakes get cold very easy i use the big rocks for the fish aquarium in mine and give him a branch or something to hide
2006-09-05 18:34:42 · answer #7 · answered by firefightingexpert 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
We have ours in a tank made for snakes. We use indoor outdoor carpet. We also gave him a large bowl to soak in water and he loves it. He also likes to have some wood in there to slither on. To keep it nice and warm for him we have a heating pad under the tank.
2006-09-06 08:21:47 · answer #8 · answered by sweetangelgreeneyes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to petsmart or petco they have great starter kits for snakes that come with almost everything you will need and just ask what else they would recommend .never use a heat rock with snakes those a strictly for lizards.
2006-09-06 07:10:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
use a large room
2006-09-09 01:41:01 · answer #10 · answered by Mani K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋