do you really need a infrared light for a ball python?

Question

do you need one.

Answer 1

Another option is a "hot rock," which is a rock with a heating element that you can plug in. But either way, they really need a place to get warm.

Answer 2

Keeping it warm
Proper temperature range is essential to keeping your snake healthy. The ambient air temperature throughout the enclosure must be maintained between 80-85F (27-29 C)-during the day, with a basking area kept at 90F (32.5 C). At night, the ambient air temperature on the coolest side may be allowed to drop down no lower than 73-75F ( 23-24 C) only if a basking area of at least 80F (27 C) remains available.

Special reptile heating pads that are manufactured to maintain a temperature about 20 degrees higher than the air temperature may be used inside the enclosure. There are adhesive pads that can be stuck to the underside of a glass enclosure. Heating pads made for people, available at all drug stores, are also available; these have built-in hi-med-lo switches and can be used under a glass enclosure. You can also use incandescent light bulbs in porcelain and metal reflector hoods to provide the additional heat required for the basking area. All lights must be screened off to prevent the snake from burning itself.

All pythons, especially ball pythons, are very susceptible to thermal burns. For this same reason do not use a hot rock. New on the market are ceramic heating elements. They radiate heat downwards, do not emit light, and are reported to be long lasting. Plugged into a thermostat will enable you to adjust the temperature inside the tank as the ambient room temperature changes with the seasons.

Buy at least two thermometers - one to use in the overall area 1" (2.5 cm) above the enclosure floor, and the other 1" (2.5 cm) above the floor in the basking area. Don't try to guess the temperature - you will either end up with a snake who will be too cold to eat and digest its food or one ill or dead from overheating.

Answer 3

For a ball python, you will not need special UV or infared lights, though it is good if you can put the cage where they can get some occasional sunlight.

You do, however, need to maintain proper temperature (85-90) with a warmer basking area (mid to upper 90s). An under the tank heat pad to create the warmer area is fine, but please do NOT use heat rocks. They have caused harm to many snakes and do little to aid in their health.

Answer 4

live mice can injur you snake, a missed strice can leave a mouse open to take a chunk out of the snake! and if an infection occours, you snake could have had it. Also dont use hot rocks they overheat and ball pythons being fat cant feel its burning them till its to late and they end up scared.

Answer 5

TG is so very wrong! whatever you do, do not use a hot rock!! ball pythons (and all snakes for that matter) arent able to recognize when something is too hot and will still lay on it because they want to get warm. a hot rock will burn your snake!

Answer 6

Not infrared, you just need a reptile heat bulb.

Answer 7

NEVER use a HOT ROCK it BURNS them, you might want to go to a local pet shop and ask for a raptile heat lamp!
and remember to feed your ball!

Answer 8

balls need belly heat to properly digest food. You need an undertank heater. Lights serve no purpose other than to make it easier for you to see the snake.

Answer 9

No.I have one and we have a regular light bulb above her cage.We just found out we shouldn't give her live rats.

Answer 10

you dont need 1