I am getting either a ball python or a corn snake sunday. What all things do i need for his cage? Please be specific in lighting.... Do i need to have an under tank heating pad? I have heard that they are useless in larger tanks (im getting him/her a 40 gallon tank)
Once again... what kind of lighting does he need? I was planning on getting 3 lights, 2 days on the left and right, and the middle would be a black or red night bulb... sound good?
2007-09-28 11:45:16 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
you should have an under tank heater and a light becaus you want the tank to be heated and the pad should only cover part of the bottom so the snake has a part of the tank to cool down other than that that sounds like a pretty good set up. You will want a water dish big enough for the snake to submerge itself in and possibly a hide box of some sort. you can buy a substrate of some sort the store should be able to help you with that but newspaper also works great and makes for easy cleanup. also i would ask them the last time the snake was fed and or ask for a feeding demonstration to make sure the snake doesn't have problems eating. Good Luck!
2007-09-28 12:18:09 · answer #1 · answered by jason c 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Under tank heaters work fine in all sized cages. The air doesn't have to be super warm, only the belly heat. Inside a hide over a UTH it will be warm. They do not need any special lighting. If you want, you can use a black lite for viewing at night. You will need something to house the snake in. A small plastic tub works very well for young corns and balls. The smaller area makes them feel more secure. You will need a thermostat to regulate the temperature on the UTH so that it doesn't get too hot, a few hides...one for the cool one for the warm, a water bowl and some kind of substrate. Paper towels will work, newspaper, shredded aspen, carefresh, reptibark or any other approved reptile bedding. No sand, cedar or pine. You can decorate the tub or tank with either silk plants or real. Pothos holds up well to low light and is sturdy enough to handle a climbing snake. You will also need a seperate container to feed your snake in (preferably frozen/thawed food). A 40 gl. tank might be too large for a small corn or ball python. If you do use something that big, make sure you provide many hiding spots or you'll risk stressing the animal out. I'd recommend getting a corn for your first. They are less apt to be a problem feeding and require little expertise with care.
2007-09-28 15:05:50 · answer #2 · answered by gallianomom2001 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't get a ball python, or a corn snake. Buy a Colombian red-tailed boa. I had a ball python; he was a very picky eater; one time didnt eat for 7 months and I was worried every day that he would die. He just wouldnt eat; dont know why. Eventually started eating though. Corn snakes are skinny. Colombian boas are pretty tame; you have to play with them every day if you want to be guaranteed that they wont bite you, but if you leave any snake alone in a cage for more than 2 weeks (except for ball pythons) then they will be aggressive. Just put on a pair of socks over your hands and pick up the snake; calms him right down after you pick em up. My boa eats every other day; even though its recommended that you feed them once a week or every 2 weeks. he's big, healthy, and happy. had him since he was a baby. $160 bucks. You should look to adopt a snake; you can get a 160 dollar boa or python for 20 bucks (adoption fee). Thats how I got my ball python. Or buy a baby snake so that you can raise it your way and if handled daily, will become you're loyal buddy (well, until he's hungry and pissed ha ha).
2016-05-21 01:10:23 · answer #3 · answered by maryanne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, do NOT get a heat rock! They can and will burn your snake!
I don't have much experience with corns, but we have 11 ball pythons.
Balls don't need any special lighting at all. Some people use red lamps to supplement heating, but there is no need for UVA or UVB lights.
It's important to consider the size of the snake when getting his/her living space. 40 gallons is too big for a baby ball python... they are shy snakes, and he/she may eat if there's too much open space. That brings up another point- the hides! Make sure to get 2 identical hides, one on the warm side and one on the cool side.
The hot side definitely needs some kind of heat regulation- a rheostat at the least, but preferably a thermostat if you can afford it.
Here is a great link with some basic setup information. Feel free to email me if you have questions. :)
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules.php?name=Sections&op=viewarticle&id=59
Ball pythons are one of the best snakes in the world to keep, and I hope you enjoy yours!
2007-09-28 14:20:29 · answer #4 · answered by linguanthropos 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You really need to look into getting the tank set up properly before getting the snake. Reading some good care sheets and joining forums is a good way to ask questions and gain info from experts in the field. Here are two I really like:
http://cornsnakes.com/forums/
http://www.ballpythonforum.com/forums/index.php?s=592174d57f067613130a119c5216a9f7&
2007-09-28 15:41:36 · answer #5 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son has a Ball Python, he has a warming rock in the aquarium. Make sure you have a rough short branch or course rock to help them shed their skin as they grow. Balls like shallow bowls full of water. They do drink and they like to lay in it. Keep it clean!. I think he uses a dry mulch or course saw dust in the bottom. We had a 50 gal tank and put a 2 or 3 ft forked branch in the aquarium for them to do their hanging thing. Handle them a lot. The more you handle, the safer they are to keep around. My daughter used our first Ball as a 'belt' and also as a "hair ornament". Good Luck
2007-09-28 12:47:48 · answer #6 · answered by carmalynnmartin 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋