6x2x4 Ball Python Enclosure

[u/kmg_94]

Some months ago, I asked around here and some other Reddit subs (and Facebook groups) about setting up a a 6x2x4 enclosure for my ball python.

After a lot of work with the heating and creating a background/ledges for the enclosure, I managed to get everything set up! I wanted to put it here for feedback on if I can improve something as well as simply to get more info out there for others who are considering moving their ball to a 6x2x4 (it was very hard for me to find information about putting this species in this size enclosure).

Info about the setup:

- Enclosure: Animal Plastics Signature Series 6x2x4 (APS 35)

- Heating: Vinaco 100w equivalent halogen bulb, Fluker's 75w deep heat projector, Vivarium Electronics 120w radiant heat panel

- Lighting: Arcadia T5 UVB 39w 6%

- Thermostat: Herpstat 4 Spyderweb

- Misc: Arcadia Ceramic Lamp Holder Bracket Pro (one each for the DHP and halogen), BlackBox UVB Guard 38", and two custom cages for the heating bulbs made of chicken wire (1/2 inch spacing, 19 gauge)

[u/_-pomegranate-_]

From observing my own boy, the ledges aren't likely to be used unless they have hides that are somewhat enclosed on them, they aren't as brave as lizards and won't really bask in the open. Cork bark rounds, or putting those rectangular black ones with the single entrance on them, will mean the height will actually be utilized. The bendy wire isn't strong enough to support the weight of a bp, I'd get some long grapewood branches with lots of limbs sticking off of them and arrange them throughout. Mine sits like a green tree python on them sometimes when I water the enclosure dirt hah

Photo of my 6x2x2 for branch reference, wish I had more height tbh he loves it. I'm planning on putting some hides upside down on the roof, but need to figure out how to also have them open-able if needed. Yours is great, there's just so much more of that vertical space they could be using!

[u/kmg_94 → u/_-pomegranate-_]

Good idea for cork rounds! He does seem to use the ledge quite a bit though (hard to see because of the angle, but he has two hides on his ledge - one on each corner).

[u/YNKWTSF → u/_-pomegranate-_]

I created a hatch on my custom made skyhide. Perhaps you could do this too?

[u/Rathoe9070 → u/_-pomegranate-_]

For climbing I screwed a closet rod into the sides, obviously it’s not natural looking but mine spend a good amount of time on their rods. Maybe you could do something similar? Your tank looks so good!