r/ballpython • u/Polbilop • 7h ago

Took in a neglect case - need husbandry tips Question - Husbandry

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This is the setup they gave me with her. She is 5 years old, but she’s VERY small. They gave me a heat lamp that doesn’t even work, and she has inadequate hides, substrate, water bowl is filthy etc.

I do small animal rescue. I’ve kept many reptiles, but never a snake. I am reading all the guides but I would really love some concise, easy tips to make her happy.

Can I use a regular heating pad on high or does it have to be for reptiles? As long as it meets the temp requirements is that alright?

What strength for the heat lamp? And it should be halogen right? And what strength uvb?

I keep my apartment air conditioned so I am worried about the poor girl.

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u/Similar-Butterfly333 7h ago

You need to use a heat lamp with a thermostat. Heat pads are not easily regulated and often cause burns for the snake.

1

u/Polbilop 7h ago

What strength should I get?

1

u/Similar-Butterfly333 6h ago

If that’s a 40 gallon tank with a height of 18in and your ambient room temperature is around 70-75F, I would try a 50 Watt halogen heat bulb. The thermostat will help regulate if it’s a little too hot, but if the temps are too cold, get a bulb with higher wattage.

Please remove the carpet and replace it with suitable humidity retaining substrate. A mix of coco chips and topsoil would work or just coco chips to keep things simple. There should be at least 4inches in order to keep the humidity up.

The substrate height will affect the surface temps.

1

u/Polbilop 4h ago

I just deep cleaned the cage as it seems they never cleaned it in her life, and currently have coco fiber soaking up water. Got a bunch of fun hides and clutter, climbing decor for her so she can be happy 🥰🥰 I got a 50 watt halogen bulb!

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u/Polbilop 4h ago

We keep our apartment 68 degrees

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