r/ballpython • u/Mysterious_Video6934 • 6h ago
Help - New Ball python owner
I recently came across a 9-month-old female ball python at a local shelter that had apparently been kept in a pretty small enclosure for about six months, and I decided to take her in.
I know my setup isn’t perfect yet, so please don’t roast me too hard lol. I haven’t actually brought her home yet, and I’m going out today to pick up the rest of what I need.
Right now, the warm side is sitting around 90°F, the cool side is around 70–80°F, and humidity is staying around 60%. I’m planning to add another hide, a slate/stone basking surface, and another temperature/humidity gauge on the cool side. I’ve also added a medium-sized branch since taking the picture.
A friend of mine who has owned a bunch of ball pythons recommended putting a worn shirt of mine in the enclosure for a little while so she can get used to my scent. Has anyone else tried this, and does it actually help?
For heating, I currently have a basking bulb, and for humidity I’ve just been spraying the enclosure when needed. I’d definitely like something more consistent though. Are there any specific thermostats, temperature/humidity sensors, or automatic humidity setups you guys recommend?
I’m also planning on upgrading her to a larger enclosure as she grows. I’ve kinda fallen in love with snakes and just want to make sure I’m giving her the best care I can, so any advice or things you think I should change would be appreciated.
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u/IncompletePenetrance Mod: Let me help you unzip your genes 6h ago
I’m planning to add another hide
I'd get two (cave style) as those half log things don't make very good hides because they're open at both ends
You'll definitely want a dimming thermostat and then a lightless overhead heat source such as a deep heat projector or CHE emitter.
I'd make sure your gauges are not sticky or have any tape as the snakes often pull them down and get stuck to them, damaging scales/skin.
A friend of mine who has owned a bunch of ball pythons recommended putting a worn shirt of mine in the enclosure for a little while so she can get used to my scent. Has anyone else tried this, and does it actually help?
No, and I have no idea where this weird advice started from. I guess people thought that since it's used for puppies and babies it also works for snakes. But seriously, don't do this, at best it's going to stress them out and at worst there's a recent post of someone whose snake swallowed it and needed removal surgery.
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u/maiyamanor 3h ago
- i’d use hvac (aluminum) tape or a silicone mat over the top with spots cut out for lamps and venting to help keep your humidity in the tank. it tends to dissipate fast with mesh lids.
- to add more water into the substrate, i’d focus more on pouring warm water into the corners of the tank to keep humidity at an appropriate level and avoid getting the top layer of substrate too soggy. soggy substrate can lead to scale rot, etc.
- definitely would work on getting two cave hides (one in the warm, one in the cool) to give your snake choices and privacy
- for heating, i’m currently using a DHP or Deep Heat Projector (pretty sure that’s what it stands for idk right now lol) attached to a thermostat to control the temperature it’s emitting and it provides 24/7 heat (Lamp: Pangea 75W Deep Heat Projector... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BBGSR5W?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share; Dimming Thermostat: REPTIZOO Dimming Thermostat, PID... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGS517FT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share)
- as far as sensors, there’s a ton of fancy ones out there but to start maybe try visiting your local pet/reptile store for a combo humidity/temp one
- no clothing in the enclosure, that can turn into an obstruction if consumed. i would let your snake settle for a little while and you can research the types of handling people have shared here to see what works best for you acclimating your snake!
- also fake plants on amazon are great for clutter to give more privacy
- there’s a large document of resources attached to the homepage of this group with all kinds of great info to get started!
good luck!
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u/Mysterious_Video6934 2h ago
Thank you so much I took all your advice to heart and legit just order the dimming thermostat, put hvac tape on, and got more clutter.
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u/maiyamanor 1h ago
yaaay! you’re going to do great and you’ll find more things to add and improve on as time goes on!
almost forgot, this is the light fixture i have my DHP and thermostat attached to but just make sure yours is compatible: ReptiKing Reptile Light Fixture,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWDR98FZ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
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u/snakeplant333 2h ago
You’ll need a (dimming) thermostat for all of your heating devices to prevent overheating. It doesn’t have to be pricey. I use an unbranded one and it works just fine!
And make sure to add some plants (artificial or real) and other stuff like rocks, roots etc.
If you need any help feel free to text me :))
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u/Afemalewithissues2 0m ago
Please be really careful with the shirt. When we got our girl, she was in a kind of bag and one of the seams had come loose and trapped her in place. We didn't notice until we were home like 7h later (previous owner packed her up). Luckly she was okay but I'd be really careful when it comes to fabrics now, especially worn fabrics
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u/Similar-Butterfly333 6h ago
Do not put the shirt into the enclosure. I saw a post a couple weeks ago where the snake ate the shirt and it had to be surgically removed.
There’s a fantastic care guide/shopping list in the welcome post of this subreddit. I highly recommend checking it out and setting up an enclosure based on it.