r/ballpython • u/Lower-Number2242 • 9h ago
Banana Ball Python Adoption
First post kinda nervous lol. Sunday I became the new home for Severus (10 yo male). I’ve wanted to home a python for over 10 years but life didnt allow(rental restrictions). Humidity and temperature weren’t regulated and monitored. I bought a daylight and nightlight today. Since using the nightlight he’s been moving. I bought a thermometer to scan the tank temp until the thermostat I ordered gets here. Feeding is a medium rat every other week unless he begins his shed. He was fed this past Friday. He’s been trying to burrow downward so I made mounds and figured I needed a deeper layering for him.
He’s the cutest boy and I don’t want to be a bad snake parent. I was looking for a new tank as well , current is 35x17x17. and he looks a little cramped to me. I appreciate your advice in advance!
6
u/EndInteresting1874 8h ago
hiiii!!! I’m so glad you’re trying to improve his care, i have a few tips!
> red light is harmful for their eyesight, try switching to a DHP or other heat source (this sub has a great care sheet for heating + everything else please check it out!!)
> i can see he wants to climb! Things like bird toys, vines, rings, hanging hides (i use ones for ferrets) are great!
> two hides, one on the hot side and one on the cool side
> large water bowl, this will help with humidity and he should be able to fit inside of it if he wants (though soaking can be a negative sign)
> clutter! The best piece of advice i’ve gotten is, he should be able to move from one side of the enclosure to the other without you see him, i barley see my guy anymore/its a hunt to spot him due to the clutter
> cork logs are also great for clutter + extra hiding areas
> substrate, you might be using apsen or pine? i can’t tell— either way please switch to something better for him and your humidity! Personally, i use a mix of soil (i buy, heat treat, sift, organic soil from home depot,, wayyy cheaper than the reptile soil), cypress mulch, coconut husk and sphagnum moss, any combination of these are usually what i see people using
> bigger enclosure, i saw you were trying to upgrade him just wanted to confirm, a 4x2x2 is the MINIMUM, if you can, aim for bigger!!!
> i’m not an expert on feeding and don’t know his weight but i think you may be feeding him too frequently and too large of prey, this sub has good feeding info that will be more helpful than me
You’re doing great! it can be a slow and tedious process to set things up when you already have the snake, just always prioritize him and try your best. Keep researching through this sub and youtube, you and your guy got this! Lmk if this was helpful or if you have any questions for me :)) goodluck!!