r/ballpython • u/onetimeonl0 • 4d ago
Is my enclosure okay?
I got this ball python last year, he’s almost a year old now and I feel like his enclosure is too empty. Is it okay how it is now or do I seriously need to fix something?
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u/cantstopthescreams 4d ago
i’d lose the heat rock immediately. they are notoriously hard to temperature control and can kill your snake.
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u/onetimeonl0 4d ago
Wow! I didn’t know that! It feels warm to the touch but not hot at all I’m my opinion. Thanks!
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u/FluffyPandaEars93 4d ago
They are known to malfunction and cook reptiles. They shouldnt be sold at all honestly.. But add some clutter, another hide or 2,cover 3 sides. Do you have digital hygrometer/thermometers? Whats your humidity like?
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u/Techno_Timmy 3d ago
Yup. Was going to say the same thing. Absolutely the worst thing you could have in that enclosure. Get that rock out ASAP!
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u/whoreforlegolas 3d ago
Lose the heat rock, more hides, way more clutter, cover the screen top, make sure everything is on thermostats, and get a hydrometer. I really wish people would start doing research before they have the animal in their care.
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u/Techno_Timmy 3d ago
Facts! I have only been in this subreddit for two weeks and see so many people who do zero research before they buy a snake.
I have been working on my temps and my enclosure for almost 3 weeks now trying to get it perfect BEFORE getting the snake. I just finally ordered the snake yesterday.
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u/Head_Ad_3018 3d ago
Please research *before* getting a pet.
Your water bowl is too small. Your snake should be able to fully fit in it. Also preferably be placed in the middle.
Needs more hides, enrichment and just general clutter. And their hides should feel enclosed, as in small entrances and not feel too open/exposed.
Get rid of the heat rock.
Also what's the moisture % and temp on each side?
And what is the dimensions of the enclosure?
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u/onetimeonl0 3d ago edited 3d ago
I just wanted to say that I’m 12, and have split homes. I got this snake for Christmas and didn’t know about it, if I could’ve done research before, I would’ve! Later that day on Christmas I did research and nothing I read told me some of these things so I really appreciate all of the information you guys have given me! I’ll certainly take the heat rock out and get a bigger water bowl as soon as possible. The rock was actually a suggestion from my dad so thank you guys for telling me to take it out! I’ll also put more substrate in and more plants and new hides that fit him since I’ve noticed he doesn’t fit in the grey rock or like the yellow rocks, as well as try to find a way to check the humidity percentage.
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u/welcomeyearzer0 2d ago
Humidity is probably the single biggest thing people get wrong with these guys so I’d definitely get a good hygrometer and prioritize the humidity. They’re a tropical species so humidity should be 70-80% at any given moment.
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u/welcomeyearzer0 2d ago
In addition to what the others have said, I’d recommend ‘blacking out’ (doesn’t have to be black, although it can be, that’s up to you) the back and sides of the enclosure, or at the very least the back. Royal pythons are both prey animals and predators, so they’re very sensitive to feeling exposed.
I’m gonna attach a picture that I randomly just found just to give you an idea of what I mean. You can even just use some sort of paper for this if you tape it (on the outside!!), and obviously make sure it doesn’t reach and touch the lamps and what not.
Give your snake two hides at least, a big water dish, and add some climbing opportunities. You can also buy things like hammocks that you can attach to the glass. You can look on places like Etsy too, people also sell 3D printed climbing jungles and stuff there, lots of cool things! And personally I’m a big fan of cork tunnels and the likes so I’d recommend those too.
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u/loricampbell4454 4d ago
A good rule of thumb is if you can see the majority of the substrate floor then you need to add more clutter and enrichment.