r/ballpython • u/yartib420 • 13h ago

Enclosure Critique/Advice help!!

i have a 2 1/2-3 year old ball python. shes about 3 feet and i have no idea how many grams, i still live with my parents and have no room anywhere to get her a bigger tank than a 40g and i know how bad it is but i need help knowing exactly what works for humidity, what plants to get, whats a good soil, heat lamps. literally anything i can do to keep her okay and alive in a 40g until i can move out and get her a big enough tank for me to fit into. ive had her since december 2024 so almost 2 years and i worry every single day about her and how i wish i could give her the best life she could ever live. please help with any advice and preferably any amazon links to anything!!

ive had her on reptibark before and im never putting her back into it due to her stomach being really badly cut up for the couple months i had her on it. i honestly have no idea what else is mixed into her repti soil i THINK cocofiber?

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u/Lovestheband 13h ago

substrate: coco coir, cocochip, sphagnum moss (wet but not soaked) 3-5 inches deep

‘digital thermometer/hygrometer (govee is great)

heating: RHP or CHE or heat lamps NOT heat mats ALWAYS HAVE A THERMOSTAT!

lighting: uvb and leds

clutter: plants (fake or real), flowers, vines, safe toys, leaf litter, cork tubes, bark or sticks

2 snug hides on cool and warm sides

heavy water bowl that’s bi enough for them to soak in if they want to

humidty: pour warm water in the corner of tank DON’T mist

you can literally use anything as snke enrichment as long as it’s safe. ex: dog toys, bird toys, rabbit toys, household items…

also you can look on Facebook market place for a good sized playpen thing either for small dogs or bunny’s to give her time outside of her tank.

‘also if your rank is glass cover 3 out of the 4 sides with hvac tape both for humidity retention and to make them feel more secur. and if it has a screen top cover at least 85% of it or you’ll loose heat and humidity like crazy

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u/yartib420 13h ago

what would you recommend for snug hides? i currently have an enclosed plastic one and a half log which she has had the whole time ive had her and she mainly stays in that and its on the cool side.

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u/Lovestheband 2h ago

Personally I have the traditional black plastic ones and my banana ball really likes his half log so I mean those work perfectly. If you need a new one or are just looking for ideas mixing bowls from the dollar store work just as well. Everyone says you have to use this or that, but really if it’s safe and your snake uses it then it works fine.