Setup a Habitat for a Ball Python
A wild ball python is usually found in grasslands, scrublands, savannahs, and open forests. However, sometimes they can also be found in disturbed areas such as the surroundings of human habitations.
The ball python enjoys living in the burrows of rodents which is why they spend most of their time in these burrows that provide them with the most comfortable temperature.
Forests and deserts are not suitable habitats for them.
Habitat setup for Ball python at Home
There is no doubt that ball pythons are popular pets all over the world because of their docile nature. Providing a comfortable habitat for a ball python is vital to its happiness and health. The majority of pet owners are worried about how to make their pet's habitat a comfortable one for their pet. However, do not worry, since in this article you will find out how to achieve that.
To survive, ball pythons do not require a highly technical habitat; they only require a habitat that mimics their natural habitat, along with a proper care package.
The first thing you need to do is buy an enclosure for your ball python. The enclosure should be similar to a vivarium or terrarium. Then you should put some useful items along with some useful essentials in the enclosure. Be sure to read these points before setting up your ball python enclosure at home.
Tank Size for Ball Python
In order to keep a ball python in a healthy environment, you will need to find a tank that is adequate for the size of your ball python.
- For a baby ball python, you will need a tank that is between 20 and 30 gallons.
- An adult ball python will require a tank that is between 30 and 50 gallons.
It is best to have a tank for ball pythons that is larger than the size of the ball python. This is because they need some room to roam around and exercise, as well as soft surfaces and no sharp edges.
Lighting and Heating in Ball Python's Habitat
Unlike other animals, ball pythons do not require specialized lighting to survive. If you want to keep them in an environment similar to their natural habitat, a full spectrum fluorescent light fixture as well as UVA / UVB lighting is the most appropriate idea.
Ideally, a habitat should have a 12-hour light cycle during the daytime and a 12-hour light cycle during the nighttime.
- In the summer, the daylight should last 14 hours and the nighttime should last 10 hours.
- In the winter, the daylight should last 12 hours and the nighttime should last 12 hours.
It is important to ensure that the bright light in the habitat should cause health problems for the ball pythons and cause them to hide.
At night, the ball python needs to maintain its body temperature by using a form of heat. You should also provide them with a source of heat at night, such as a heating mat and other heating devices.
Humidity in Ball Python's Habitat
In order to stay healthy and happy, ball pythons require the right amount of humidity, which should range from 50 to 60%.
It is recommended that you maintain adequate humidity levels in the ball python's tank. This is because if the habitat becomes too dry, it can lead to difficulties in shedding properly, as well as leaving them dehydrated and also causing them respiratory illnesses.
If you want to keep your ball python healthy, you should mist their habitat once a day. In addition, you should also provide them with a bowl of water to help prevent them from getting dehydrated.
Temperature in Ball Python's Habitat
The ball python is a cold-blooded reptile. This means that their metabolism is regulated by the temperature of their habitat. As with other reptiles, the ball python needs two sides in its habitat, one of which is cooler and one which is warmer.
Below you will find the temperatures for these two sides.
Day Temperature
- Cooler side- 25- 30 degrees Celsius
- Warmer side- 32- 38 degree Celsius
Night Temperature
- Cooler side- 20- 25 degrees Celsius
- Warmer side- 22- 27 degree Celsius
By using a thermometer on both sides of the habitat, you need to ensure that the ball python is kept at the correct temperature regularly.
You can buy a Digital Thermometer with a Probe via Amazon.
Substrates for Ball Python's Habitat
Substrates are the materials that are used to line the floor of a reptile enclosure or tank. Additionally, things are placed in the bottom of a reptile enclosure. Added substrates to the ball python habitat add decoration to the tank and increase the humidity level as well.
The following are some substrates that may be useful for the habitat of the ball python.
- Aspen shavings,
- Newspaper or paper towels,
- Coconut fiber,
- Sphagnum moss,
- Cypress mulch,
- Orchid bark,
- Reptile carpets,
- Artificial branches and rocks etc.
Hides for Ball Python's Habitat
Hides must be present in the ball python environment in order to mimic the natural habitat of the ball python. As a ball Python owner, you should provide two hides in the habitat you provide. One on the cold side and one on the warm side. This will help during the shedding period. Hides play a very important role in helping ball Pythons shed their skin.
You can buy Caves/Hides from Amazon.
Ball Python's food and water
It is recommended that you feed a baby ball python once every five days, and an adult ball python once every ten days to ensure a healthy diet. The foods your ball python eats include mice, rats, chicks, hamsters, and other small animals.
There should always be a dish of fresh water in the ball python habitat in order to prevent the snakes from becoming dehydrated.