Ball python light/heat req.?

Question

I just bought a small ball python about 1 1/2 feed long, and was wondering if one 50 watt heat lamp would be enough? the tank is 30x12x12 and i just have it on a clamp directed at his hide.

do i need any other lights>? and when should i keep this light (and others if i need them) on?

Answer 1

Sorry, I don't know anything about snakes. I just felt bad no one had answered your question. Please answer mine :)

Answer 2

A ball python requires temps of 80-85 degrees and a basking spot of 90 degrees during the day and a night time drop to 70-75 degrees if you have an under the tank heating pad I would leave it on at night and turn the lamp off. Your humidity should be no lower than 60% and you should raise it slightly while your snake is in shed.

You should have at least 2 hides for him one on the warm side and one on the cool side of the tank, the temps are slightly different under the hides and gives him a little more selection . and they also help him feel more secure because he will have more places to hide.

I hope this helps you some.

If you have any more questions you can email me.

Answer 3

to set up the vivarium for your snake use a basking spot lamp (it's by zoo med). put that on one side which keeps the vivarium around 85 - 90 F during the day and dont put any kind of heating on the cool side of the tank...room temp is fine for that.  leave the heat lamp on for 10 – 12 hours a day.  if you have a screen top you can just lay the dome lamp fixture directly on top of the screen top on one side of the tank.  also at night just turn off the day lamp and the temp should drop around 70 - 75 at night. if the tank gets lower than 68 - 70 at night during the winter then you will need to use a very low wattage red bulb for a little extra heat.  put hides on both sides and leave their water on the cool side. use a substrate that can hold humidity like cypress mulch (forest floor) then just mist it several times a day (3) with a squirt bottle to keep the humidity up. the humidity should be around 60% when you mist it.

after your snakes new enclosure is set up then leave the snake alone for at least a week before handling it or feeding it...this will keep your snake from stressing out.

when you feed your snake take it out of its enclosure and put it in a "feeding tub"...any appropiately sized palstic box will do (a plastic box like from wal mart or target). If the snake is an adult you will need a decent sized plastic box...get one that is short...not too tall (the size that could fit under your bed). drill holes along the sides at the top for airflow put the snake in and then the food in. after the snake has eaten give it about 15 minutes to get its food down before putting it back in its cage. dont handle the snake for about 24 hours after it eats. its just better all around to feed a snake this way.

Answer 4

Ok, rather than giving you a complex answer that gives an enviroment they dont even expect in the wild. I breed ball pythons and havent lost ANY of my snakes. Make sure the cage drops no more than 70 degrees, make sure it doesnt exceed 90. try and keep it in the middle at 80. Just put the terrarium by a window for a light cycle. I personally use undertank heaters and other than that, the outside natural light. Of course its much more complex if you want to breed, but for basic care not worrying about breeding. That is all you need. Good Luck!