What type of substrate is best for ball pythons?
Substrate and Furnishings Reptile bark (orchid bark), cypress mulch, pulverized coconut husk (bed-a-beast), or a mixture of both are prime choices. Avoid any excessively drying bedding including pine shavings, sand, or paper products. And never use a cedar bedding… cedar is toxic to all snakes!
Can you keep a ball python in a vivarium?
Plastic vivariums (with a covered top, bottom and sides) are favored for pythons because of the privacy it affords them and security it provides them with. A plastic cage will also makes it ideal for maintaining correct temperatures and humidity levels with a secure top deterring any budding escape artists!
What substrate is toxic to ball pythons?
Bad substrate options for ball pythons are: Cedar shavings or chips – toxic. Redwood shavings or chips – toxic. Highly aromatic pine/cedar/other wood shavings – oils/phenols are dangerous when inhaled.
How much substrate do I need for my ball python?
Re: How much substrate? 1/4 inch is all you need.
Should I mist my ball python?
Ball pythons to do not need very special humidity requirements. The average humidity levels in your own home will be between 35% and 45%. A ball pythons humidity should not drop below 50% but 55% – 60% is ideal. Daily misting is not be necessary for a ball python.
Is 70 humidity too high for ball python?
Ball pythons are native to Central and West Africa, they are used to high heat and humidity levels. Humidity in their native range is between 55% to 70%, but it can spike to over 80% in the morning. For pet ball pythons you will want to keep humidity somewhere between 55% and 60%.
Do I need a heat lamp for my ball python?
Ball Pythons are cold blooded animals and they require an outside source of heat to maintain the correct internal temperature. They need heat in order to metabolize food properly, among many other daily bodily functions. The most common heat source recommended for reptiles are heat lamps.
Is a heat mat enough for a ball python?
Ball pythons don’t NEED a 97 degree hot spot, and that does dry out the air, but if you’re able to make it work…well, what works, works. However, there is the issue of the probe being closer to the heat pad than the snake can actually get, which makes the high temp inaccurate for what the snake can really experience.
Can you put sand in a ball python tank?
Sand should never be used as substrate for ball pythons as sand can get underneath a snakes scales and cause irritation and skin problems, when you get your snake first use news paper as substrate so you can see if there is any mites on the snake.
What substrate is best for snakes?
Sand is a more aesthetically pleasing substrate for snakes than newspaper or paper towels. You can purchase it at pet shops in a wide variety of colors to fit into your decorative scheme. Snakes can burrow in sand, but it’s bad for your snake if the sand is swallowed.
Is Eco Earth OK for ball pythons?
Okay Substrates These beddings aren’t very natural, but they do a decent enough job as a ball python substrate. Zoo Med Eco Earth — Coconut fiber. Cheap and holds humidity well, but may not be digestible. Many complain that it has a tendency to get stuck in a ball python’s heat pits.
Do ball pythons need UVB?
While Ball Pythons don’t need UVB to survive, UVA/UVB light has been shown to greatly improve the immune system, health, and wellness of all reptiles, both diurnal and crepuscular. Make sure to place the light over the side with the heat mat to help create that warm side of the thermal gradient.
Why are ball pythons good for a vivarium?
Also, they will prevent any forms of mould or fungal growth within the space. More so, the movement of the clean-up crew inside your vivarium will keep the substrate breathing, alive, and full of nutrition.
What kind of substrate do you need for a ball python?
Substrates made of paper products are also an option, but they are best for hatchling ball pythons rather than adults. Avoid harmful substrates such as sand, cedar shavings, pine shavings, gravel, dirt, and sawdust. Providing the right substrate for the needs of your ball python is absolutely essential.
Can a ball python live in a bioactive enclosure?
Ball pythons that do not eat in bare tubs often become ravenous in a bioactive setup. Their activity levels increase, making for a better-toned snake fit for breeding and a longer life. Kept in a natural bioactive enclosure, their true personalities can come to light.
What do you need to know about ball pythons?
As you set up an enclosure, you need to choose the best substrate for your ball python. Ball pythons may not be burrowing snakes, but they often do like to bury themselves in their bedding in captivity. These snakes also need a good, absorbent substrate to keep humidity levels up.