Homemade Ball Python Cages

Native to parts of central and western Africa, the ball python is a snake with a reputation for being one of the easiest to take care of and raise. Although they can be picky eaters, they are not picky home owners. In fact, ball pythons are equally at home in the wild on the ground or in trees, and in captivity they don't mind having a smaller cage if they can come out and be handled often. Like most snakes, the ball python is gentle and curious, and building a snake cage for your pet is easy and inexpensive if you know the essential steps.

Things You'll Need

  • 10-gallon clear, plastic tub for young adults or 20-gallon for fully mature snakes, with lid and lock
  • Soldering iron
  • Under-tank heater
  • Duct tape
  • Thermostat
  • 4 plastic bottle caps
  • Paper towels
  • Margarine containers or hallowed-out half log
  • Large, sturdy branches
  • Basking rock
  • 2 gauge-style thermometers
  • Hydrometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a clear, plastic storage tub that has a lid that latches and locks securely. Ten-gallon sizes will work for younger snakes, and 20-gallons will work for the full-grown adults. Ball pythons are strong. Couple this with their curiosity and you'll discover what innate escape artists they've evolved to be.

    • 2

      Solder roughly 15 air holes into the sides and lid of the tub using a soldering iron. Make sure to put them in opposite corners to ensure a healthy airflow throughout the tub. Using a soldering iron will eliminate the problem of sharp edges that could injure your pet.

    • 3

      Attach an under-tank heater (purchasable at many pet retailers) to the underside of the cage using duct tape. Also attach a thermostat to regulate the temperature of the under-tank heater. Follow the instructions for your thermostat carefully; a faulty application can lead to your snake being burnt or your enclosure catching fire. Check the duct tape periodically to ensure the heater is still attached and the tape hasn't dried out.

    • 4

      Attach the four plastic bottle caps to the underside of the cage using duct tape, one at each corner. This will elevate the cage slightly so the under-tank heater does not sit directly on any surface.

    • 5

      Lay down paper towels as substrate. Use about three to four layers of paper towels over the unheated 2/3 of the cage, and six to seven over the under-tank heater area.

    • 6

      Add in two homemade hides for your snake. These can be as simple as upside down margarine containers with holes in the side for your snake to enter, or you can use a hollowed-out half log. Whatever you use, make sure it is thoroughly cleaned and dried before use.

    • 7

      Place some large, sturdy branches in the cage for your snake to climb on. Although not totally necessary, this will make your snake much more comfortable in his new home.

    • 8

      Place a basking rock in the cage on the side with the under-tank heater so your snake has a place to lie and get warm. Cold-blooded animals like the ball python need this place to warm up.

    • 9

      Attach the two thermometers to the inside of the cage. Place one on the side with the heater and the other on the other side to ensure a good temperature distribution throughout the cage.

    • 10

      Attach your hydrometer (humidity gauge) somewhere in the middle of the cage, down close to snake-level so you can monitor humidity. Though this particular snake normally doesn't need a high humidity, it may be helpful to monitor during shedding or breeding.

    • 11

      Turn on your under-tank heater and let it sit for a few hours without the snake in it. This way, you can make sure everything is in working order before you add in the snake. The ambient air temperature should be about 80 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and the basking area over the under-tank heater should be about 90 degrees. Humidity should stay around 50 percent. Only allow these numbers to drop at night if you can continually keep the basking area at about 80 degrees.