How to Build Custom Cages for Ball Pythons

Ball pythons have become popular with snake enthusiasts to keep as pets. However, they need to be treated with plenty of care and given special attention to make sure they stay safe and healthy. That starts with creating the snake's environment. They need a secure cage, a specific kind of bedding, and to be kept at just the right temperature during the day and night. If you take special care in setting up the cage, you will be on your way to having a healthy pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Acrylic cage
  • Aspen shavings
  • Heating lamps
  • Heating mat
  • Flat basking rock
  • Long branch
  • Small cardboard box
  • Large piece of bark
  • Glass or ceramic bowl
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine how long your snake will get when it reaches its maximum size. This will help you figure out how big of an enclosure you need. Snake cages are usually 2 feet deep, and Reptile-Cage-Plans.com recommends the length of the cage be two-thirds the size of the animal's length. For example, a 4 foot long python should go in a cage that's 3 feet by 2 feet. Purchase an acrylic snake tank.

    • 2

      Place two heat lamps and a heating mat inside the cage. Ball pythons come from a warm environment and require a warm environment. Keep any higher branches away from the heat lamps to lower the risk of your snake touching a hot bulb.

    • 3

      Set the heating lamps at different temperatures on each end of the cage. One end can be used as a warmer, basking area, kept at 85 to 88 degrees, but there can be times during the day it is turned down to 81 to 85 degrees. The cooler end can be set at 77 to 80 degrees. This would be the area where your snake will cool off at night. Place a thermometer at each end of the cage so you can easily monitor the temperatures.

    • 4

      Place a 2 to 4 inch layer of aspen shavings or a commercially available bedding on the bottom of the cage. Put in any decorative items, such as a long branch for the snake to climb and a flat basking rock. Be sure to include a place on the warm end and the cool end for the snake to hide. These could be a corner surrounded by a larger piece of wood or a cardboard box that's just large enough for the snake to curl up in.

    • 5

      Add a thick glass or ceramic bowl of water in the cage. Adults can have a bowl as large as 16 ounces. This bowl should always be kept clean.

    • 6

      Clean the cage and shavings out every two months. If you notice a bad odor, you should be able to find the source, remove it, and the smell of the cage will go back to normal.