List of Things You Can Make at Home to Put in Your Ball Python's Cage

Native to the dry forest savannas of Central and West Africa, ball pythons often burrow in the ground or under leaf litter, or they conceal themselves amongst tree stumps, rocks and foliage. The list of things you can make at home to put in your ball python's cage is vast and limited only by the size of the enclosure and the weight of the snake.

  1. Plants

    • The environmental and health benefits of live plants growing in a snake habitat include cleaner air, natural climbing branches and elevated hiding spots. Chinese juniper, dwarf cherry and several ficus varieties are bonsai trees that have rough bark, which helps shedding, and are easily trimmed and trained to proportionately fit in the enclosure. Snakes will not eat plants, nor are they allergic to any, and grass is an excellent choice for substrate.

    Hiding

    • Ball pythons are nocturnal and spend the day resting in dark hiding spots, and an area large enough for the snake's entire body to fit in comfortably is essential. Sections of tree trunk hollowed out with power tools in an open-ended half circle, or rocks in a domed-cave shape, provide natural hiding spots and rough surfaces for shedding. Prevent pest and viral infestations by thoroughly washing everything that is being added to the habitat.

    Water

    • It is not unheard of for ball pythons to swim or eat fish in warm water. A filtered, temperature-controlled oasis pool will support fish as a decorative addition to the cage, even if they never become food. The pool also proves fresh water to drink and a place for an occasionally bath. Depending on the size of the enclosure, a small aquarium without a light on it allows people to watch anything going on inside.

    Branches

    • Ball pythons spend a great deal of time in trees in the wild, and will often suspend from an overhanging branch to hunt. Twisted, gnarly branches with rough bark can be cut to fit inside almost any enclosure. If a wood box has been retrofitted to a snake habitat, the branches can be attached to the box itself with screws. Be sure there is nothing sharp that will damage the tender-bellied scales.