How to Set Up & Clean a Ball Python's Cage

Ball pythons are fascinating constrictor snakes commonly kept as pets. Unlike many other python species, ball pythons stay relatively small, only growing to between 3 and 5 feet long. This means they are somewhat easier to look after. Ball pythons can live for a long time, up to 30 years, and they often become very friendly with proper handling. However, although these snakes are sometimes easier than others to keep, a proper habitat will still be required, and it will need to be cleaned frequently in order to keep the python healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Terrarium
  • Reptile bedding
  • Water dish
  • Hiding area
  • Climbing logs and vines
  • Reptile heaters
  • Hygrometer
  • Bleach solution
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a terrarium type habitat. Glass terrariums with secure screen tops work well. A locking top ensures the snake will not escape. For a young snake, a 10-gallon terrarium will work, but the snake will need a larger habitat as it grows. Adult ball pythons usually require terrariums that are 30 gallons in size.

    • 2

      Fill the bottom of the habitat with a layer of bedding. Paper towels are easy to use. Other reptile substrates, such as cypress mulch, terrarium carpet turf and fir bark, can also be used and provide a more natural look. Never use aspen or pine shavings; these can cause respiratory problems for the python.

    • 3

      Place a large water dish in the terrarium. This should be shallow, but large enough for the snake to climb all the way into. Snakes enjoy soaking, especially when they are shedding.

    • 4

      Place a hiding area in the habitat. This is an enclosed space, such as a hollow or half log, cardboard box, overturned flowerpot or plastic container into which the snake can go to sleep. The hiding area should be dark inside, with a single entrance for the snake to enter and exit. This hiding area will need to be large enough to comfortably house the entire snake, but somewhat snug, as ball pythons don't enjoy sleeping in open spaces.

    • 5

      Place climbing logs and vines in the habitat. Adjust them so that the snake can climb up and in them. They need to be securely wedged against the sides of the terrarium or other objects, so they don't fall.

    • 6

      Heat the habitat. Ball pythons prefer day time temperatures between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit with a basking area temperature of about 90 F. Night temperatures can drop to between 73 and 78 F, with a basking area of 80 F. Under-tank heaters, ceramic heat emitters or heat lamps can be used to heat the terrarium.

    • 7

      Maintain a high humidity. An under-tank heater, positioned near the water dish, can increase humidity. Misting the terrarium can also raise the humidity. The humidity level should be between 50 and 60 percent. Measure humidity with a hygrometer.

    • 8

      Clean the water dish daily, replacing dirty water with fresh. Replace any substrate that has become dirty or wet once a day. Clean the entire terrarium whenever it becomes dirty. This is usually every one or two weeks. Use a 5 percent bleach solution to disinfect the terrarium, as well as the water dish, hiding area, and any decorations, such as the climbing branches. Rinse everything completely and let it dry before putting it back.