Ball pythons are calm, low-maintenance pets. But to keep them healthy, you need to buildthe right habitat. A proper setup helps your snake thrive, eat well, and grow strong.
In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to create the perfect home for your ball python from tank size to heating.
Let’s break it down step by step.
1. Choose the Right Enclosure Size
The size of the enclosure depends on your snake’s age. Hatchlings do well in 10-20 gallon tanks. As they grow, you’ll need to upgrade.
Adult ball pythons need at least a 40-gallon tank. Bigger is fine, but don’t go overboard. Too much space can make your snake feel unsafe.
Use a secure lid. Ball pythons are good escape artists. A tight-fitting, ventilated cover is a must. Avoid glass tanks without locking tops.
Plastic tubs are also popular. They're lightweight, easy to clean, and hold humidity well. Just make sure the tub is escape-proof and safe.
2. Maintain Proper Heating and Temperature
Ball pythons are cold-blooded. They need heat to digest food and stay active. Use an under-tank heater or a radiant heat panel.
Provide a warm side and a cool side. The warm end should be 88–92°F. The cool side should stay around 76–80°F.
Avoid hot rocks. These can burn your snake. Use a thermostat to keep the heat stable and prevent overheating.
Use a digital thermometer to check both sides. Place one at the warm end and one at the cool end.
To ensure your heating setup works, test everything before placing the snake inside. Let the tank run for 24 hours and make adjustments as needed.
3. Control Humidity Levels
Ball pythons need a humidity range of 50–60%. During shedding, you may need to bump it to 65–70%.
Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity. Digital ones are more accurate than analog.
To raise humidity, try these:
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Mist the enclosure with water.
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Add a water bowl near the heat source.
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Use a substrate that holds moisture well.
Cypress mulch and coconut husk are great choices. Avoid pine or cedar—these are toxic.
If the tank gets too humid, add more ventilation. You can also move the water dish away from the heat.
4. Add Hides and Decor for Security
Ball pythons love to hide. Without hiding spots, they can get stressed. Stress leads to poor feeding and health issues.
Place at least two hides—one on each side of the tank. Choose hides that are snug and dark. Your snake should feel fully enclosed.
You can also add extras like:
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Fake plants
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Climbing branches
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Background decor
These help your snake feel secure and reduce stress. Don’t overcrowd the space, but keep it natural and cozy.
Change the layout from time to time. A small shift can keep your snake curious and engaged.
5. Pick the Right Substrate
The substrate lines the bottom of the tank. It helps hold humidity and makes cleaning easy.
Good options include:
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Coconut husk
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Cypress mulch
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Reptile bark
Paper towels and newspaper are cheaper options. These are easy to replace and good for quarantine or medical setups.
Avoid substrates like pine, cedar, and sand. These can harm your snake’s health or cause impaction.
Spot clean waste daily. Change the full substrate every 4 to 6 weeks. Clean the tank with reptile-safe disinfectants.
6. Lighting and Day/Night Cycle
Ball pythons don’t need UVB, but they do benefit from a regular light cycle. A 12-hour day and 12-hour night routine works well.
Use a simple LED day bulb if your room lacks natural light. Turn it off at night. Don’t use bright white lights for heat.
If you want to watch your snake at night, use a red or blue light. These won’t disturb their natural rhythm.
Always place lights outside the tank to avoid burns or damage.
7. Choose a Healthy Snake
Before setting up, make sure you’re ready for the commitment. Ball pythons can live over 20 years.
Look for a reputable breeder with a strong reputation. This ensures your snake is healthy and well-fed.
When browsing for high-quality ball python morphs for sale, pay attention to health, color, and temperament.
A good breeder can answer your questions. They’ll help you choose the best morph for your needs and explain feeding routines.
8. Feed and Water the Right Way
Ball pythons eat once a week as juveniles. Adults eat every 1–2 weeks. Offer pre-killed or frozen-thawed rodents.
Avoid live feeding. It can harm your snake. Use tongs to offer food. Feed in the evening when your snake is more active.
Keep a water bowl in the enclosure. Change it every day. Clean the bowl at least once a week with hot water.
During shedding, your snake may soak in the bowl. Make sure it’s shallow to avoid drowning risks.
9. Keep an Eye on Shedding and Health
Healthy ball pythons shed every 4 to 6 weeks. Before a shed, their skin gets dull and eyes turn blue.
Raise humidity slightly during this time. After shedding, check to see the skin came off in one piece.
If pieces are left behind, give your snake a humidity box or a short soak in lukewarm water.
Watch for signs of illness:
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Refusing food
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Wheezing or bubbles near the nose
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Swelling or open wounds
See a reptile vet if you notice anything unusual.
10. Make Regular Habitat Checks
A clean, safe habitat keeps your snake happy. Do these checks often:
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Daily: remove waste and check water
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Weekly: wipe surfaces and monitor heat
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Monthly: deep clean and replace substrate
If your snake starts hiding more, refusing food, or acting odd, inspect the habitat. One small issue can cause stress.
Consistency is key. Keep the habitat stable and quiet.
Ready to Start Your Ball Python Journey?
With the right setup, your ball python will thrive. A solid home helps reduce stress, prevent illness, and promote healthy growth.
Wilbanks Reptiles offers expert care and high-quality snakes. If you're ready to find the right companion, check out these ball pythons for sale. We offer all the support and resources to help you succeed.
