This is as Mojave ball python. Hatching males can regularly be found from reputable breeders for $50.
Quite frankly Iâm glad you posted this⊠even though it wasnât your intention itâs a clear example of a habitat with common beginner mistakes. Iâve been looking for something like this and since its not your enclosure⊠Iâm going to break it down.
As with any of my posts, none of it is a judgement on the person, but these are somewhat important to highlight as they are frequent mistakes for new owners to make.
1. The tank itself is somewhat problematic. Not in the sense that tanks are impossible to maintain a ball python in, however, being so exposed is not fair to such a naturally shy animal. 3 of the 4 sides should be covered with something opaque. A background, posterboard, etc.
Alternative: cover the back and two side panels with Styrofoam or foam poster board. Not only with this aid in keeping the snake from becoming stressed, but it will also provide better insulation which promotes stable temperatures.
2. Looks to be only heated by a lamp. Ball pythons should be given constant temperatures in a heat gradient, but not constant light. Providing light is fine for the day, however, when it comes to heating at night you have to make a choice- do i provide correct temperatures for my animal or do I stress them out with light?
Alternative: Ceramic Heat Emitter. CHEs provide heat without the light and can keep temperatures consistent day in and day out.
3. That âhideâ is inappropriate as the only hide. Snakes should be provided with hides that allow them to be fully hidden. They should not be visible to your eye while inside the hide. This will help to relieve stress. In addition, they should be given at least 2 hides- one for the cool end and one for the hot end.
Make your own hide that is both aesthetically pleasing and appropriate for the snake, or buy one of these fully enclosed plastic hides: https://www.lllreptile.com/products/19537-small-black-hide-box
Iâm not entirely sure whatâs going on here. This is actually not a beginner mistake⊠Itâs just a very weird one. I think itâs one of those bath mats that are squishy? Itâs going to harbor bacteria like no other. If the animal poops you have to remove the whole thing and try to figure out a way to scrub all the pieces put of that texture.
Where the beginner mistake comes in has to do with the tank as well. Since tanks are more difficult to keep humidity in, especially with a light for heating element, the humidity is not going to stay very high for long. Ball pythons should always be provided with an ambient humidity of 55%, so unless the region is naturally humid this substrate will not work.
Coco husk chips. This will hold water to maintain humidity at an optimal level for this species.
5. Heat gradient? Where is it? This enclosure is far too small and the heat placement is strange. This prevents a proper heat gradient from forming, and creates a homogenous temperature environment. Heat gradients are important in allowing the animal the option to regulate their own temperatures. Although many breeders will say 84-86 degrees is optimal, ball pythons will still thermoregulate to cool temperatures if they are provided with them. In addition to allowing autonomy, it is also beneficial as it encourages movement.
Alternative: provide your ball pythons with a space that is at least the length of their body. Contrary to popular belief, they are not pet rocks that stay in holes in the ground for their entire lives. Studies in their natural habitat show movement, especially at night, so a larger enclosure benefits both temperatures and health.
These tend to be the most common types of mistakes new owners make. I hope this will help others to understand how to keep ball pythons properly.