User:Jgjaynes/sandbox

Husbandry
While Ball Pythons make excellent beginner snakes, their husbandry can easily get out of hand if not maintained. Over the course of their life in captivity, they're going to go through a few different sized enclosures. Their enclosures can consist of designated reptile terrariums, plastic tubs, or aquarium tanks. It should be noted that like many other snakes, ball pythons are adept at escaping their enclosures. Whatever kind of tank used should have a strong locking mechanism to ensure the snake stays safely in it's designated habitat. Their tank should also be well ventilated, so if using a plastic tote, be sure to drill some holes in the upper third of the tub. It is difficult to say at what age your ball python may need a tank upgrade since individuals grow at different rates, but the general rule of thumb is that they should be able to comfortable stretch out without curling. The majority agree that full grown adults should be fine in a 30-50 gallon tank. Along with their tank, it is also encouraged to provide some form of enrichment -- something for the snake to have a chance to explore and exhibit other behaviors they often do in the wild. This can be something as simple as a couple of fake leaves and used cardboard paper towel rolls or something as extreme as living plants and intricate sculpted backgrounds that provide climbing opportunities. Enrichment is important as captive life does not provide the same experience as wild life. It is thought that enrichment provides many different types of positive stimulation and can therefore benefit the health of an animal.

In the wild, ball pythons live in tropical areas and as such their enclosure should reflect those temperatures. Because snakes rely on their environment for thermoregulation, there should be a range of temperatures in their tank as well. This is best achieved with a heat mat that is placed under the enclosure. With a heat mat, a thermostat should be used to better maintain and monitor the temperatures in the tank. The 'hot' side of the tank should stay at around 95 degrees Fahrenheit, about 35 Celsius, with the 'cool' side staying around 78 Fahrenheit, about 25 Celsius. On both sides, be sure to place hides down to make your ball python feel more comfortable as they, like most animals, do not like being out in the open and vulnerable. Humidity levels are important also and should be kept around 50-60% in order to ensure your snake has little to no issues with shedding on their own.

Substrate can consist of newspapers and paper towels to coconut husk and mulch. It all depends on personal preference. Just note that each type of substrate has it's pros and cons. For example: Paper Towels are very easy to clean and can reduce risk of illness in your snake when maintained, but you may have to mist down the enclosure more often to maintain a proper humidity level for easy shedding in your ball python. Mulch may be harder to keep clean, but it's ideal for holding in the necessary humidity.