Before you get and bring your new ball python home, you need to get it an enclosure for your ball python and set it up. There are few various types of enclosures that you can get for your ball python, and each has its own pros and cons. In this post, you will learn about ball python enclosure ideas, materials, their pros and cons and ideal cage sizes for ball pythons.
What is ideal ball python enclosure size?
Ideal enclosure size for a ball python is under 10 gallons for hatchlings, 10 gallons for ball python of up to 4 months old, 20-30 gallons for 4-30 months, and 40+ gallons for 30 months and over.
- Hatchling cage under 3 months old – 10″ L x 5″ W (25.4 L x 13 W cm)
- 10 gallon tank must be 20″ L x 10″ W (51 L x 25 W cm)
- 20 gallon cage should be 24″ L x 12″ W (61 L x 30 W cm)
- 40+ gallon tank or over for an adult – at least 36″ L x 18″ W (91 L x 46 W cm), and preferably 15+” H. Larger cage is preferred.
- 48″ x 24″ x 24″ is ideal for an adult (3 years old+) ball python, especially larger females.
50+ gallons is a bare minimum for juvenile ball pythons, and larger for adults. Dimensions mentioned above are fine when you wish to switch tanks as your ball python grows. However, you can choose to accommodate your ball python in a larger tank straight away.
For example, you can house your baby/juvenile in a 36″x18″x15″, and move to a 48″x24″24″ when it becomes a sub-adult (1-1.5 years old and over). Adding lots of decor and hides is a key to make your ball python feel secure.
Generally, an ideal ball python enclosure should allow your ball python to fully move into a cool and hot spots. It should also allow it to lift its head (stretch out), without leaning much to the sides for support.
A ball python’s cage must not be shorter than 75-90% length of your ball python (same length or greater is preferred). Height and depth should equal to at least a bare minimum of 15 inches/38 cm. Large rectangular shape enclosure will help create an ideal temperature gradient. Bigger is better – as long as you provide enough hides etc.
Ball python enclosure ideas
No matter which enclosure idea you use for your ball python, you must always make sure it is locking properly. Ball pythons are known to be great escape artists. Always lock the cage when you finish handling/feeding your snake.
Idea #1: Plastic tub cage/storage box
Plastic tubs are one of the most popular choices of enclosures for ball pythons. Pros of plastic tubs are that they are easy to clean and keep warm, cheap and light & easy to transport. However, plastic tubs are not the most aesthetically pleasing and can be hard to see through.
If choosing a plastic tub, make sure it has a strong lid, preferably one with a locking mechanism. Velcro strips can be added on each corner and will help to keep a lid in place better.
Also, if your plastic tub doesn’t have ventilation holes, make sure to make few from each side. You can do this by melting few holes with a soldering iron or drilling them.
There are different options of plastic tubs you can use. For example, this large faunarium with ventilation holes and a lid would be suitable as a cage for a ball python of up to 4-5 months old.
Larger storage plastic tubs like this are also sufficient. Or, a 116 quart Sterilite storage bin with locks for larger ball pythons like this.
Idea #2: Glass terrarium
Glass terrarium is another popular choice for a ball python enclosure. Pros of a glass terrarium is that it’s aesthetically pleasing, easy to clean and transparent. Make sure to add lots of hides to let your ball python feel secure in a transparent cage.
However, it can be heavy and harder to keep warm and humid due to a mesh top. But, covering a portion of a top screen with glass/cloth or similar can help control humidity levels and temperature. Also, to keep the top lid on and prevent escapes, you can preferably use screen locks like this.
Another great thing about glass tanks is that light installation is easy – you can house a bulb in a dome and rest on top of a screen. A heating pad can also be put under the tank (but make sure to lift the cage from the table to avoid heat buildup with rubber feet like this).
There are many different glass tanks that you can choose from. One of the possible choices is this 24″ x 18″ x 12″ Exo Terra terrarium for juvenile ball python. This cage has great front opening doors and a top screen. For a larger ball python, you might choose a wider 35+ gallon tank.
Idea #3: Rack system
Rack system is another option for ball python caging that allows to save space. However, this system is better when keeping multiple ball pythons or other snakes. Rack system includes many plastic tubs stacked on top of each other in a large chest of drawers. This saves space when keeping many snakes.
However, rack system is not the best type of an enclosure for 1 ball python. There is no visibility, and sometimes lack of space. This kind of caging is great when breeding ball pythons or requiring an efficient keeping of a group.
If you decide to use a rack system to keep your ball pythons, make sure to choose a rack system with heating setup and heating control (thermostats), as well as ventilation and appropriate locks.
Idea #4: PVC cage
PVC cage is another great option for ball python enclosure. Housing a ball python is a PVC cage can be a good idea, as it’s good with keeping stable humidity and temperatures. PVC cages also look great and last a long time (can be a permanent home). They are more suitable for ball pythons than glass tanks.
However, when choosing a PVC cage, make sure it’s made of non-porous, rigid, closed cell PVC. Avoid choosing a cage for your ball python that’s made of plasticized PVC. That’s the PVC type used in construction and plumbing, and is known to off-gas fumes in much greater extent than closed cell PVC.
Some great companies that produce and sell PVC cages for ball pythons include boaphileplastics.com and customreptilehabitats.com. Good PVC cages are often more expensive than other types of tanks, but they are an investment that will provide your ball python with forever home.
You can keep your ball python in a different type enclosure (something more simple, for example, a plastic tub). Then, you can upgrade to PVC when it becomes a juvenile or older. PVC cages are often a bit expensive, but are a great investment for a permanent pet cage.
For example, this 4ft long PVC cage is a great permanent cage for a ball python.
Bad ball python enclosure ideas
Avoid getting a wooden tank for your ball python. That’s because wood is hard to disinfect and not good for higher humidity. Higher humidity is likely to cause rot and fungus in the cage.
What is more, avoid wire mesh caging. That’s because it will be very hard to keep temperatures and especially humidity high in an enclosure like that.
Thank you for reading this post on ball python enclosure ideas and sizes. To find more ball python care guides, please visit this resource page.