Location for cage for my ball python

[zakocsm]

Hello,
I will be getting a ball python very soon and I remembered that I had a cage leftover from my chameleon that passed away about a year ago. So I will be using that for the majority of its life and I was wondering where I should put it. I have a desk that I rarely use since it is summer, and it is near a window. I also have a large dresser where it is currently located. I don't know where I should put it and if the Python would like the sunlight and natural daylight and moonlight or if it wouldn't and prefer to be next to a green wall. Another thing to consider is I wouldn't be able to put a lamp on the side where the shelf is because it is blocking half of the screen top.
Thanks for your feedback,
Mitch

[zakocsm]

The terrarium would take it most of my desk, but I could live. Also, if anyone asks it will not live in this terrarium for its entire life, just for a bit until I get a wide one not a tall one like I have for the snake here.

[prairiepanda]

I wouldn't put it in direct sunlight. Terrariums can overheat quite quickly when the sun hits them. The snake won't like to be in bright light all day anyway. A well-lit room is fine, but try not to put the terrarium in a place that gets hit with direct sunlight.

[trailblazer295]

Any terrarium shouldn't be in direct sunlight. Think how hot the sun feels on your skin through glass and the effect of the sunlight in a car. I use blinds during the day to keep the direct light off my tanks. It allows the light in but the fins are angled up to defuse the light. The room gets softened light, doesn't seem to bother him as he still comes out like that.

Is it a mesh cage? If you have the equipment to maintain the right humidity you'll be okay but obviously in a mesh cage that can be very difficult.

[prairiepanda]

Is it a mesh cage? If you have the equipment to maintain the right humidity you'll be okay but obviously in a mesh cage that can be very difficult.

Oh yeah, if it housed a chameleon before I imagine it would be mesh! If that is the case, then covering 3 sides and most of the top with tinfoil or plastic wrap should help a lot with maintaining the humidity a ball python needs.

[trailblazer295]

Oh yeah, if it housed a chameleon before I imagine it would be mesh! If that is the case, then covering 3 sides and most of the top with tinfoil or plastic wrap should help a lot with maintaining the humidity a ball python needs.

I don't know much about chameleons but don't they also need high humidity but they also need a lot of ventilation hence the mesh cages?

[zakocsm]

Hey guys, thanks for all the feedback. No, it was not a mesh cage. The top was completely mesh though, but the rest is glass. It's an exoterra. Alright then, I guess I won't put it in direct sunlight. By the way, the window does not face the sun at any time of the day, it's always to the right or the left of the window because it faces south.

[zakocsm]

Oh crap, sorry, I had pictures that I was going to put in the initial post. Here they are.
Imgur (http://m.imgur.com/tzGsB5a,KJZlmi6)

[trailblazer295]

What's the size of the tank? Ball pythons tend to stick to the ground but some will sort of climb though they aren't great at it. Mine climbs on the wood provided but is only a few inches up. A tall tank is generally wasted on a BP due not using the space. Just ends up being more space to heat and humidify but not have your animal use.

[zakocsm]

Yea, but I don't really want to spend a ton more money on a new cage if I have a decent one right now. Down the road I will upgrade, though. The measurements are 18 in Long x 18 in Wide x 24 in Tall.

[prairiepanda]

Think of the cage as just 18"x18" floor space. The height is irrelevant for a ball python. Thats plenty enough space for a hatchling or very young BP(maybe someone with more BP experience can chime in on what size BP will be too large for this) How big is the python you're getting?

Setting up a heating gradient could be a challenge, though, especially if you plan on using a lamp, because you need a gradient on the ground rather than through the air. A UTH might work if you can find one that is the right shape/size.

Another option would be to use a cheap plastic bin. Not very pretty, but easier to clean and maintain humidity. It's only temporary until you can get a nice display tank anyway, right?

[zakocsm]

Oh yea, You're right about the plastic bin part. I am not going to be using a heat lamp, I have a heating pad and I will be using that, but during the winter it gets pretty cold in my bedroom, and I don't want the snake getting cold or anything. I also have a UV bulb I could use if that helps at all. You are right though, 18x18 isn't very big... Also, I plan on getting a female ball python that's well started, but not adult. So yea, this cage will probably be too small now that I am thinking about it.

[trailblazer295]

How cold does it get in the room? Plastic has poor thermoconductivity but a UTH from my bad luck doesn't do anything really for ambient heating temps. I found it wouldn't heat beyond the mat itself.