cage to big??

[boa+python]

Im getting a new borne ball python in a couple of weeks and im thinking about its inclosure. I am thinking of making a 4ft x 2ft x 2ft cage, is this to big. I want the snake to be in one cage for a while. If this is to big please give me some other suggestions or info (sizes, etc..). Any information will greatly be appreciated, i dont want to build the cage and not be able to use it, THANKS!!


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[Edmond Y]

Yes or not, I have seen people use quite a big enclosure. You have to provide more hide in different area and put some plastic plant and reptile wood log inside to make some secure feeling. to keep the temp and humidity is not so easy. The most easy way is start with a smaller cage and see how the snake doing but you have to start all over again.
Edmond

[iLLwiLL]

4x2x2 is WAY too big for a baby ball python IMO. its even over kill for an adult. i like a 36x18x12 for an adult, if you were to house a baby in there, you could add a bunch of hides and fake plants and a couple water dishes. as long as there isn't too much open space your new ball should feel secure.

~Will.

[The Gawd]

Well imo its to big for only one reason.... you may not be able to heat it properly... thats it the only reason..... I personally keep newborns in 10 gallons, and adults in cages that are bgger than 4X2X2, heated properly..... Temp gradient from 95 to 85 or so....

Al

[crankyboy]

How could a 4x2x2 be overkill for an adult??? I have over 30 different reptiles, including a ball python, and i've found that again and again they THRIVE in large enclsoures. After all, when we put these animals into artificial habitats we take away the most important aspect of their lives : CHOICE! The bigger and more carefully engineered the enclosure, the better....all of my snakes have large enclosures with 3 or more hiding spots and a basking spot, and most of them spend a surprising amount of time in the open as they get comfortable with their surroundings....the easiset thing to do with a baby ball is to have small caves that just barely fit the python so they can feel secure, and as the python grows you can increase the size of their hiding spots, while still keeping them in the 4x2x2 enclosure.....balls naturally live and hide in tunnels and mounds created by the rodents they eat, so the size of the enclosure matters much less than the size of their hides, amount of hides, and of course proper temperature gradients. Balls love an enclosure with fallen trunks of wood to climb and exercise on, mine scoots around after dark, bathes in his dish, it makes it hard to go to sleep at night wondering what he'll do next. (right now as we speak, one of my corns is winding in and out all over her enclosure now that the lights are off, even after eating a huge meal this evening) The bottom line is this........enclosures can never be too big as long as the basic needs of the aniaml are met. Good luck!