Someone please, please... Some advice?

[2kreate]

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8I...it?usp=sharing

Hello all snake owners!

I am by no means a snake person. However, my girlfriends sister owns a large ball python (probably about four feet long). She keeps it in this custom built environment. However, she attempts to heat it by setting this tiny heater on the exterior of the cage (exactly how it sits in the picture). There is a large vented opening on the side of the tank. Maybe the rest of you can convince her that this is a bad idea, and may actually kill this snake? Or maybe I'm wrong. What do you all think?

[infernalis]

I fixed the photo for you... google drive is associated with google plus.

[2kreate]

Oh sorry. I wasn't sure that mattered. It's my own G+ account.

[Mellik's mamma]

i am by no means an expert, but i would say this is a big no, no. especially since it probably depletes any ounce of humidity. am i wrong guys/gals?

[Kid Boa]

Ummm yeah.

On an enclosure like that, I would suggest a couple hanging lamps or CHE's. The warm side should be 90-95 degs.,. and approx. 80 deg cool side. Humidity should be around 55-65%.

A Radiant heat panel is ideal but I'm not sure if it is possible to mount one in that enclosure.

You may also need a larger water dish to help with humidity. I would also cover the top to help with heat and humidity lose.

[2kreate]

The top is a glass panel, and the only opening is that side vent. She does have a lamp pointing down from the top, but it's just a standard light bulb (and only a 60W bulb, at that). Right now it's about 70-75 degrees inside the tank. Not sure about the humidity, but she does have a little water bowl in there.

[Kid Boa]

70-75 is too low for a ball python.

Here is a link to a care guild - Care Sheet - Python regius - World of Ball Pythons

[infernalis]

Originally Posted by 2kreate

Oh sorry. I wasn't sure that mattered. It's my own G+ account.

It doesn't matter, I am just super pissed off what they did to my youtube channel.

My expression had nothing to do with you, I logged on and grabbed the picture, reloaded it onto my own server and pasted it back in for you.

I hate being strong armed into compliance, and will not be going google plus just to use my youtube reply features.

[wrecker45]

Tell your friend to join this forum. Will learn lots.

[Chris72]

Originally Posted by Kid Boa

Ummm yeah.

On an enclosure like that, I would suggest a couple hanging lamps or CHE's. The warm side should be 90-95 degs.,. and approx. 80 deg cool side. Humidity should be around 55-65%.

A Radiant heat panel is ideal but I'm not sure if it is possible to mount one in that enclosure.

You may also need a larger water dish to help with humidity. I would also cover the top to help with heat and humidity lose.

Yup.. ^ that.

Unless there is a breeding plan set the hot side to 94/95 for a happy critter.

The owner should also ensure the inside is waterproof and joints are sealed. If it's not varnished up to be waterproof then holding proper RH% will bring that enclosure to speedy death. (If it is only stained wood it wil from things that would gross out that guy from Dirty Jobs)

Also, considering the how tall each section is the gauges that measure temp and RH should be near the bedding. (Why so tall?...no need with a ball)


On the hole:
Just because one of the crazy nieghbours blasted a cruise missile through the enclose doesn't mean you need to keep the hole. I'm going to guess that's about 14 inches in diameter? Just...no! Ever worse, because it's at the top there might be rapid humidity loss as heat "leaves the building".

Do this (to fix the hole and retain the gaping wound as a viewing area)
-Get plexiglass that will cover the hole.
-Pop a 3.5" hole in the Plexiglass
-fit some screen on the new hole.
-best to drill proper pilot holes in plexiglass to avoid cracks


.