My first enclosure in a long time...
Now a father of 7 years, I've decided to get a snake for my son and me to take care of. Since my last snake (Bermese) was 11 ft when I sold her 14 years ago, I decided that a large snake was not appropriate for my situation, so I settled on a Ball Python for us to raise. We got a cute little guy from the Daytona show and I have been working on enclosure that would be well suited for a Ball. Since this is my one and only :medfroner , a single use enclosure was going to fit the bill. I wanted something easy to clean (plastic) and pleasing to the eye (wood) with front access, and built in heat. My solution was a hybrid - a wooden shell surrounding a plastic 70 QT. Sterilite tub. So I got out my CAD program and started designing.
Access is gained thru the front “double door”. The smaller door drops down in front, so as not to appear predatory when removing the snake. The larger door opens upward to facilitate spot cleaning or removal of the Sterilite for total cleaning. Part of the lid was cut off and riveted to the tub to act as a substrate dam. This design should make cleanups a breeze for us.
Heat is controlled thru a zoo-med rheostat and thermostat connected to an Exo-Terra heat pad. I stuck the heat pad to the inside of a 9x9x2” cake pan. When placed on the floor of the enclosure, it comes in contact with the bottom of the Sterilite container. However, I will be changing this set up as I was unable to obtain a temp higher than 89.4 on the hot side. Flexwatt will be added as required to get my temps up. Humidity is at an acceptable 63-65%. A digital thermometer / hydrometer keeps track of the ambients while a separate thermo with probe monitor conditions inside the hide.
¼” vent holes were drilled into the upper sides of the Sterilite. These will vent out the sides of the enclosure.
Since the Ball Python does not require have any special lighting requirements, I have mounted an 18” fluorescent light strip on the inside of the enclosure. I cut the plug off and wired it to a switch mounted on the side so I can turn it on only when I need to check on conditions inside the enclosure.
An inverted terracotta flower pot is used for the hide. The thermostat probe and temp probe fit thru the drain hole at the top. I will be adding another hide-pot on the cool side along with other accessories. A background over the unfinished plywood back is planned as well as a matching stand.
Well, I think that bout covers it. So, now I’m waiting for the finish to cure (and Norman to shed), then we’ll be moving him into his new home. Let me know what you think.
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"Sailing on the Seven Sieze The Day Tripper Diem's Ready -Jack the Ripper Owens Wilson Phillips and my Supper's Ready -Lucy in the Sky With Diamond Dave's Not Here I've Come to Save the Day for Nightmare Cinema Show -Need a way to get get back home again." DT
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