Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Do you suggest using a daytime light, on a timer, in conjunction with normal heating elements, just for the light cycle? I know they are nocturnal and burrowing. Is the natural light in the room enough? Mine have been doing fine for two years in that (with a daytime light)configuration, but I want to do the best thing for them.I’m about 50/50 after asking locals. I am interested in breeding and along with cooling does reducing the light cycle artificially help?

Thanks

At least one response would be nice before it’s off the page. I know I’m not discussing the latest $20K Morph, but I thought someone would have an opinion.

I don't have ANY morphs...

Balls don't need light. They are nocturnal. They don't need it as a heatsource, either. Belly heat works best.

80-85 during the day, 78-80 for night. If you end up using a basking light, it should cover one quarter or one third of the enclosure. (This way the snake can thermoregulate. If it gets too hot, it can go to the cool end.)
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Ryan Farris

First I would like to say thank you so much for responding! I tried to post this on the appropriate sub-forum but I got no response.

I am not new to snakes in general; I have 2 Jungle Carpet Pythons, 1 Irian Jaya Carpet Python, 2 Balls, and 1 Corn. I know about temperature gradients and with my balls I heat from the bottom, on one side. My question was the necessity of a daylight cycle. Even though they are nocturnal does the light cycle length play into it or is gestation just a result of temp? I know with diurnal mammals that a lack of darkness is detrimental, so I was wondering if anyone knows if it works that way with nocturnal reptiles.

Thanks again!

My original post:

Do you suggest using a daytime light, on a timer, in conjunction with normal heating elements, just for the light cycle? I know they are nocturnal and burrowing. Is the natural light in the room enough? Mine have been doing fine for two years in that (with a daytime light) configuration, but I want to do the best thing for them. I’m about 50/50 after asking locals. I am interested in breeding and along with cooling does reducing the light cycle artificially help?

"My question was the necessity of a daylight cycle..."

A daylight cycle is not necessary. Ball pythons burrow during the day, and come out at night. I'm not sure how much daylight ball pythons actually get in the wild.

Not many breeders use a light cycle. Balls breed from late fall-early spring (cold) and are MUCH better off being down in a hole in the ground than up in the cold.

Just think, thousands of balls are bred every year without any light cycle at all.

If you do use a daylight cycle thingy, make sure its 12 hour light - 12 hour belly heat.

Good luck.
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Ryan Farris