Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a ball python about 3ft in length kept in a 30x48x17 mesh vison cage. I have a temperature gradient of 68-83. I think this might be a tad cold, any thoughts?? Should I change to a glass cage or should I just add a second heat lamp to increase the temp. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Warm side should be 90 (95 tops) and it's better to provide belly heat as opposed to overhead heat (or a combination of both). Cool side should be 80-85. At night your temps can drop but it's not required. Mine only drop 2 degrees on each side on its own. As long as there is still a gradient provided and the temps go no lower than 75 (72 at the most). Glass tanks are usually harder to maintain proper temperature and humidity readings; however, you can make it work with a little work, patience and possibly more money. I have glass tanks and think it's worth it.
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0.1 Tigergenesis "Kelly"
1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"
0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer "Kira"

Oh yeah, add an under the tank heater or human heating pad for the warm side - that should help the temps over there. If your cool side is still too cool add another light or just use one higher wattage light. Use infrared lights so that you can leave them on 24/7 w/o disturbing your snake. Your under the tank heater should be on 24/7 also. Be sure you measure your temps with a good quality thermometer - stick ons are usually regarded as crap. i recommend a good digital probe thermometer. Be sure you humidity is correct: 50-60% minimum and up to at least 70% during shed. What about the rest of your setup: hides, water bowl, substrate,etc? You probably should post this in the Ball Python forum as I think this is more for cage building, etc. You'll probably get more advice there.
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0.1 Tigergenesis "Kelly"
1.0 Ball Python "Aragorn"
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa "Gimli"
0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer "Kira"

Thanks fot the help. I've also reposted in the ball forum.