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hmmmm...how could i do this? what kind of container should i use? do they make black plastic containers? if not, how would i make it black? spray paint?

>>hmmmm...how could i do this? what kind of container should i use? do they make black plastic containers? if not, how would i make it black? spray paint?
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Sonya

I generally use cardboard cereal boxes. Cheap, easy to cut holes in, disposable. Not very aesthetic, but the snake doesn't care.

OTOH, plastic has advantages, too. So the problem is to come up with a size and shape that is acceptable. Some of the plastic storage boxes are opaque, but most I've seen are too tall for my taste. Also look into the store houseware section for food storage boxes. I think I've seen round boxes that were opaque. Or there might be something else acceptable. And try the stationary section to check out the plastic card file boxes and drawer separators.

One of my friends uses cat litter boxes with the two open sides fastened together with cable ties. IMHO, they are too big for most ball pythons, but they work fine for his snakes. Something similar might work with a pair of smaller open-topped trays.

BTW, four cable ties fastened together into a rectangle work rather well for holding the top on a shoebox. To open the top, slide the ties off one end.

A number of snakes do not care about light. They care about being in a small, enclosed area with the sides/top touching their bodies. I've seen some zoo exhibits that took advantage of that. But I do not know if the same is true for ball pythons. It's worth experimentation.

Let us know what you come up with. I can always use new ideas.

Paul Hollander