Reptile & Amphibian Forums

ok first of all i am designing this cage for my first snake so if these sound like newbie questions... they are.

i am considering adding in a built in hide like the one here. the problem is i was going to use an under tank heat pad and with the hide i cant find a good place to put it. i would like to put it inbetwen the hide and the bottom of the main tank but i dont know of a good way to place it so that the hide doesent get too hot and the snake cant touch the pad. also i am not sure how far down the hide should go. i want this cage to hold a ball python from a young age till its an adault and want it to be able to get in and out easily.

my other question is about what i should use for the clear sides of the cage, how thick it needs to be, and how to mount it to the rest of the cage that i am planning on making out of wood.

I would make a smaller cage now and a bigger one later. Keeping a Ball Python in a cage that is too big or too small is really stressful. The hide is a good idea and I am sure you will get some good tips on how to heat it, but I am not sure, I have never tried that type of cage. For the clear I say make the cage of all sealed wood and just have a hinged or sliding glass door on the front. Ball Pythons like security, by building the bulk out of wood, you give them some extra security. I will have to say, you picked a good first snake, make sure you get a CB baby, CH and WC are sometimes infested with mites (external or internal) and most are problem feeders and some have even been known to be agressive. I am not saying CB animals NEVER have these problems, but not most of the time. Ball Pythons are sweet snakes, fun to own! My first was a BP and I LOVED her and now I am starting a breeding project.

WARNING: Once you have a BP you WILL want more... and more... leading to other herps, and breeding, ect... It is an addiction!
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~~~ Krystal - a teenager who admits she dosen't know everything, or even close! - Future breeder of Pythons, Geckos, we'll see what else later! Specalizing in Ball Pythons and Leopard Geckos ~~~ www.geocities.com/krystal19_85 ~~~