Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am looking for basic plans to build a enclosure for my ball python. I am going to use glass on the front (can get it very cheap), and I would like a hinge style lid on top (can figure that out on my own. I will get everything but the glass from home depot, so keep that in mind when you recommend materials. I am not sure how I am going to go about heating the cage, so recommendations on that would be great too.

Thanks!
Neal

Hi Neal,

I assume you're looking for a cut list. Can you give us a better idea of what size cage you're looking for?

Also, I'd highly recommend a sliding front door rather than having the hassle of a hinged top. You may be able to find the track at Home Depot or at a glass shop.

Or a hinged door where you have a wooden frame surrounding your glass.
-----
Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

Probably 4 x 2 x 2

Sorry, I forgot a few other important questions.

Assuming that you'll be using plywood...

1) Were you thinking of 1/2" or 3/4"? 3/4" is easier to work with, but heavier. They will likely be the same cost in your area. But it's important as it will determine your cut list, especially the height of the back panel.

2) Do you want to go slightly fancy? I ask because then you might consider using some real wood stock to make the front face frame.

If you want to avoid this cost or complexity, then it might be worth downsizing your cage slightly to allow for some leftover plywood to be used as upper and lower lips.
-----
Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

i dont mind getting a little fancy, i want it to be nice enough to be a sort of "display" item, something i can put out in the living room or something. I am good with wood working and pretty creative, i just need to know the basics as far as rigging a heat lamp cleanly and that sort of thing

>>I am good with wood working and pretty creative...

In that case I won't bother with a cut list. That's the easy part.

>>i just need to know the basics as far as rigging a heat lamp cleanly and that sort of thing

I'm not the heat/electric/wiring guy on this forum. I'm sure others will chime in.

If you're trying to completely hide the heating element you might splurge for a radiant heat panel. Ball Pythons do well under them.
-----
Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

not familiar with a radiant heat panel? sometimes the room i keep it in might get a little cool, so i want to make sure there is a nice warm spot for it to hang out in

i guess post pics of enclosures you have or have seen maybe that will help me with ideas

For a ball python, 4x2x2 is way overkill. They like cages that aren't too large. I would say 3ftW x 2ftD x 18"H is more than enough room. Height is not necessary for BPs.

Heating a wood cage (in my opinion) is best done with overhead heat source. You can use heat lamps, ceramic elements (use a bulb guard or make your own with wire mesh) or a radiant heat panel.

Radient heat panel info can be found at the links below. They are a safe and effective way to heat reptiles, especially reptiles from tropical or subtropical areas.

Contact www.pro-products.com
or
www.beanfarm.com
or
www.boaphile.com

If I can suggest building a compartment above the actual cage. Like an attached hood. You would need about 8-12in. of space to accomodate any size dome lamps or you could wire fixtures yourself. If this interests you let me know, I will go into more detail.

I have had several balls in my time and have found that it is 50/50 in regards to them wanting up space, 18in of head room is ideal for most all except the true tree dwellers (plus most overhead heat sources can't get down much further). The dimensions 3'x2'x18in. is ideal for balls to be in after they reach about three feet. Like was said before they don't tend to do well in too large of space......Funny how they tend to get lost??????? and then they just hide in a corner and stay cage shy.

well i wanted to make sure there was sufficient room in case i wanted to add another ball in the future...so would 3x3 still be ggod?

A 3' x 3' cage has...

1) 9 sq. ft.

2) a 4.25' diagonal

3) a perimeter of 12 feet.

That's basically as big as a 4'x 2' cage which has...

1) 8 sq. ft.

2) a 4.45' diagonal

3) and a perimeter of 12 ft.

As you can see the 3'x3' cage has more floor area but a slightly shorter diagonal (the corner to corner measurement). The perimeters are the same.

Maybe you should ask some questions to the experienced keepers over on the Ball Python forum. When you decide what sized cage is best come back here and we'll help you build it.

I'm sure they'll recommend a second cage for a second BP.
-----
Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

heres some general info i was given about what a suitable ball python enclosure would consist of:

Enclosures can be as simple or elaborate as one is capable of caring for. Remember that the more "stuff" you put in a cage, the more "stuff" you have to clean & disinfect on a regular basis. That said, there are many different enclosures that work extremely well for ball pythons, including, but not limited to: plastic sweater boxes (i.e. Rubbermaid), melamine racks, Freedom Breeder cages, and any of the commercially available plastic-type reptile cages, (i.e. those from Vision Herp & other similar manufacturers). Glass aquariums & tanks are adequate; keep in mind that the screen tops on such enclosures can make it very difficult to maintain humidity levels. Also refer to our Snake Caging care sheet for more information. Juvenile ball pythons seem to do well in smaller enclosures that make them feel more secure; a small snake in a big cage can become overwhelmed & stressed. Fortunately adult ball pythons do not require exceptionally large or elaborate enclosures. A 36" x 18" x 12" enclosure will more than comfortably house an adult ball python. Remember that ALL enclosures must allow for a proper thermal gradient that the snake can utilize, with a hot spot on one end and a cooler spot on the other.